Foundation Development Manager

The CCIM Institute is looking to add a talented Foundation Development Manager to join a dynamic group of professionals that are dedicated to advancing the commercial real estate profession.

The Foundation Development Manager will work on behalf of The CCIM Institute Foundation, whose main purpose is to support the philanthropic work associated with The CCIM Institute by inspiring enthusiastic and enduring support that creates opportunities for those pursuing excellence in commercial real estate. The CCIM Institute Foundation advances commercial real estate careers mainly through scholarship programs and research initiatives.

Based in Chicago, The CCIM Institute is a professional association with over 10,000 members around the world. The CCIM Institute recognizes an elite group with the commercial real estate industry’s top professional designation. The CCIM Institute also provides continued education and training to current and aspiring industry professionals, technology offerings that enable members to do more deals, and a network that is unparalleled. The CCIM Institute has a 58 year history of advancing commercial real estate professionals. Visit www.ccim.com/careers to learn more about our culture and work environment. We look forward to hearing how you’d like to impact The CCIM Institute’s future.

And, while work experience and educational preparation are certainly important, we don’t hire resumes. We hire talented individuals based on our culture and values – the core of which centers around our commitment to uphold a supportive work environment that fosters trust and mutual respect.

Your Core Contributions to the Team

The Foundation Development Manager will play a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission by developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies. This individual will be responsible for managing donor relationships, identifying new funding opportunities, cultivating prospects, and ensuring strong revenue growth from internal and external sources, including CCIM designees, individuals, foundations, grants, and corporate sponsors.

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Develop, implement, and manage fundraising campaigns and annual fundraising plans aligned with The CCIM Institute’s strategic priorities.


• Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors at mid- to major-gift levels.


• Identify and research prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations, focusing on peer-to-peer fundraising.


• Train and provide support for the board and any board fundraising committees


• Attend and participate in staff meetings, board meetings, community events, and other functions as required.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects with the capacity to give $5,000+ annually.


• Coordinate personalized donor engagement strategies, events, and communications.


• Ensure timely follow-up, acknowledgments, and impact reporting to donors.

Grant Management and Proposal Writing

• Research grant opportunities and coordinate the development of compelling proposals aligned with The CCIM Institute’s strategic priorities.


• Maintain a grant calendar to track planning sessions, application deadlines, and reporting requirements.


• Collaborate with program staff to ensure impact and outcomes are clearly articulated in reporting.

Planned Giving

• Create, grow, and manage a planned giving program that is aligned with The CCIM Institute’s strategic priorities.


• Identify and cultivate planned gifts, including bequests, charitable trusts, and other deferred giving opportunities.


• Provide outreach and grow relationships with existing and prospective planned giving donors.


• Communicate the benefits of planned gifts with donors, including designees, and all other CCIM stakeholders.

Sponsorships and Naming Opportunities

• Seek sponsorships from internal and external individuals and corporations in commercial real estate and the broader community to support foundation events, naming opportunities, gift matching, programs, and scholarships.


• Grow relationships with sponsors to cultivate future gifts.

Events and Campaigns

• Plan and execute fundraising campaigns, including annual appeals and giving days.


• Collaborate with event staff or consultants on donor recognition events and fundraising galas.

Database and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records in donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).


• Analyze fundraising data to inform strategy and report progress to leadership and the board.

About You

Knowledge and Abilities

• Minimum of 4+ years of experience preferably in education or nonprofit sectors.


• Proven track record of securing mid- to major-level gifts and managing donor portfolios.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire and build relationships.


• Strong project management skills and attention to detail.


• Experience with donor databases and CRM platforms.

Education, Certification, Licenses

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public relations, communications, fundraising/philanthropic studies, non-profit management, or similar field.

Qualifications and Other Skills

• Strong people and project management skills.


• Strong interpersonal, presentation, oral and written skills.


• Financial competency, and ability to develop and manage budgets.


• Problem solving analysis skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.


• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends and travel as needed is required.

What We Provide You

The CCIM Institute works hard to provide benefits that make your life better. We offer a comprehensive benefit program that features:

• Health coverage for you and your family through medical, dental, and vision plans.


• Financial protection through disability, life, accidental death and dismemberment, and business travel insurance.


• A 401(k) plan with company match.


• Tax advantages through flexible spending accounts that allow you to pay for specific healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.


• To help you manage your work and life needs we offer a life assistance program, free gym access, and professional development opportunities.


• A generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick, personal, summer flex time, and volunteer days.

All The Other Stuff

This position reports to The CCIM Institute’s Deputy CEO/Foundation Executive Director and is an exempt position. The CCIM Institute is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. In 2018, The CCIM Institute won the Welcoming Environment Organizational award for demonstrating that it engages people in an authentic manner – where uniqueness is valued, respected and supported through opportunities and interaction.

The job functions listed above represent the primary duties and responsibilities of this job and in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. Other duties and responsibilities within the scope of this job may be assigned. You will be required to follow all instructions and to perform all duties requested by your manager; subject to reasonable accommodations and within the scope of the position.