Development and Engagement Specialist

Job Title(s):

Development & Engagement Specialist

Department:

Development

Reports To:

Marketing and Communications Manager

Direct Reports:

NA

Classification:

Exempt

Date:6/5/26

Revised: 7/17/26

Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. To date, CHIL has served nearly 2,000 young people, administering tailored, wraparound services, including interim and transitional shelter, workforce and education programming, clinical case management, life‑skills training, and more to help youth permanently escape the cycle of homelessness.

CHIL's programs and services are youth affirming, supportive, and rooted in harm reduction and trauma‑sensitive care. With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s west side and a recently enacted three‑year strategic plan outlining a comprehensive vision of program expansion and service innovation, CHIL is uniquely positioned to meet the emerging needs of young people experiencing housing instability and provide the resources and care they need to achieve sustainable independence.

We empower them to finish high school, start college, gain employment, live independently, and ultimately step out into the world knowing they are prepared to be successful.

The Development & Engagement Specialist supports fundraising, donor engagement, and community outreach initiatives by coordinating special events, managing donor stewardship activities, assisting with fundraising campaigns, maintaining donor records, and fostering relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners. This role helps advance the organization's development strategy and supports efforts to increase philanthropic support and community engagement.

Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Manager on participant engagement strategies for Sleep Out:
Chicago, including recruitment, retention, fundraising support, stewardship, communications, and event logistics.

Coordinate participant experience and relationship management for Sleep Out and other peer‑to‑peer fundraising initiatives, ensuring a high‑quality engagement experience from recruitment through stewardship.

Develop and coordinate customized corporate, school, faith‑based, and community Sleep Out experiences throughout the year.

Cultivate relationships with corporate partners, schools, industry associations, and other community stakeholders to expand participation and fundraising opportunities.

Research, evaluate, and develop new peer‑to‑peer fundraising and community engagement initiatives that increase awareness and revenue.

Manage CHIL's participation in third‑party fundraising opportunities, including athletic and peer‑to‑peer fundraising programs.

Collaborating with CHIL’s Major Gift officer and other Development team members, coordinate and execute an annual calendar of donor cultivation, stewardship, and recognition events.

Partner with development staff to create meaningful donor experiences that strengthen relationships and encourage increased philanthropic investment.

Support donor stewardship efforts through event management, communications, recognition activities, and personalized engagement opportunities.

Partner with program staff to connect donors with CHIL's mission, impact, and youth success stories through onsite and offsite experiences.

Assist with the planning and execution of board, major‑donor, and prospect engagement activities.

Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive volunteer engagement program that supports organizational priorities and youth services.

Create and maintain a calendar of individual, group, corporate, and virtual volunteer opportunities.

Recruit, onboard, train, and steward volunteers while ensuring compliance with organizational and Covenant House International policies and procedures.

Develop and maintain volunteer program infrastructure, including handbooks, agreements, policies, training materials, and operational procedures.

Establish systems to track volunteer participation, hours,…