Philanthropy Associate

Anixter Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Anixter Center in Chicago is seeking a Philanthropy Associate to join our Development team. This role will help build the infrastructure for donor relationships, support fundraising growth, and ensure thoughtful donor stewardship across interactions.

The position focuses on data management, reporting, and donor communications, contributing to a culture of philanthropy that serves individuals with disabilities and related communities. This is a full-time, on-site role in Chicago.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of experience in nonprofit development, operations, administration, or related field.
• Experience with CRM/donor database systems; Little Green Light is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills, including sorting, filtering, and pivot tables.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Process and acknowledge gifts with accuracy and care.
• Ensure donors receive timely thank-you letters and tax receipts.
• Track pledges and support donor stewardship activities.
• Help create meaningful donor experiences from first gift through ongoing engagement.
• Serve as the primary administrator of the donor database and maintain data integrity.
• Prepare fundraising and revenue reports for leadership and board committees.
• Analyze campaign performance and fundraising progress.
• Draft donor correspondence and stewardship materials.
• Support cultivation activities and signature events, including The Anixter Experience Gala.

Skills

CRM experience

Excel

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Little Green Light

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Clerical Chicago, IL, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1478

Salary Range: $50,000.00 To $60,000.00 Annually

Help Build the Future of Philanthropy at Anixter Center

At Anixter Center, we believe philanthropy is more than fundraising. It is the way people connect their values to meaningful impact. As we launch a new philanthropy plan and expand our development efforts, we are creating a brand-new role that will help lay the foundation for a culture of philanthropy across our organization.

We are seeking a detail-oriented, mission-driven Philanthropy Associate to join our growing Development team. This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys both strategy and execution, data and people, systems and impact. You'll play a critical role in building the infrastructure that supports donor relationships, fundraising growth, and long-term philanthropic success.

If you are excited by the idea of helping shape something new, strengthening donor engagement, and contributing to an organization that transforms lives, we'd love to meet you.

Why This Role Matters

This position arrives at an exciting moment for Anixter Center. As we implement a new philanthropy vision, the Philanthropy Associate will serve as the operational backbone of our fundraising efforts, ensuring every donor interaction is thoughtful, every gift is stewarded well, and every decision is informed by strong data.

Your work will help create exceptional donor experiences while supporting programs that serve individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.

What You'll Do

Strengthen Donor Relationships

• Process and acknowledge gifts with accuracy and care.
• Ensure donors receive timely thank-you letters and tax receipts.
• Track pledges and support donor stewardship activities.
• Help create meaningful donor experiences from first gift through ongoing engagement.

Build and Maintain Fundraising Systems

• Serve as the primary administrator of our donor database, Little Green Light.
• Maintain accurate constituent records and data standards.
• Create donor lists, reports, and segments for appeals and campaigns.
• Support data integrity and process improvements across the development function.
• Prepare fundraising and revenue reports for leadership and board committees.
• Analyze campaign performance and fundraising progress.
• Support annual reporting, audits, and strategic planning efforts.
• Help the team make informed decisions through strong data management.
• Conduct prospect research on individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Assist with donor meeting preparation and briefing materials.
• Draft donor correspondence, stewardship materials, and fundraising communications.
• Provide support for cultivation activities and signature events, including The Anixter Experience Gala.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who combines strong organizational skills with genuine enthusiasm for mission-driven work.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years of experience in nonprofit development, operations, administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with CRM or donor database systems; Little Green Light experience is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills, including sorting, filtering, and pivot tables.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.

Commitment to equity, inclusion, confidentiality, and professional integrity.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will:

• Help establish best practices and processes for a growing philanthropy program.
• Ensure every donor interaction reflects appreciation and professionalism.
• Provide reliable data and insights that strengthen fundraising decisions.
• Become a trusted partner to development leadership.
• Contribute to building a sustainable culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Join Us

This is more than a fundraising support position. It is an opportunity to help build something new.

If you are energized by meaningful work, passionate about strong systems and donor engagement, and excited to help shape the future of philanthropy at Anixter Center, we encourage you to apply.

Together, we can create lasting impact for the people and communities we serve.

Our company is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. As such affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, citizenship, military or protected veteran status gender expression and/or identity, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.