Development & Communications Lead — Fundraising & Storytelling

GACC Midwest - German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

German International School Chicago (GISC) is seeking a hands-on Development & Communications Manager to strengthen fundraising, expand community engagement, and tell our school’s stories. The role blends strategic planning with hands-on execution and offers opportunities for ownership and growth.

The position focuses on building donor relationships, producing compelling content across channels, and collaborating with Marketing, Admissions, and leadership to advance fundraising, enrollment, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of degree or experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and German (bilingual preferred).
• 2+ years in development, fundraising, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements annual fundraising plans (Annual Fund, grants, sponsorships, major gifts, events).
• Plans and executes fundraising programs (Annual Fund, Gala, donor cultivation, events).
• Cultivates relationships with donors, alumni, foundations, corporate partners, and community groups.
• Leads donor stewardship, including acknowledgement, recognition, reporting, and engagement.
• Creates communications content across print, digital, email, website, and donor channels to support fundraising and enrollment.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communications

Bilingual English/German

Storytelling

Content creation

Plan & execute fundraisers

Donor stewardship

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Blackbaud CRM

Google Workspace

MS Office

Job description

German International School Chicago (GISC) is seeking a hands-on Development & Communications Manager to strengthen fundraising, expand community engagement, and tell our school’s stories. The role blends strategic planning with hands-on execution and offers opportunities for ownership and growth.

The position focuses on building donor relationships, producing compelling content across channels, and collaborating with Marketing, Admissions, and leadership to advance fundraising, enrollment, and