Gift Officer — Remote Fundraising & Donor Growth

THE EXPERIMENTAL STATION 6100 BLACK; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Vision insurance

Job summary

Experimental Station, a Chicago-based nonprofit, is seeking a Gift Officer to build relationships with mid-tier donors and move them toward bigger, lasting support. You will partner with the Senior Development Manager and report to the Executive Director, managing a portfolio and shaping campaign strategies.

You will handle gift processing, donor data in Salesforce NPSP, plan campaigns and events, write compelling appeals, and collaborate with leadership to grow the major gifts program while

Qualifications

• 4+ years of progressive fundraising experience within a non-profit environment.
• Direct solicitation: proven comfort and track record of securing gifts.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication for appeals and donor meetings.
• Strategic, action-oriented donor engagement with measurable outcomes.
• Experience with data entry hygiene, gift processing, and basic financial reporting.
• Growth mindset for portfolio management, donor solicitation, and campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of ~150 mid-tier donors, building long-term relationships.
• Collaborate with Senior Development Manager to increase donor retention and upgrade giving levels.
• Conduct direct solicitations for renewals, upgrades, and special gifts.
• Coordinate donor recognition and timely acknowledgments.
• Support major gifts capacity with Board and committees.
• Develop an Associate Board focused on fundraising under leadership oversight.
• Plan Annual Fund and seasonal fundraising campaigns with leadership.
• Draft solicitation letters and support digital appeals and social campaigns.
• Plan events and galas; handle guest outreach and on-site logistics.
• Process gifts in Salesforce NPSP and maintain data integrity.
• Produce CRM reports to inform leadership.

Skills

Relationship building

Donor communications

Strategic thinking

Operations and data

Public speaking

Salesforce familiarity

Tools

Salesforce NPSP

Job description

Experimental Station, a Chicago-based nonprofit, is seeking a Gift Officer to build relationships with mid-tier donors and move them toward bigger, lasting support. You will partner with the Senior Development Manager and report to the Executive Director, managing a portfolio and shaping campaign strategies.

You will handle gift processing, donor data in Salesforce NPSP, plan campaigns and events, write compelling appeals, and collaborate with leadership to grow the major gifts program while