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ABOUT PLAYWORKS: At Playworks, we believe in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We create a place for every kid on the playground to get active, build valuable skills, connect, and have fun. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.

ABOUT THE POSITION:  In the role of the Director, Regional Development Strategy, you will have both external and internal-facing responsibilities, primarily focused on leading the creation and execution of a comprehensive, multi-regional development strategy to ensure the required fund development targets are met annually. This revenue-generating leadership role is critical to advancing Playworks’ 2028 strategic goals.  This role is a key player in helping us achieve our 2028 strategic goals, including identifying, cultivating, and securing high-potential funding sources for efficient fundraising growth, emphasizing an increase in individual donors. 

 

This role reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and will drive new revenue growth from institutional funders, primarily corporations and foundations, across a multi-region portfolio in Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The Development Director will work closely with regional Executive Directors and development managers in each of these states.  The Development Director translates and aligns national development strategy into executable regional plans, serving as the connective tissue between HQ strategy, organizational vision, and regional execution. This role will work to build consistent, scalable fundraising practices across these regions.

The Development Director will lead the implementation of a prescriptive fundraising model that provides structure and accountability while allowing for thoughtful regional customization to meet local needs and opportunities.

This full-time, exempt position can be based out of  Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota or Wisconsin, with a strong preference for Chicago-based candidates. 

Specifically, this role will have the following responsibilities:

Strategic Alignment and Impact

• Advance Playworks’ 2028 strategic priorities by aligning multi-regional fundraising efforts to organizational goals, including significant growth in new corporate and foundation partnerships, expansion of regional funding, diversification of institutional revenue, and long-term financial sustainability. 
• Support the clear articulation of Playworks’ impact - both nationally and regionally - strengthening organizational value proposition to institutional funding partners.
• Build regional annual plans alongside regional leaders designed to attain revenue goals. 

Revenue Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of a multi-regional fundraising strategy that supports national revenue goals, with direct accountability for achieving new revenue targets of $500,000–$600,000 annually across the assigned regions.
• Ensure each region meets or exceeds its fundraising targets — holding full accountability for the dollars raised, maintaining 3X pipeline coverage of the goal, and achieving organization-standard win and conversion rates.

Collaboration Efforts Regionally and Nationally 

• Align, customize, and advance regional fundraising plans, funder engagement strategies, and priorities that complement Playworks’ national development strategy.
• Partner with regional Executive Directors and national leaders to identify, pursue, and secure new funding opportunities, including multi-regional or national prospects.
• Collaborate with and guide regional program and development teams in adopting fundraising models, providing strategic oversight, coaching, and support to regional development staff to ensure consistent execution and results.

Performance Management

• Ensure fundraising practices are cohesive, consistent, coordinated, and data-informed across regions, contributing to organizational-wide visibility and confidence in revenue planning and risk mitigation.
• Use data to inform decision-making, identify trends, and recommend strategic shifts to maximize return of effort and achieve efficiencies. 

 Required Skills & Experience

• 7-10+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in securing and managing six-figure gifts, partnerships, or multi-year funding with a strong background in multi-regional, national, or complex organizational development structures.
• Proven track record of developing and executing fundraising strategies across multiple regions, including aligning local efforts with national priorities
• Strong experience translating organizational vision or strategy into clear, actionable regional fundraising plans.
• Experience collaborating across departments and coaching or supporting regional fundraising staff.
• Strong background in pipeline development, forecasting, and performance monitoring across diverse geographic areas.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create persuasive proposals, strategic plans, and presentations.
• Highly organized, analytical, and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Experience working within CRM systems (Salesforce highly preferred) and managing complex fundraising data.
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaboratively, foster alignment, and contribute to a strengths-based, mission-driven organizational culture.

Compensation & Benefits:

Playworks offers the full package - great benefits, a fun place to work, and an opportunity to grow professionally. We offer:

• This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Chief Development Officer. 
• At Playworks, our starting salary takes into consideration internal pay equity, geographic pay differential, and robust external market data. We highly value transparency and equity within compensation and, therefore, are committed to adhering to established compensation pay points. The hiring salary for this position is $122,600 (San Francisco Bay Area/New York City) and $116,400 in all other areas
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k) plans with employer match, life insurance, employee-funded pre-tax health, and child care spending accounts.
• Generous Flexible PTO policy with paid sick and holiday leave

This is a hands-on, creative, playful, and fun-loving place to work, all while contributing to the success of our nation’s youth. So if you're ready to immerse yourself in the education sector, working on a rewarding set of challenges and if you've got the skills, experience, passion, and a team spirit, apply today!

Please include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Playworks and how your experience has prepared you for this role.
• Resume.
• References will be requested.

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As an equal opportunity program, Playworks encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, faith, marital status, physical ability, or any other legally protected basis. Playworks evaluates all candidates for employment, volunteering opportunities, or board service on a merit basis.

 

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