Development Operations Associate

Chicago Public Media•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Public Media is one of the nation’s largest local nonprofit news organizations, reaching over 3.3 million people weekly across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. As a mission-driven organization, they aim to be the most trusted news source in Chicago. They are community-funded, with nearly 97,000 members supporting their journalism. Chicago Public Media believes independent journalism is essential to a healthy democracy and provides access to objective, fact-based news. They serve the public interest by creating diverse content that informs and enriches the community, supported by approximately 250 professionals. The Development Operations Associate supports the infrastructure and daily execution of Development fundraising operations, ensuring timely and accurate gift processing, maintaining CRM data integrity, supporting donor stewardship, and producing operational reports. This role is critical for supporting organizational growth, especially as Chicago Public Media expands its philanthropic fundraising.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in development operations, database management, or administrative operations.
Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to draft professional correspondence and internal documentation.
Experience working with CRM systems to maintain data integrity and streamline operations.
Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy in data entry and record-keeping.
Excellence in Excel or Google Sheets, including the ability to organize complex data sets and utilize advanced functions.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to manage repetitive but high-accuracy workflows, ensuring consistency and quality in daily operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Revolution CRM
Experience in nonprofit fundraising and an understanding of donor cultivation cycles.
Familiarity with gift processing workflows, including gift entry, acknowledgment, and reconciliation.

Responsibilities

Own the accurate and timely processing of all philanthropic gifts, including processing all Development gifts and pledges in the CRM in coordination with the finance team.
Ensure data accuracy of constituent data, financial data, and reporting data.
Monitor pledge schedules and payment timelines.
Build and maintain reports as they relate to other areas of responsibilities within the job description.
Monitor donor data managed with the CRM and provide support to ensure accuracy and standards of all Development donor data.
Manage the operational execution of gift acknowledgments, including producing and distributing Development donor acknowledgment letters in a timely manner, maintaining acknowledgment timelines and standards, and maintaining acknowledgment templates.
Manage the operational execution of Development tax letters, including producing and distributing annual donor tax letters for Development donors.
Provide data and tracking support for fundraising events and future campaigns, including managing event gift tracking, supporting registration data workflows, and providing on-site support for Development events in coordination with the Events and Stewardship Manager.