Mercy Circle, a faith-based continuing care retirement community sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, provides exceptional retirement apartments, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing to adults 62 and older. Located on Chicago’s South Side, we are dedicated to serving residents with compassion, dignity, and excellence.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts and build lasting philanthropic partnerships. This full-time, benefit-eligible role reports to the Executive Director and plays a vital part in advancing Mercy Circle’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and planned gifts.
• Lead a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual appeals, major gifts, planned giving, grants, sponsorships, and special events.
• Oversee donor events that strengthen relationships and expand giving, with emphasis on annual fund growth and major donor engagement.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, ensuring consistent follow-up and stewardship.
• Prepare compelling donor communications, proposals, gift agreements, and campaign materials.
• Maintain accurate donor records, acknowledgements, and reports through the donor database.
• Provide regular fundraising updates and progress reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Pay: $95,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year based on experience

Location:  Mercy Circle Senior Living Community, 3659 W. 99th Street, Chicago, IL 60655 (located near St. Xavier University and Mother McAuley High School)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 4 years of successful fundraising experience with demonstrated ability to secure major gifts.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a donor-centered mindset.
• Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with donor databases and WordPress a plus.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of development practices including processing gifts of cash, securities, planned giving instruments, etc.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Why Mercy Circle?

Mercy Circle values and supports its employees with a generous benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Tuition reimbursement

Mercy Circle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace.

If you are inspired to make a meaningful impact and grow a culture of generosity, we invite you to apply.

Please send your resume to Susan Tirpak, Director of Human Resources, at stirpak@mercycircle.org.