Development & Engagement Lead — Hybrid

Urban-Initiatives; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement Plan Options

Paid Time Off and Additional Leave

Job summary

Urban Initiatives is seeking a Lead Manager, Development and Engagement in Chicago. The role concentrates on in‑person relationship ownership for our Associate Board, Student Board, and volunteers to support fundraising events and engagement activation.

The position reports to the Lead Director of Development and Engagement and requires a hybrid schedule with on-site work about 50% in Chicago, IL. Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Interpersonal & relationship skills are essential; building and maintaining networks or social communities.
• Event staffing, coordination, and managing the flow and guest experience of in-person gatherings.
• Ability to lead meetings, motivate volunteers, and clearly communicate organizational mission and needs.

Responsibilities

• Associate and Student Board Engagement: act as primary in-person presence for high school Student Board and young professional Associate Board; drive attendance and engagement.
• Fundraising Event Support: assist in prep and execution of fundraising events; most support can be done virtually with heavier activity in Dec-Feb and Jun-Aug; oversee silent auction for gala.
• Volunteer Engagement: clear volunteers to participate, send pre/post-event follow-up; in-person volunteer facilitation at program events; manage external relationships for volunteers.
• Communications: capture storytelling content (quotes, photos, testimonials); manage UI’s social media presence; support blog and newsletter publications.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Event logistics

Facilitation

Teamwork

Growth mindset

CRM knowledge

Job description

Urban Initiatives is seeking a Lead Manager, Development and Engagement in Chicago. The role concentrates on in‑person relationship ownership for our Associate Board, Student Board, and volunteers to support fundraising events and engagement activation.

The position reports to the Lead Director of Development and Engagement and requires a hybrid schedule with on-site work about 50% in Chicago, IL. Typical hours are Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm, with occasional evenings and weekends.