Fundraising Manager

The In-Kind Donation Manager is responsible for overseeing all incoming donations and managing donor relations for House of Mercy and Grace Organization. This role identifies, cultivates, and stewards relationships with corporations, businesses, community partners, and individual donors to secure monetary contributions and in-kind goods that support the organization’s mission of helping homeless men, women, and children move toward self-sufficiency through housing support, job placement, and basic essentials. The manager ensures a steady flow of resources by implementing donor acquisition and retention strategies, coordinating donation logistics, and maintaining strong community engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategies to secure in-kind and financial donations from corporations, local businesses, community groups, and individual supporters.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing donors to increase engagement, retention, and long-term support.
• Coordinate the collection, receipt, sorting, inventory, storage, and distribution of donated goods to support organizational programs and client needs.
• Maintain accurate donation records, acknowledgments, donor histories, and inventory reports using appropriate tracking systems.
• Collaborate with leadership, staff, and community partners to assess ongoing needs and align donation efforts with program priorities.
• Plan and implement fundraising campaigns, donation drives, and outreach initiatives focused on both monetary and in-kind support.
• Represent House of Mercy and Grace Organization at community events, donor meetings, and partnership-building opportunities.
• Ensure donated items are handled in accordance with organizational policies, quality standards, and any applicable reporting requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on donation activity, donor engagement, campaign outcomes, and resource availability.
• Support volunteer coordination related to donation sorting, organizing, and distribution when needed.
• Report to Program Director

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, social services, or a related field; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• At least 2–4 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit development, community outreach, or a related role.
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience coordinating donations, inventory, logistics, or program resources in an organized and efficient manner.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor or database management systems.
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Demonstrated passion for serving vulnerable populations and advancing the mission of House of Mercy and Grace Organization.
• Experience working in a homeless services, human services, faith-based, or community nonprofit environment.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship practices, fundraising campaigns, and in-kind gift management.
• Experience coordinating corporate partnerships, sponsorships, or community donation drives.
• Familiarity with CRM systems or donor databases used for nonprofit development.

Core Competencies

• Executive donor stewardship and relationship management
• Strategic resource development and community partnership cultivation
• Operational leadership in donation logistics, inventory management, and distribution
• External engagement, persuasive communication, and stakeholder influence
• Data-informed decision-making, accountability, and reporting excellence

Work Environment

This position operates in a dynamic nonprofit environment that combines office-based administrative work with regular engagement in donation intake, storage, and distribution areas. The role includes interaction with donors, community partners, volunteers, and internal program staff, as well as participation in donation drives, outreach activities, and special events. Occasional local travel may be required for donor meetings, partnership development, and pickup or delivery coordination. The position may also involve light physical activity, including organizing, lifting, and moving donated items as needed.

Mission Alignment

The In-Kind Donation Manager must demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of House of Mercy and Grace by securing and stewarding resources that help individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout the City of Chicago access essential support, employment opportunities, and pathways to permanent housing. This position advances the organization’s mission by fostering community partnerships, promoting compassionate service, and ensuring that all people are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness regardless of age, race, sex, ethnic background, or sexual orientation.

Schedule

• Full time
• Scheduled availability between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
• Some Saturdays required based on client and organizational needs

Benefits

• No benefits will be offered due to this being a 1099 position

Pay: From $52,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60636