Development Associate [Contract]

The Development Associate has primary responsibilities including Communicating WorldChicago’s mission and programs to diverse audiences, planning fundraisers and community events and supporting donor prospecting and engagement.

Reports to: Executive Director (ED)

Responsibilities Include

Fundraising

• Manage all donor communication and outreach including sending out annual appeals, donor tax letters, and email campaigns
• Monitor fundraising progress and report results with recommendations to the ED and Board Development Committee
• Work with ED to develop a long-term donor engagement strategy that includes diverse funding sources
• Research foundation and corporate grant funding opportunities
• Develop membership and individual giving campaigns
• Generate Board Score Card on progress toward Give/Get in advance of Quarterly Board meetings
• Work closely with the ED to manage all giving through the Salesforce CRM

Event Planning

• Coordinate, promote, and execute all of WorldChicago’s fundraising events, including the Spring Diplomacy Luncheon, Speaker Series and Fall Fundraiser/End of Year Campaign
• Work with the ED and Development committee to develop the theme, location, and funding

goals for events

• Design programs, invitations, signage and all other event marketing pieces
• Manage registration and payment for events using GiveLively
• Coordinate live, silent, and online auctions; Procure auction item donations
• Generate and mail thank you letters for all sponsors, speakers, and donors

Outreach & Communication

• Communicate Social Media/Marketing Intern to stay updated on activities and identify which to highlight in external communications
• Collaborate with Social Media/Marketing intern to write and design weekly newsletters and e-blasts; maintain distribution list
• Develop and oversee strategy for WorldChicago’s social media channels: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram
• Oversee Social Media/Marketing Intern content and copy for posting to original content to social media channels about organizational activities and/or WorldChicago events to ensure alignment with brand/marketing guidelines and organizations voice and tone.
• Update WorldChicago website regularly with original content (program, Leadership, Team, Annual Reports, etc)
• Lead public relations initiatives, write press releases, and cultivate media relationships
• Recommend the annual fundraising goal providing supporting details to the ED, Finance and Development Committees
• Ensure all donors receive appreciation for their donation within 48 hours of receipt of a gift

Skills & Qualifications

WorldChicago seeks candidates with:

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree  
• 2 to 5 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, and/or related field 
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills 
• Strong organizational skills, flexibility, self-motivation, and comfort working in a small team 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with WordPress, GiveLively MailChimp, and Salesforce
• Demonstrated interest in international affairs
• Familiar with nonprofit work
• Graphic Design a plus

This is a contract position and is not eligible for benefits. The organization is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

 Interested applicants should submit cover letter and resume via email only to info@worldchicago.org. 

Application Deadline: May, 1, 2026

This is a contract position and not eligible for benefits. Will reassess for full-time employment with benefits after 6 months.