Development Associate

North Lawndale College Prep Charter High School•Chicago, IL

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic individual who is eager to grow their career while making a meaningful impact on students. This role will work closely with the CEO, providing hands-on support for key initiatives and contributing to the organization's growth and success. The Development Associate is an organized, detail-oriented professional responsible for supporting the CEO in all aspects of donor relationship management. This includes ensuring that fundraising and relationship-building efforts are well-coordinated, documented, and professionally executed. Functioning similarly to an administrative assistant with a specialized focus on development operations and donor engagement, the Development Associate plays a critical behind-the-scenes role in ensuring donors feel informed, appreciated, and connected to the mission of North Lawndale College Prep. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys coordination, writing and editing, relationship support, and operational follow-through, and who thrives on executing details with excellence.

Requirements

Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
Strong project coordination and follow-through skills.
Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work independently while supporting executive leadership.
Flexible to support occasional evening events as needed.
Commitment to advancing public education and the mission of North Lawndale College Prep.
Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Donor/Relationship Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
2–3 years of professional experience in fundraising administration, development, nonprofit operations, or related fields preferred.
Experience with donor management CRM systems is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification preferred.
Fundraising experience is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Manage the CEO's development calendar, including scheduling donor meetings and follow-ups.
Prepare donor meeting materials, including donor briefs, giving histories, and agendas.
Track action items and next steps following donor meetings.
Draft donor acknowledgments, thank-you letters, stewardship updates, and routine correspondence.
Ensure timely and thoughtful follow-up with donors.
Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM.
Enter gifts and support acknowledgment workflows.
Generate reports for the CEO, board, and fundraising tracking purposes.
Monitor donor pipelines and provide regular status updates.
Ensure donor-facing communications align with organizational voice and brand standards.
Maintain templates, messaging documents, and boilerplate language.
Coordinate review and distribution of donor communications.
Manage social media platforms, including the company website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other relevant channels.
Create, schedule, and publish engaging content to promote programs, events, staff achievements, and student success stories.
Ensure brand consistency across all digital and print communications.
Work with our vendor to generate content for both internal and external communications, including newsletters, announcements, and marketing materials.
Support internal communications by drafting staff updates, leadership messages, and organizational announcements.
Coordinate event promotion and community outreach efforts through digital platforms.
Manage NLCP brand, media inquiries and support public relations efforts as needed.
Support logistics for fundraising events and donor gatherings.
Track RSVPs and manage follow-up communications.
Assist with campaign coordination and timeline management.
Maintain grants calendar and deadline tracking.
Gather required attachments and assist with formatting and submission logistics.
Grant writing (preferred)