Gift Officer Job Chicago area,Illinois USA,Non-Profit & Social Impact

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Vision insurance

ABOUT EXPERIMENTAL STATION

Experimental Station builds the infrastructure and opportunities that enable people and communities to thrive. Rooted in Chicago’s South Side, we connect people, resources, and ideas to build a healthier, more equitable, more vibrant, and sustainable South Side and Illinois.

Our programs include:

Blackstone Bicycle Works:
Now celebrating its 20th year, Blackstone Bicycle Works empowers youth from Chicago's South Side through bicycle mechanics, mentorship, STEAM concepts, and leadership development.

61st Street Farmers Market:
Connects 3,000+ Woodlawn and South Side shoppers to fresh produce weekly, bridging the gap between local farms and affordable food. The Market provides food education to hundreds of local youth and community members annually, building a healthy food culture.

Link Up Illinois:
Increases the affordability and accessibility of fresh foods by doubling the value of SNAP/Link purchases at more than 150 farmers markets, farm stands, food co-ops, and grocery stores across Illinois.

Arts & Culture:
Experimental Station is a South Side hub for arts, culture, and community. Since its founding, Experimental Station has hosted free public events and supported artists, cultural producers, local groups, and neighbors with accessible, discounted space rentals.

Business Incubation:
Since 2006, Experimental Station has provided discounted long-term rental space and resources to mission-aligned local businesses and journalism institutions.

We believe in the values of hospitality, diversity, creativity, belonging, and sustainability. We are seeking a relationship-driven fundraising professional who shares these values and wants to make a direct impact on the South Side. THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you a relationship-builder who loves connecting people with causes they care about? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your hustle directly impacts a community?

We are seeking a Gift Officer to serve as a frontline fundraiser for Experimental Station's programs. In close partnership with the Senior Development Manager and reporting directly to our Executive Director, you will manage and grow a dedicated portfolio of mid-tier donors, moving them from casual supporters to deeply invested partners and advancing our major donor program goals.

Because we are a lean and agile team, you will work directly with leadership on big-picture strategies while also executing daily operations—from gift processing and donor data management to campaigns and special events. If you are strategic, relationship-driven, and ready to take ownership of donor growth alongside a passionate leadership team, you may be an ideal fit.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Donor Portfolio Management and Stewardship (65%)

Portfolio Management:
Manage a dedicated portfolio of ~150 mid-tier donors, serving as their primary point of contact and building long-term, meaningful relationships.

Cultivation and Stewardship:
Partner with the Senior Development Manager to execute personalized cultivation and stewardship plans aimed at increasing donor retention and upgrading giving levels.

Direct Solicitations:
Conduct direct, in-person solicitations, confidently asking for renewals, upgrades, and special campaign gifts.

Donor Recognition:
Coordinate donor recognition efforts, ensuring all gifts are acknowledged promptly, creatively, and meaningfully.

Board and Pipeline Growth:
Work with the Board of Directors and engaged volunteers on a Fundraising/Major Gifts Committee to develop capacity for a steady major giving ($5k+) program.

Associate Board:
Cultivate and manage a future Associate Board focused on fundraising in…