Development and Campaign Specialist

Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana•Proviso Township, IL

4d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Development & Campaign Specialist is an important member of the Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana Development team. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and working closely with the two Directors of Development, the specialist provides operational support for capital campaign management, fundraising operations, donor engagement, stewardship, and department administration. The role coordinates logistics and materials, maintains accurate records, tracks priorities and commitments through completion, and supports effective execution of fundraising initiatives. The successful candidate is organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage competing priorities, anticipate needs, exercise sound judgment, and build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and internal stakeholders. The position involves occasional evening or weekend work to support campaign meetings, donor activities, and events, as well as travel throughout Chicagoland. The role is based at the Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana business office in Hines, Illinois. It is a full-time, day-shift position, with a stated salary range of $60,000 to $70,000 and eligibility for an annual bonus of up to 5%. Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana is an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It operates six Ronald McDonald Houses, four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program. Its mission is to help families stay close to care and resources while their children are hospitalized.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
At least three years of experience in nonprofit fundraising operations and administration, executive support, and/or project coordination.
Experience supporting a capital campaign, major gifts program, or fundraising committee.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accurate records, materials, and reporting.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare polished correspondence and presentation materials.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and ability to learn and use new technology effectively.
Experience with a donor database or customer relationship management system; Raiser’s Edge is required.
Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, resolve routine issues, and recognize when to seek guidance.
Professionalism, discretion, and a collaborative approach to working with donors, volunteers, and colleagues.

Responsibilities

Support capital campaign operations, donor engagement, and fundraising initiatives in partnership with Development leadership.
Coordinate donor meetings, including scheduling, logistics, briefing materials, and follow-up.
Coordinate donor proposals, presentations, documents, and correspondence using approved content and guidance from Development leadership.
Track fundraising progress, campaign timelines, milestones, and key performance indicators; keep information current and flag delays or outstanding items.
Support campaign volunteer leadership and committee activities by coordinating meetings, preparing materials, communicating, and tracking action items.
Coordinate campaign tours, receptions, and other donor activities, including invitations, materials, logistics, and follow-up.
Coordinate donor acknowledgments, recognition, and stewardship activities.
Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in the fundraising database, including engagement activity, solicitation status, commitments, recognition preferences, and next steps.
Provide responsive, professional support to donors, volunteers, and campaign partners; refer questions requiring additional judgment or authority to the appropriate team member.
Handle confidential donor, financial, and organizational information with discretion.
Manage fundraising calendars and coordinate meeting preparation, agendas, materials, and follow-up action items.
Track project timelines, deliverables, and milestones; coordinate cross-department initiatives and communicate progress and emerging concerns.
Maintain internal systems, shared drives, standard operating procedures, templates, and departmental documentation.
Oversee daily department administration, including supplies, special mailings, correspondence, and other operational support.
Prepare reports, dashboards, fundraising updates, presentations, and Board or committee materials.
Coordinate special projects and strategic initiatives led by the Chief Development Officer and Directors of Development.
Identify and implement improvements to administrative workflows, documentation, and use of technology.
Manage assigned work independently, anticipate needs, and ensure priorities and decisions are carried through to completion.
Perform other related duties as assigned.