Development Associate

Overview

Development Associate

Build something meaningful with us!

Chicago, Illinois

Reports to: Director of Institutional Advancement

Status: Full-time

Chicago Jewish Day School is a multi-denominational, progressive Jewish day school serving approximately 235 students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Grounded in Jewish values, CJDS offers an integrated, inquiry-based, and experiential curriculum that emphasizes excellence in both Judaic and General Studies.

CJDS is a leader in fostering togetherness, cooperation, and respect across all Jewish denominations. We prepare our students to become thoughtful learners, ethical individuals, and engaged members of the Jewish community—and our work is made possible through strong partnerships with families, donors, alumni, and community supporters.

The Development Associate plays a vital role in advancing the mission of Chicago Jewish Day School by supporting fundraising operations, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Advancement, this hands-on position is ideal for someone who enjoys making fundraising work —through strong systems, thoughtful communication, and careful attention to detail.

This role provides essential administrative, operational, and programmatic support to ensure that donors experience the impact of their generosity and that the school’s development efforts are accurate, timely, and effective. The Development Associate is a trusted partner to staff and school leadership and contributes meaningfully to the integrity and success of CJDS’s philanthropic work.

Development Administration & Operations

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date digital donor records, including gifts, pledges, acknowledgments, historical, and constituent data
• Own the reconciliation of charitable contributions and ensure timely, accurate acknowledgments and tax receipts
• Manage grants, including tracking deadlines and reporting requirements
• Produce reports, mailing lists, and correspondence to support fundraising initiatives
• Support annual campaigns, special appeals, and other development efforts
• Prepare monthly fundraising reports for the Board of Trustees

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Assist with donor communications, including acknowledgments, stewardship letters, tribute cards, and impact reports
• Support donor recognition and stewardship strategies
• Conduct basic prospect research and assist with donor tracking as needed

Events & Engagement

• Provide primary administrative and logistical support for fundraising events and donor engagement activities
• Manage registration, tracking, communications, and post-event follow-up
• Engage with volunteer leaders
• Provide administrative support for the annual Parent Campaign

Relationships, Collaboration & Institutional Support

• Work closely with the Director of Institutional Advancement, Head of School, and colleagues across the school, as well as foundation funders, and other community partners
• Support board and committee development efforts by preparing materials and tracking action items
• Perform additional duties as needed in support of the Development Office

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional standards
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom

Preferred

• Experience in development, fundraising, or nonprofit administration
• Experience in an educational or Jewish communal organization
• Familiarity with Jewish philanthropic culture and community
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems (CJDS uses NEON and Finalsite)

CJDS offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees (30+ hours/week), including:

• 100% employer-paid health and short-term disability insurance
• Paid time off in accordance with Chicago ordinances, plus Jewish and Federal holidays
• Tuition remission for eligible children after two years of service
• Optional dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

Join us in strengthening a vibrant community—and help ensure that generosity and impact go hand in hand.