Bilingual Development & Communications Lead

German American Chambers of Commerce

Chicago, Northern (IL, KY)

Hybrid

USD 60,000 - 70,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

The German International School Chicago (GISC) is seeking a hands-on Development & Communications Manager to strengthen fundraising, expand community engagement, and tell our school's story. This role blends strategic planning with day-to-day execution, offering ownership, creativity, and opportunities to impact fundraising programs, donor relations, and communications across channels.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in development or communications, strong writing, and bilingual English-German

Qualifications

Excellent verbal and written communication in English and German; bilingual English-German preferred.
Two or more years of experience in development, fundraising, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills for diverse audiences.
Experience developing content strategies and managing digital communications across multiple channels.
Highly organized, self-driven team player who can work independently.
Strong donor stewardship and relationship-building skills.
Attention to detail and consistent messaging, branding.
Proficiency with donor databases/CRM (preferably Blackbaud), social media management, Google Workspace, and MS Office.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements annual fundraising plans (Annual Fund, grants, sponsorships, major gifts, and events).
Plans and executes fundraising programs including Gala, donor cultivation, and special events.
Cultivates and maintains relationships with donors, alumni, parents, foundations, corporate partners, and community organizations.
Leads donor stewardship, including acknowledgement, recognition, reporting, and personalized engagement.
Develops communications content across print, digital, email, website, and donor channels to support fundraising, enrollment, and community engagement goals.
Identifies grant opportunities and prepares compelling proposals and reports.
Maintains donor and prospect records and tracks fundraising performance in the database.
Collaborates with Marketing, Communications, Admissions, Enrollment, Faculty & Staff, and Board committees to unify messaging and grow engagement.
Provides regular reports and strategic recommendations to the Head of Administration, Head of School, and Board on development strategy and performance.
Supports school-wide events, community activities, and volunteer engagement; manages development budget.