Development Associate

Position Title: Development Associate

Preferred Start: April 2024

Location: Chicago, IL

Role Type: Hybrid In-person

About Hope Chicago

Led by Dr. Janice K. Jackson, Hope Chicago is a two-generation initiative that’s been called one of the boldest and most innovative efforts to remove barriers to opportunity in decades. 

Since its founding in 2021, Dr. Jackson and her team have designed a unique systems-change solution with the ultimate goal of demonstrating what’s possible when everyone has access to opportunities to reach their fullest potential. Hope Chicago partners with 5 high schools and enables students and one parent from every family to complete a post-secondary pathway, completely debt-free. More information about Hope Chicago is available at www.hopechicago.org. 

About the Role

The Development Associate role involves providing comprehensive support for various development activities within the organization. Reporting directly to the Chief Development Officer, the primary responsibilities include maintaining accurate donor records and fundraising data in Salesforce, conducting prospect and donor research, and managing stakeholder communications and scheduling. The Development Associate collaborates with the development and communications teams, engages in cross-team projects, and supports fundraising event planning and execution. This role is also expected to occasionally represent the organization at external events. Off-hour events will occur and attendance will be expected. The ideal candidate will be a quick study who will thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, and who has intrinsic motivation and connection to our mission-driven work.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain donor records and document fundraising activity in Salesforce
• Lead prospect and donor research efforts and create briefings for key stakeholder meetings
• Create and mail acknowledgment letters and engage in donor communication to assist with donor stewardship and gift processing
• Assist with all development-related mailings for appeals, including collaboration with the communications team
• Lead financial reconciliation processes in conjunction with the finance team, including managing team expenses
• Steward recurring donor community and manage recurring donor procedures 
• Ensure timely delivery of invoices and payment reminders for major gifts
• Document processes, procedures, and policies for the Development Team
• Help implement internal-facing prospecting technology
• Represent the Development Team in cross-team special project committees
• Assist in the planning and implementation of select fundraising events
• Attend and assist with most Hope Chicago external-facing events
• Lead Hope Chicago’s strategy and solicitation of in-kind donations and services

We are looking for a candidate who:

• • Holds a Bachelor’s degree

• Has a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience

• Feels that they are strong communicators and creative problem solvers with an entrepreneurial drive

• Excels at collaborative work, and can comfortably navigate tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Possesses exceptional attention to detail while also being able to manage multiple projects concurrently without sacrificing accuracy/quality

• Has familiarity in CRM systems, particularly Salesforce, or is a quick learner with strong digital skills, coupled with strong research skills 

Compensation

Salary is competitive, and commensurate with experience; salary band is $52,000 - $65,000. 

Hope Chicago offers full medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. 

Hope Chicago is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, and values its diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or marital status, and are committed to a welcoming, respectful environment for all who work for and engage with Hope Chicago. 

How to Apply

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter to careers@hopechicago.org