Development Associate

Job Title:

Development Associate (Part
- Time; Exempt)

Organization:
The Learning Center/House of Connections

Location:

Chicago, IL

Schedule:

Part-time, 28 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends

Salary: $30,000 annually

Reports to:

Executive Director

The Learning Center / House of Connections is a community-based adult education and literacy organization dedicated to empowering adults through education, skill-building, and personal development. We provide programs in literacy, English language learning, and workforce readiness, fostering lifelong learning and opportunity for all.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Development Associate to support the organization’s fundraising and development efforts. This part-time, salaried role will assist with donor relations, grant support, event coordination, communications, and data tracking. The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of experience in nonprofit development or a related role and enjoys working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

The Development Associate should possess a passion for and commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of adult learners. This position is ideal for someone who is looking for a long-term position where they can leverage their skills to impact the community and build long-lasting strategic relationships to further TLC’s mission.

• Donor Management and Stewardship
  • Maintain and update donor records in the database, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
  • Prepare and send timely donor acknowledgment letters and tax receipts.
  • Assist in developing and implementing donor cultivation strategies to strengthen relationships.
  • Track and report donor engagement and giving trends to inform fundraising strategy.
• Grant Support
  • Conduct research to identify potential grant opportunities.
  • Assist in writing, editing, and submitting grant proposals and reports.
  • Maintain grant calendars and deadlines to ensure timely submissions.
  • Collaborate with program staff to gather data and impact stories for grant applications.
• Event Planning and Coordination
  • Assist in planning, promoting, and executing fundraising events, including some evenings and weekends.
  • Coordinate logistics such as venue setup, vendor communication, registration, and volunteer support.
  • Track event attendance, sponsor ships, and donations, and provide post-event reporting.
• Communications and Marketing Support
  • Assist in drafting content for newsletters, social media, appeals, and annual reports.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Development Committee to create compelling fundraising materials.
  • Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the mission and impact of the organization.
• Data Tracking and Reporting
  • Maintain accurate records of fundraising activities, donor contacts, and contributions.
  • Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, campaign results, and event outcomes.
  • Support evaluation of fundraising initiatives to improve future efforts.
• Team Collaboration and Special Projects
  • Work closely with the Executive Director and program staff to support organizational priorities.
  • Participate in staff meetings and contribute to strategic planning discussions.
  • Assist with special projects as needed to advance the mission of The Learning Center.

• At least 2–3 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and Quick Books Online.
• Experience drafting grant language or writing proposals/letters of inquiry.
• Experience supporting events or donor cultivation.
• Experience with Social Media, Canva, and Mailchimp preferred.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends for meetings and events.
• Passion for education and literacy is highly desirable.

• Respectful and welcoming attitude.
• Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.
• Strong personal commitment to service.
• Desire for personal and professional growth.
• Ability to quickly adapt to variety of changing situations.
• Understanding of financial procedures,…