KAP 2026-2027 - Development Associate - Illinois Policy Institute

Stand Together

13h•$55,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Koch Associate Program (KAP) is a career accelerator for early to mid-career professionals with a drive to tackle our countryâs most pressing challenges in more effective, principled ways. KAP equips associates with the tools, mindsets, and community to succeed as social entrepreneursâindividuals excited to find new and better ways to break barriers and eliminate injustice. Associates spend one day each week engaging in experiential learning with Stand Together Fellowships and work at one of our many partner organizations the rest of the week. Our curriculum is designed to supercharge your development and equip you for long-term success as you seek to have an impact on the problems that prevent people from realizing their potential. About the Illinois Policy Institute The Illinois Policy Institute is one of the nationâs leading free-market public policy organizations. We advance policies that promote economic freedom, personal liberty, and good governance, working to ensure Illinois is a state where families, businesses, and communities can thrive. Through rigorous policy research, strategic litigation, and public education, Illinois Policy Institute plays a central role in shaping policy debates in Illinois and beyond. Our work is fast-paced, consequential, and grounded in a belief that principled ideasâpaired with disciplined executionâcan drive real reform. About the Role The Illinois Policy Institute is hiring a Development Associate to support a growing and high-performing fundraising operation. This role is ideal for an early-career professional who is eager to learn the fundamentals of nonprofit development while contributing meaningfully to donor engagement, stewardship, and revenue growth. The Development Associate supports day-to-day fundraising activities, including proposal and report drafting, prospect research, donor communications, event support, and data management. This role is an important entry point into institutional fundraising and provides hands-on exposure to major gifts, foundations, and strategic donor relationships. The Associate will report to the Vice President of Development and work closely with senior members of the development team, including major gifts staff, gaining direct mentorship and insight into how a best-in-class development shop operates. This role is ideally based in Chicago (hybrid; minimum three days per week in office). Growth Opportunities This role is designed as a foundation for a long-term career in nonprofit development. As the Associate grows in experience and skill, they will take on greater responsibility across donor stewardship, grant management, and prospect support. Strong performers may advance into more senior development roles, gaining increasing ownership over donor relationships, strategy execution, and institutional impact. Values Alignment The Illinois Policy Instituteâs development team is collaborative, disciplined, and results-driven. We are building a fundraising operation that matches the seriousness and scale of our policy work. We are seeking a teammate who believes in free-market solutions, limited government, and the importance of private philanthropy in advancing durable reformâand who is eager to contribute to that mission through integrity, self-accountability and excellence in execution.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and dependable
Interest in fundraising, philanthropy, communications, or public policy
Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace; CRM experience a plus (training provided)
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Willingness to occasionally support events outside standard business hours (up to 10%)

Responsibilities

Draft and edit donor proposals, impact reports, and stewardship communications
Maintain and update institutional boilerplate, program summaries, and funding materials
Conduct research on prospective donors, foundations, and partners
Summarize findings and track cultivation activity within the organizationâs CRM
Coordinate with Finance and Operations to record gifts, pledges, and donor interactions
Support reconciliation processes to ensure accurate and timely reporting
Assist with drafting thank-you letters and donor acknowledgments
Support donor club materials and ensure prompt, professional follow-up
Assist with meeting coordination, briefing preparation, and personalized donor outreach
Support senior staff in preparing for donor meetings and calls
Assist with donor receptions, briefings, and institute events
Support logistics, guest coordination, and post-event follow-up