SR DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Events and Individual Giving

Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking a Development professional to support donor pipeline development, research, and engagement across individual and corporate donors. The role collaborates with leadership to plan campaigns, events, and digital fundraising initiatives.

The position requires strong MS Office and database skills, experience in donor communications, and the ability to translate strategy into action in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in development or a related field preferred.
• Hands-on experience with Raiser’s Edge software is ideal.
• Experience in annual appeals and donor solicitations.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic thinking into action plans and output.
• Strong database management skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Donor identification & cultivation to support the Chief Development Officer and President/CEO.
• Conduct research and share biographical information for donor interactions.
• Identify new prospects and strengthen engagement with individual and corporate donors.
• Manage solicitation cycles for renewals, GivingTuesday, annual appeals and digital campaigns.
• Coordinate solicitation and stewardship of Gala sponsors with leadership.
• Oversee events planning, auctions, and donor stewardship activities.

Skills

Database management

MS Office Suite

Organizational skills

Verbal & written communication

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Give Lively

Constant Contact

Trellis

Job description

Department: Development
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
ABOUT ACCESS LIVING:
Established in 1980, Access Living is a change agent committed to fostering an inclusive society that enables Chicagoans with disabilities to live fully engaged and self-directed lives. Nationally recognized as a leading force in the disability advocacy community, Access Living challenges stereotypes, protects civil rights and champions social reform. Their staff and volunteers combine knowledge and personal experience to deliver programs and services that equip people with disabilities to advocate for themselves. Access Living is at the forefront of the disability rights movement, removing barriers so people with disabilities can live the future they envision.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

1. Donor Identification & Cultivation Support the Chief Development Officer and President/CEO with donor pipeline development
2. Conduct research and share relevant biographical information to support strategic and respectful donor interactions.
3. Use internal and external resources to identify new prospects and strengthen engagement within dividual and corporate donors.
4. Use donor analysis to identify and track annual donors with potential to transition into major gift and planned giving prospects.

Fundraising Strategy & Campaigns

1. Manage solicitation cycles for targeted renewals, #GivingTuesday, annual appeals and digital campaigns.
2. Coordinate the solicitation and stewardship of annual Gala sponsors in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer and President/CEO.
3. Develop and implement strategies to expand accessible online and digital philanthropy programs.

Events Management

1. Take a lead role in planning, organizing, promoting, executing and following up on fundraising events, major donor events and stewardship events.
2. Work closely with the annual Gala event consultant and internal teams throughout the planning and execution process.
3. Oversee auctions and raffles, including item solicitation, tracking, packaging and fulfillment.
   Collaborate with internal team to create and facilitate a robust and enduring annual Week of Gratitude.

Communications & Data Integrity

1. Work with the Chief Development Officer and Communications team to create donor materials, appeals and social media content that reflect Access Living’s philanthropic vision and values.
2. Develop segmentation strategies and work with the Development & Database Associate to facilitate data delivery for mailings, emails, event invitations and ticket sales.
3. Maintain data integrity across Constant Contact and Raiser’s Edge.

Collaboration & Reporting

1. Collaborate with the Development & Database Associate and Finance to report on Development activity during audits.
2. Assist with Planned Giving and other development initiatives as needed.
3. Support other activities, as needed, consistent with a small team environment.

Please note that the purpose of this job description is to provide an overview of the scope of the position. This is not a comprehensive list of duties/responsibilities.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Strong database management skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook), and excellent organizational skills required. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with donors, staff and volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: Experience in development or a related field preferred. Hands-on experience with Raiser’s Edge software is ideal. Experience in annual appeals and donor solicitations. Demonstrated ability to translate strategic thinking into action plans and output.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Nothing unusual.

EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE PROGRAMS OPERATED: Computer, phone, copier, printer and various software, including Raiser’s Edge NXT, Microsoft Office Suite, Give Lively/online giving, Constant Contact and Trellis.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Access Living operates in a hybrid work environment, with staff expected to work in the office at least two days per week, including mandatory in‑office Coordinated Days for all staff, departments and teams.

OTHER: People with disabilities, members of other minority communities, and those with personal experience with disability are highly encouraged to apply.

SALARY Range: $63,000-67,000