Development Associate, Annual Fund

National Louis University•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Development Associate, Annual Fund supports National Louis University's Advancement/Development Department by advancing annual fundraising efforts and increasing philanthropic support from alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the University. Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving, the associate helps execute strategies to grow donor participation, retention, and revenue through campaign implementation, donor stewardship, prospect research, reporting and analysis, and project coordination. The role works collaboratively across the Advancement team to build a sustainable pipeline of engaged donors and support the University's annual giving priorities. The position provides campaign and donor-engagement support, monitors fundraising performance, conducts prospect research, and coordinates projects, events, and administrative activities related to annual giving. A bachelor's degree in Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field is required. Candidates need at least one year of relevant experience; three years is preferred. The position requires strong communication, professionalism, integrity, judgment, teamwork, prioritization, results orientation, and proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. Familiarity with fundraising databases and email marketing, such as Salesforce, is also required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
At least one year of experience in alumni relations, annual fund giving, direct mail appeals, communications, customer service, or a related field.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
High level of professionalism, integrity, and good judgment.
High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Prior knowledge of and familiarity with fundraising databases and email marketing, such as Salesforce.
Strong teamwork and collaboration, including open communication, reliable and timely completion of commitments, and contribution to a positive cooperative environment.
Ability to balance competing tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities; prioritize work and maintain quality, communication, and follow-through.
Results-oriented approach, with disciplined execution, prioritization, and follow-through toward goals.

Nice To Haves

Three years of relevant experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of annual giving initiatives designed to increase philanthropic support.
Coordinate annual fund campaigns and donor engagement activities, including giving days, commencement giving, faculty and staff giving, crowdfunding initiatives, donor recognition programs, and student philanthropy efforts.
Provide secondary moves-management support for donors and prospects to the Director of Annual Giving.
Manage campaign logistics, donor segmentation, stewardship activities, and coordination with internal and external partners.
Monitor and evaluate annual giving performance through reporting, data analysis, and donor research.
Prepare reports measuring campaign effectiveness, donor participation, retention, and fundraising results.
Conduct prospect research and develop donor profiles to support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
Partner with Advancement Operations to maintain accurate donor data and reporting.
Provide project management and administrative support for annual giving initiatives, including developing timelines, coordinating vendors, maintaining calendars and shared documentation, supporting donor cultivation and recognition events, managing registrations and logistics, and assisting with other fundraising operations.