Director of Development + Partnerships

Organization Overview

NewRoot improves the experiences of young people by increasing the capacity of adults to grow restorative and social-emotional practices in learning environments. For over 25 years in Chicago and beyond, NewRoot has been a premiere on-the-ground partner for schools, districts, and organizations focused on ensuring all students graduate from high school equipped for college, career, and life success. Through an array of professional development offerings, NewRoot supports schools and organizations in utilizing restorative justice practices that promote self-awareness, contextual thinking, and community connectedness. For more information, please visit www.newroot.org.

Position Summary

NewRoot is seeking a strategic, equity-driven Director, Development + Partnerships to lead our fundraising, and fee-for service revenue growth strategy. This essential leadership role will report directly to the CEO and oversee a dynamic team responsible for advancing NewRoot’s visibility, deepening and expanding service partnerships, and securing philanthropic investments to support our mission and scale.

The Director will be charged with designing and implementing a comprehensive development strategy that meets annual fundraising targets and fee-for-service revenue goals. They will work closely with the CEO on high-level funder and partner engagements and will serve as a key driver of the organization’s financial sustainability and strategic growth.

This role is ideal for a visionary development leader, with a foundational knowledge of marketing and brand building, who excels at team management, is energized by building systems and strategies, and is passionate about education equity and social-emotional learning.

Location

Frequent travel throughout the Chicagoland Area, including Far North / South Suburbs and regionally and / or nationally as the work expands, will be required. This role follows typical Monday through Friday work hours and can be done 60% remotely at this time, with approximately 40% of time community-based. We are committed to a long-term flexible, hybrid work model, as well. NewRoot’s West Loop office is where we gather for collaboration and culture-building. The space is also available for those staff members who prefer to work in an office environment.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Development Strategy + Revenue Growth

• Lead NewRoot’s overall strategy to meet annual revenue goals and support long-term sustainability and growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major donors, institutional funders and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Partnership Development Team and Chief, Program + Impact to prepare for donor and funder meetings.
• Partner with the Development Manager and Institutional Giving Consultant Team to identify and pursue new funding opportunities and partnerships aligned with NewRoot’s mission and growth plans.
• Align fundraising strategies with programmatic goals and impact data in partnership with program and impact teams.
• Expand individual giving through major gifts and recurring donor initiatives.
• Collaborate with the CEO on major gifts and strategic funding opportunities.
• Partner with the Data Team to effectively communicate NewRoot’s impact to donors, funders, and partners.

Partnership Development + Visibility

Team Leadership + Organizational Strategy

Other

Qualifications : Required

Qualifications : Preferred

Direct Reports

Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities

NewRoot Learning Institute is an equal opportunity employer and believes in fostering an inclusive team. By centering our values of community, curiosity, dignity, relationship, and radical love, we work to nurture a culture where all NewRoot team members are involved, respected, and supported. Candidates from all walks of life are encouraged to apply and will be treated fairly. Please let us know if there are any accommodations you require.