Director, Development and Foundation Programs at Chicago Fire

The Chicago Fire Football Club (Chicago Fire FC) is an American professional soccer club that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top U.S. domestic league. Founded on October 8, 1997, on the 126th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Club began play in 1998 as one of the League’s first expansion franchises. The Fire have won six major domestic titles, including the 1998 MLS Cup; the 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups; as well as the 2003 MLS Supporters’ Shield. The Club’s charitable arm, the Chicago Fire Foundation, was recognized as ESPN’s 2019 Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year and has made significant contributions to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth throughout Chicagoland, providing over $10 million back to the community. The Club recently announced plans to build a $750M+ privately financed downtown stadium in Chicago in 2028. The stadium will anchor Chicago’s newest neighborhood, the 78, a 62-acre development and entertainment district located along the Chicago River just south of Roosevelt Road. For more information on our bold plans, visit DearChicago.com. Additionally, the Club recently opened the state-of-the-art $100M Endeavor Health Performance Center in March 2025 that has set the standard for North American training facilities. With tremendous growth and expansion, the Club is laying the foundation for an audacious and ambitious vision that will transform the brand and the company in the coming years. At Chicago Fire FC, we’re on a mission to entertain, serve, and unite Chicago by delivering excellence on and off the pitch to ensure a world-class experience. As a club we let our values guide everything we do: we uphold uncompromising integrity, show respect for all at all times, never settle for less, constantly innovate, and hold ourselves relentlessly accountable. Position Overview: The Director of Development and Foundation Programs provides direction for all fundraising, development, and programmatic initiatives of the Chicago Fire Foundation (CFF). This role will drive sustainable growth through diverse fundraising streams, innovative programming, and meaningful community partnerships that advance the Foundation’s mission to build a stronger, more inclusive Chicago. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader, skilled fundraiser, and collaborative partner who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The Director, Development and Foundation Programs will report directly to the VP, Community Relations/Executive Director, Chicago Fire Foundation. Job Responsibilities: • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing individual, corporate, and foundation giving; grants; sponsorships; and special events. • Cultivate and steward donor, partner, and sponsor relationships to expand the Foundation’s network and revenue base. • Lead planning and execution of key fundraising events (e.g., Foundation Luncheon, White Party, etc.) with excellence. • Oversee fundraising communications to strengthen visibility, storytelling, and impact. • Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all Foundation programs, including P.L.A.Y.S. and other signature initiatives. • Oversee data collection, tracking, and reporting to measure program outcomes and fundraising performance. • Serve as primary liaison to the Foundation Board Chair and Board of Directors, including oversight of meeting agendas, communications, and reporting. • Assist with oversight of department finances and fundraising including CFF budget management, forecasting, and revenue/expense tracking. • Supervise and mentor Foundation staff, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven culture providing professional development and accountability for team members. • Work cross-functionally to integrate Foundation initiatives with broader club and community engagement strategies. • Complete other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications: • 6-8 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, and/or program leadership. • Minimum 3 years of people management experience. • Proven track record in securing significant gifts, sponsorships, and grants. • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills • Highly organized and detail oriented with the ability to work independently. • Strong project management, leadership, and budgeting skills. • Passion for community impact and alignment with the values and mission of Chicago Fire. • Ability to work non-traditional hours, in non-traditional settings, including all home games (or other work events) that fall on nights, weekends, and/or holidays. Preferred Qualifications: • Spanish language fluency • Bachelor’s degree in related field • Advanced degree or nonprofit management certification • Deep understanding of the Chicago philanthropic and community landscape • Experience working in a fast paced or start up environment Compensation: ...