Gift Officer

Communities In Schools of Chicago • Chicago, IL

5d • $77,500 - $80,000

About The Position

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago is seeking a relationship-driven fundraising professional to join its Development team as a Gift Officer. The role manages a portfolio of approximately 90 individual, corporate, and foundation donors, focusing on gifts of $5,000 and above. The Gift Officer builds donor relationships through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship in support of the organization’s mission, programs, and Brighter Futures Campaign.

Working closely with the Director of Major Gifts, organizational leadership, and members of the Board of Directors and Leadership Council, the Gift Officer helps grow philanthropic support and advance opportunities for Chicago students and schools. The position reports to the Director of Major Gifts. Occasional evening and weekend availability is required to support donor engagement and organizational events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience cultivating and managing donor relationships, including engaging major donors and organizational leaders.
• Ability to develop compelling proposals and donor correspondence.
• Excellent organizational skills, adaptability, and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Commitment to the mission of Communities In Schools and a passion for advancing equity and social justice for Chicago’s students and families.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of five years of nonprofit fundraising experience preferred, with direct fundraising and donor relationship management experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 90 individual, corporate, and foundation donors, focusing on gifts of $5,000 and above.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors to grow philanthropic support.
• Support the Brighter Futures Campaign by developing relationships with prospective donors capable of making multi-year commitments of $25,000 or more.
• Partner with members of the Board of Directors and Leadership Council to strengthen donor relationships and engage new major gift prospects.
• Develop compelling donor proposals, letters of request, and personalized donor communications.
• Build a strong understanding of CIS of Chicago’s mission, programs, values, and fundraising priorities.
• Foster a culture of gratitude through thoughtful donor engagement and stewardship.
• Collaborate with the Development team and contribute to a professional, accountable, and relationship-focused work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, a retirement plan, and generous paid time off.
• Collaborative community of educators, nonprofit leaders, and partners working together to create lasting change across Chicago.
• Meaningful impact with the opportunity to change lives – one student, one school, and one community at a time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level