Community Engagement Associate
About The Position
The Community Engagement Associate is a full-time position that supports both Admissions and Institutional Advancement, helping cultivate meaningful relationships with prospective families, current families, alumni, donors, and community partners. Approximately 25% of the position will be dedicated to Admissions and 75% to Institutional Advancement. The Associate will become knowledgeable about the admissions process and will accompany the Director of Admissions on prospective family tours to eventually develop the skills and confidence to conduct tours independently when needed. Additionally, they will support the development team to support fundraising operations, donor stewardship events, and communications. This position is ideal for an organized, relationship-oriented professional who enjoys working with people, managing multiple priorities, and supporting mission-driven work. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, initiative, discretion, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping families and supporters feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the CJDS community. The Community Engagement Associate is a trusted partner to staff and school leadership and contributes meaningfully to the integrity and success of CJDS’s philanthropic work and future growth in enrollment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Commitment to confidentiality and professional standards
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom
Nice To Haves
- Experience 0-5 years in development, fundraising, admissions, or nonprofit administration
- Experience in an educational or Jewish communal organization
- Familiarity with Jewish philanthropic culture and community
- Experience with donor databases or CRM systems (CJDS uses NEON, Finalsite, and FACTS)
Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including gifts, pledges, acknowledgments, and prospective and current student records.
- Own the reconciliation of charitable contributions and ensure timely, accurate acknowledgments and tax receipts.
- Assist with inquiry management, scheduling appointments, and maintaining timely communication with prospective families.
- Track grant deadlines and reporting requirements.
- Run reports, mailing lists, and correspondence to support fundraising and admissions activities.
- Support annual campaigns, special appeals, and other development and admissions efforts.
- Assist with admissions communications, follow-up, and enrollment materials.
- Accompany the Director of Admissions on prospective family tours and admissions meetings.
- Provide support for fundraising and admission activities such as prospective family night, the donor event, and Leap into Shabbat.
- Support registration, tracking, communications, and post-event follow-up
- Support institutional communications related to admissions and advancement initiatives.
- Participate in cross-functional projects that strengthen enrollment, philanthropy, and community engagement.
- Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Admissions and Institutional Advancement.
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid health and short-term disability insurance
- Paid time off in accordance with Chicago ordinances, plus Jewish and Federal holidays
- Tuition remission for eligible children after two years of service
- Optional dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
