Development Associate

About Hope Chicago

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, Hope Chicago has 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. The nonprofit partners with 5 non-selective public high schools and empowers students and one parent from every family to complete a post-secondary pathway debt-free, with the wraparound support to succeed.

More information about Hope Chicago and its early results 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

Donor and Data Management

• Oversee gift processing and acknowledgment procedures, ensuring timely and personalized donor communications.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor records in Salesforce; support the development of engagement strategies and tracking of donor touchpoints.

Prospect Research & Donor Stewardship

• Lead prospect and donor research efforts using tools like iWave; prepare briefing materials for key meetings with funders and stakeholders.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Manage tracking of development-related emails and meetings; assist with scheduling as needed.
• Lead internal financial reconciliation processes in partnership with the Finance team.
• Support the implementation and management of development software platforms, including Salesforce, iWave, and Classy.
• Develop internal systems, forms, and procedures to ensure consistent and efficient development operations and grant management.
• Provide general assistance across the development team, supporting cross-functional tasks and day-to-day department needs.

Appeals, Events, and Communications

• Coordinate and assist with all development-related mailings, including fundraising appeals and donor engagement campaigns.
• Help plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising and donor cultivation events; attend all Hope Chicago external-facing events as needed.
• Participate in internal special project committees and cross-functional initiatives.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Holds a Bachelor’s Degree
• Has a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
• Is a strong communicator and creative problem solver, 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 and able to manage multiple projects concurrently without sacrificing accuracy or quality
• Has familiarity in CRM systems, particularly Salesforce, or is a quick learner with strong digital skills, coupled with strong research skills.

Compensation

Estimated salary range: $52,000-65,000, commensurate with experience. Hope Chicago offers full medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) with employer match, and generous 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.