Development Director Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Development director roles in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago's nonprofit corridor, higher education institutions like Northwestern University and the University of Chicago, and major healthcare systems including Northwestern Medicine and Rush University Medical Center. Employers in these sectors regularly sponsor H-1B visas for qualified candidates with fundraising, grant management, and organizational leadership backgrounds.
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Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
We are currently hiring for a Development Director in Chicago! The Director is responsible for leading aspects of our Impact campaigns. This will include recruiting fundraising volunteers, securing financial contributions toward advancing our mission, individual donor cultivation, and special event implementation. The Director will report to the Senior Development Director for Impact Campaigns.
This is a full-time, office-based position with a hybrid schedule!
We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
- Drive peer-to-peer fundraising to achieve overall revenue goals. Secure financial contributions by conducting exploratory meetings and revenue generation-focused sales calls. Appropriately documents scheduled appointments and results.
- Volunteer recruitment, engagement, and recognition: Recruit volunteers to participate in peer to peer fundraising campaigns. Ensure high-level volunteers are recruited and provided effective orientation, training and development.
- Build powerful partnerships externally and internally.
- Identify and network with key donors and volunteers. Work collaboratively with volunteers and donors as well as internal staff to broaden the volunteer network and increase mission impact and campaign income.
- Cultivate donors to increase engagement and giving.
- Coordinate local donor cultivation events and prospect high-impact donors and volunteers. Handle event logistics.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
- University/College degree or equivalent experience
- Ability to do daily local travel up to 70% and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
- Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
- Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office
Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:
- Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
- Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Compensation & Benefits
Salary minimum to the midpoint of the range is $68,000 to $87,700. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: Location: US-IL-Chicago
Posted Date 6 hours ago (7/29/2026 11:18 AM)
Requisition ID 2025-16863
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Overview
Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
We are currently hiring for a Development Director in Chicago! The Director is responsible for leading aspects of our Impact campaigns. This will include recruiting fundraising volunteers, securing financial contributions toward advancing our mission, individual donor cultivation, and special event implementation. The Director will report to the Senior Development Director for Impact Campaigns.
This is a full-time, office-based position with a hybrid schedule!
We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
- Drive peer-to-peer fundraising to achieve overall revenue goals. Secure financial contributions by conducting exploratory meetings and revenue generation-focused sales calls. Appropriately documents scheduled appointments and results.
- Volunteer recruitment, engagement, and recognition: Recruit volunteers to participate in peer to peer fundraising campaigns. Ensure high-level volunteers are recruited and provided effective orientation, training and development.
- Build powerful partnerships externally and internally.
- Identify and network with key donors and volunteers. Work collaboratively with volunteers and donors as well as internal staff to broaden the volunteer network and increase mission impact and campaign income.
- Cultivate donors to increase engagement and giving.
- Coordinate local donor cultivation events and prospect high-impact donors and volunteers. Handle event logistics.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
- University/College degree or equivalent experience
- Ability to do daily local travel up to 70% and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
- Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
- Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office
Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:
- Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
- Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Compensation & Benefits
Salary minimum to the midpoint of the range is $68,000 to $87,700. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: Location: US-IL-Chicago
Posted Date 6 hours ago (7/29/2026 11:18 AM)
Requisition ID 2025-16863
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Development Director Job Roles in Illinois
See all 192+ Development Director Jobs in Illinois
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Search Development Director Jobs in IllinoisDevelopment Director Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies and organizations sponsor visas for development directors in Illinois?
Chicago-area nonprofits, universities, and health systems are the most active sponsors for development director roles in Illinois. Institutions like Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Rush University Medical Center, and large nonprofits such as Chicago Community Trust have a documented history of H-1B sponsorship for senior development and fundraising positions. Large consulting and technology firms with Illinois operations occasionally sponsor for corporate development director roles as well.
Which visa types are most common for development director roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for development directors in Illinois, as the role typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, or communications. Some candidates enter through the O-1A for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field. University and research institution employers may also sponsor through the TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying occupational categories.
Which cities in Illinois have the most development director sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the vast majority of development director sponsorship opportunities in Illinois, driven by its concentration of large nonprofits, hospitals, and research universities. Evanston, home to Northwestern University, is a secondary hub. Smaller institutional employers in Champaign-Urbana, where the University of Illinois is based, also post development director roles that have historically involved visa sponsorship for international candidates.
How to find development director visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find development director roles in Illinois where employers are open to visa sponsorship. The platform filters jobs specifically by sponsorship willingness, so you're not sifting through listings that exclude international candidates. For development director searches, focus on nonprofit, higher education, and healthcare filters, as these sectors in Illinois sponsor at the highest rates for this role type.
Are there state-specific or role-specific factors development directors should know about when seeking sponsorship in Illinois?
Illinois employers sponsoring H-1B workers for development director roles must file a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor, certifying they'll pay at least the prevailing wage for the position in the relevant metropolitan area. Chicago's nonprofit sector is competitive, and sponsoring employers generally expect candidates to demonstrate senior-level fundraising experience or advanced credentials. Illinois has no state-level visa program, so federal sponsorship pathways apply universally across the state.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored development director jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.