The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is seeking a Development Coordinator to enhance donor and member relations while supporting the Development Department. The role involves managing donor communications, maintaining records, and contributing to the success of various events.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Finance team and the Manager, Prospect Research Analyst to execute timely and accurate gift acknowledgements for the Development Department
- Execute personalized donor and membership communications through mail merges and monthly renewals
- Serve as the first point of contact for the Development Department, addressing inquiries and strengthening relationships with donors, funders and members
- Accurately process and fulfill gift memberships, while keeping donor records up to date
- Maintain accurate donor records in the Tessitura database, providing back-up for gift entry, list pulls, and extractions as needed
- Coordinate and write "Donor Spotlights" for the monthly Membership E-Newsletter in partnership with the Marketing Department
- Keep the Development Department organized by managing meetings, agendas and departmental calendars
- Manage department contributions to organizational reports and communications
- Ensure smooth operations by maintaining Development materials inventory and vendor relationships
- Support the activities of the CAC Board of Trustees’ Committees by managing meeting invitations, hosting Zoom meetings, and taking minutes
- Provide administrative assistance to the Chief Advancement Officer, including meeting preparation, scheduling, reporting, filing, and data entry
- Contribute to the success of Development events, including Burnham Society, Industry Council, Gala, and other VIP events
- Duties may include but are not limited to answering or forwarding any questions to correct staff members and assisting with pre-event and day-of-event tasks as assigned, such as printing nametags and assisting guests with check-in
- Contribute to special projects or initiatives as assigned by the department leadership
Skills
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 1–2 years of relevant experience in donor relations, sales, administration, or a similar role
- Self-starter with creative problem-solving skills
- Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
- High comfort level with technology and a variety of applications (Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, mail merging, Asana, and WordFly)
- Experience with CRM or fundraising database
- Excellent communication skills – both written and verbal
- Interpersonal skills and ability to foster strong working relationships
- Interest in being part of an entrepreneurial environment
- Curiosity about the built environment and civic engagement
- Customer service experience is a plus
Company Overview
- When you hit the pavement on one of our 75+ walking tours through Chicago neighborhoods, embark on our award-winning river cruise or visit the stunning riverfront Center, you’re helping fund youth education initiatives, world-renowned events like Open House Chicago and public information campaigns that empower citizens to take an active role in the future of their cities. It was founded in 1966, and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, US, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is http://architecture.org.