Part-Time Fundraiser (Chicagoland Area)

OYM; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 9,000 - 11,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training provided

Mileage reimbursement

Job summary

Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries (OYM) in the Chicagoland area seeks a part-time Regional Fundraiser to build awareness and directly solicit donations. The role involves presenting at parishes and events, delivering 15–25 minute talks, and securing gifts and pledges while traveling within a ~60-mile radius.

The ideal candidate is comfortable speaking publicly, engaging warmly with clergy and families, and is motivated to advance Orthodox youth and young adult formation through

Qualifications

• Strong Orthodox Christian faith and familiarity with Orthodox parish life.
• Excellent verbal communication and public-speaking skills.
• Self-motivated and organized; able to schedule and manage own calendar with minimal supervision.
• Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel within the Chicagoland region.
• No prior fundraising experience required; enthusiasm and authenticity are valued.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and deliver short presentations at Orthodox parishes, youth groups, and other Orthodox gatherings in the Chicagoland area.
• Explain OYM’s mission, current programs, and regional impact.
• Make direct, warm asks for financial support (one-time gifts, monthly pledges, parish collections, or event sponsorships).
• Follow up with interested individuals, clergy, and parish councils via phone, email, or in-person meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of contacts, presentations, and donations in OYM’s donor database.
• Collaborate with national staff to tailor presentation materials and messaging for the Chicago context.
• Attend occasional regional Orthodox events to network and raise awareness.
• Report monthly on activities, funds raised, and new relationships developed.

Skills

Public speaking

Communication

Fundraising

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

CRM tools

Job description

Part-Time Regional Fundraiser (Chicagoland Area)

About the Role

Employment Type: Contractor (approximately 10–15 hours/week, flexible schedule)

Location: Chicagoland area (Chicago metropolitan region; travel required within ~60-mile radius)

Compensation: $10,000 annually

Reports to: OYM Executive Director

Start Date: Immediate

Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries (OYM) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven individual to serve as a part-time Regional Fundraiser in the Chicagoland area. The primary role is to build awareness of OYM’s work among local Orthodox parishes, youth groups, young adult fellowships, and other Orthodox organizations, while directly soliciting financial support to expand our programs in the region.

This is an outreach-focused position: the ideal candidate enjoys speaking publicly, connecting personally with people, and sharing the vision of Orthodox youth and young adult formation in a compelling, authentic way. You will represent OYM at parishes and events, deliver short presentations (15–25 minutes), answer questions, and follow up to secure donations and recurring pledges.

Key Responsibilities

Schedule and deliver short presentations (15–25 minutes) at Orthodox parishes, youth groups, young adult fellowships, college ministries, and other Orthodox gatherings in the Chicagoland area.

Clearly explain OYM’s mission, current programs (youth retreats, young adult events, campus ministries, formation resources), and regional impact.

Make direct, warm, and respectful asks for financial support (one-time gifts, monthly pledges, parish collections, or event sponsorships).

Follow up personally with interested individuals, clergy, and parish councils via phone, email, or in-person meetings.

Maintain accurate records of all contacts, presentations, and donations in OYM’s donor database (training provided).

Collaborate with national OYM staff to tailor presentation materials and messaging for the Chicago context.

Attend occasional regional Orthodox events (e.g., youth rallies, festivals) to network and raise awareness.

Report monthly on activities, funds raised, and new relationships developed.

Qualifications & Requirements

Strong Orthodox Christian faith and familiarity with Orthodox parish life (jurisdictions, clergy, laity, youth, young adults).

Excellent verbal communication and public-speaking skills; comfortable presenting to groups of 10–200 people.

Warm, relational personality; able to build trust quickly with clergy, parish council members, and families.

Self-motivated and organized; able to schedule and manage own calendar with minimal supervision.

Basic proficiency with email, Google Workspace / Microsoft Office, and simple CRM tools (training provided).

Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel within the Chicagoland region (mileage reimbursed at IRS rate).

Alignment with OYM’s mission: Orthodox formation of youth and young adults through relational formation.

No prior fundraising experience required — enthusiasm and authenticity are more important. However, candidates with sales experience are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Support

Annual stipend: $10,000 (paid monthly).

Mileage reimbursement for all work-related travel.

Full training and ongoing support from national OYM staff.

Access to presentation materials, donor-tracking tools, and promotional resources.

Opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on Orthodox youth and young adult ministries in the Chicago area.