WHO WE ARE: The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) is a 501(c)(3) public/private economic development partnership dedicated to expanding economic opportunities in Aurora and developing a sustainable community for Aurora residents and businesses. The Alliance is a new organization championing the missions of four key civic organizations: the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, Invest Aurora, Aurora Downtown, and the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce. This consolidation represents a strategic move to create a more powerful and unified approach to economic development in the Aurora region.

This consolidation paves the way for new initiatives that will drive workforce development; empower small, minority, and women-owned businesses; and fuel innovation and entrepreneurship.

HOW YOU'LL SERVE OUR ORGANIZATION: The Director of Development and Investor Relations is responsible for fundraising, securing new members, retaining existing members, and obtaining event sponsorships. This outward-facing role involves cultivating and stewarding donors at all levels with a focus on major donors, developing and meeting revenue goals and driving year-over-year growth. This position collaborates closely with executive leadership, board members, and volunteers to support the organization's growth and mission. The Director of Development and Investor Relations reports to the VP of Operations and can expect to work on the following:

• Develop a comprehensive fundraising program that achieves revenue growth, sustainability, and supports operational needs.

• Be responsible for the execution of donor appreciation efforts, including everything from thank you letters to donor appreciation events.

• Cultivate strong relationships with the Board of Directors, leveraging their talents and resources while crafting compelling communication materials that promote the Alliance's programs.

• Utilizes best practices in prospect research to identify new members and coordinate with research team as needed for business intelligence.

• Seek and obtain new members and membership upgrade opportunities when appropriate.

• Represent the Alliance at community events, conferences, and meetings.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Minimum of five years of related lead-generation, sales, research and fundraising

• Bachelor's degree or higher education degree

• Intellectually curious, self-starter, and fast study

• Thrives in a dynamic team environment and motivated when working independently

• Strong communicator with knack for attention to detail. Must appreciate and apply accuracy with numbers and presentations

• Creates and follows process, enjoys problem-solving

• Comfortable with public speaking in small and large settings

• Familiarity with economic development

MORE DETAILS YOU'LL WANT TO KNOW: In addition to making a big impact on the community of Aurora staff and business owners, the Alliance is also offering a competitive salary (range $75,000 - $84,000) and the following benefits:

• Choice of 5 Health Insurance Plans

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

  • Dental, Vision and Life are 100% paid for by the Alliance for EMPLOYEE

  • Dependent coverage is available, but premiums do apply

• Retirement Plan (Alliance matches up to 3% of salary)

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Primarily onsite with hybrid work as needed

NOTE: Applicants must already reside in the Chicagoland area and are willing to commute to the Aurora office, as relocation assistance is NOT offered for this role.

Interested individuals, please submit your resume by clicking on the apply button.

The Aurora Regional Economic Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

The Alliance is located at 43 W. Galena in Aurora, Illinois.