Development & Communications Lead

German International School Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

German International School Chicago is seeking a hands-on Development & Communications Manager to strengthen fundraising initiatives, expand community engagement, and tell our school’s stories. This role combines strategic planning with day-to-day execution and offers opportunities for ownership, creativity, and growth.

The ideal candidate will lead annual fundraising activities, collaborate across departments, and craft compelling content for diverse audiences in English and German.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and German.
• 2+ years in development, fundraising, communications, marketing, or nonprofit management.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience with content strategies and multi-channel communications.
• Highly organized, independent worker and team player.
• Strong donor stewardship and relationship-building skills.
• Attention to detail and consistent messaging.
• Proficiency with donor databases/CRM (Blackbaud), social media, Google Workspace, and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Develops annual fundraising plans incl Annual Fund, grants, sponsorships, major gifts, and events.
• Plans and executes fundraising program incl Gala, donor cultivation activities, and special events.
• Cultivates relationships with donors, alumni, parents, foundations, corporate partners, community orgs, and DACH partners.
• Leads donor stewardship, including acknowledgement, recognition, reporting, and engagement.
• Develops communications content across print, digital, email, website, and donor channels.
• Identifies grant opportunities and prepares compelling proposals/reports.
• Maintains donor/prospect records and tracks fundraising performance.
• Collaborates with Marketing, Communications, Admissions, Enrollment, Faculty & Staff, Board of Trustees and volunteers to unify messaging.
• Collaborates with Director of Marketing & Communications on branding and storytelling.
• Provides regular reports and strategic recommendations to leadership on development strategy and performance.
• Supports school-wide events, community activities, and volunteer engagement.
• Manages development budget and ensures compliance with fundraising standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal/written comms

Bilingual EN/DE

Donor stewardship

Content storytelling

Content strategy

CRM (Blackbaud)

Google Workspace

MS Office

Multitasking

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Blackbaud

Job description

German International School Chicago is seeking a hands-on Development & Communications Manager to strengthen fundraising initiatives, expand community engagement, and tell our school’s stories. This role combines strategic planning with day-to-day execution and offers opportunities for ownership, creativity, and growth.

The ideal candidate will lead annual fundraising activities, collaborate across departments, and craft compelling content for diverse audiences in English and German.