Duties
Position Overview
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.
Key Responsibilities
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
Qualifications
Qualifications
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)
Salary/Benefits
Benefits & Compensation
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
Additional Notes
About Chicago Jewish Day School
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.