1

Associate Development Officer Jobs in Chicago, IL

... CFO services , supporting clients through every stage of the company lifecycle. We've built a team ... Development Associate at Embarc Advisors, you will gain exposure to a wide variety of projects and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Development Officer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$55K

$83.4K

How much do associate development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate development officer in Chicago, IL is $55,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $61,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate development officer?

Associate Development Officers are entry- to mid-level professionals who support fundraising, donor relations, and development activities within organizations, typically in the nonprofit or higher education sectors. They work to identify potential donors, assist in organizing fundraising campaigns, and help maintain relationships with current supporters. Their responsibilities may include event planning, grant writing, prospect research, and reporting on fundraising progress. Associate Development Officers play a key role in helping organizations secure financial resources to achieve their missions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an associate development officer?

To thrive as an Associate Development Officer, you need strong fundraising, grant writing, and relationship-building skills, often supported by a degree in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Experience with donor management systems (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), digital fundraising platforms, and knowledge of fundraising regulations is highly valuable. Exceptional communication, organizational abilities, and a collaborative spirit help you cultivate donor relationships and manage multiple projects. These skills are crucial for securing funds, maintaining donor engagement, and supporting the financial health of the organization.

What opportunities for career advancement exist for an associate development officer?

As an Associate Development Officer, you can expect ample opportunities for career growth, especially if you demonstrate strong relationship-building skills and success in fundraising initiatives. Many organizations offer clear paths to progress into roles such as Development Officer, Major Gifts Officer, or even Director of Development. Advancement often involves taking on greater responsibility for donor portfolios, leading campaigns, and managing junior staff. Engaging in professional development and seeking mentorship within your team can further accelerate your progression.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Development Officer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Associate Development Officer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Development Officer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Development Officer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Development Officer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Development Officer job openings:

Chief Development Officer

Joliet, IL • On-site

University of St. Francis
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees

$130K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Job Title
Chief Development Officer
Position Number
005000
Department
University Advancement - Joliet IL
Job Grade
17
Anticipated Salary Range
$130,000-$140,000
Benefits
stfrancis.edu/employment
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The University of St. Francis does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs on the basis of any protected class. The University also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or harassment or participating in any internal or external investigation or complaint process related to allegations of misconduct. For a complete copy of USF's Policy on Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination for All Faculty, Students, Employees and Third Parties or for more information, please go to https://www.stfrancis.edu/titleix/ or contact the Title IX Coordinator at TitleIX@stfrancis.edu.
Position Summary
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive, multi-year, data-driven fundraising strategy aligned with the organization's mission. Reporting to the President, CDO is tasked with identifying philanthropic supporters to expand contributions from private financial support.
COLLABORATIVE NATURE OF POSITION
The success of philanthropy relies heavily on effective, university- and community-wide collaboration - including the Board of Trustees, alumni, senior administration, university athletics, students, faculty, alumni in general, and members of civil society (non-profit and for-profit businesses and governmental bodies) to access the needs and outcomes of the University. The CDO will instill a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and in the community with a broad base of meaningful engagement opportunities to encourage constituencies to investment in and support the University.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Chief Development Officer reports to the President of the University and serves on the Executive Council. The alumni, advancement, and external relations functions report to the CDO, which presently include the following direct reports:
  • Assistant Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations
  • Assistant Director of Scholarships and Community Relations
  • Donor Engagement and Giving Manager
  • University Advancement Development Associate
  • Others, as defined.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Serve as the chief advisor to the President on all matters related to institutional advancement.
  • Develop, coordinate, and execute long- and short-term funding strategies in collaboration with faculty and administration including annual giving, online and direct marketing campaigns, major gifts, special events, and other solicitations.
  • Set goals and benchmarks based on industry best practices that support the mission focus and measure the department employees' accomplishments, individually and collectively.
  • Oversee the enhancement of alumni relations and support new efforts to engage and renew relationships.
  • Seek and cultivate new corporate partnerships to enhance the mission and services of the University.
  • Prepares, recommends, and implements budgets for assigned areas, monitors expenditures, and assures that human and financial resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
  • Actively and effectively engage with Trustees, alumni, and other key volunteers to identify and request financial support and involvement, which may entail some travel.
  • Link constituent relationship management efforts to institutionalize donor data and preferences.
  • Directly manage a portfolio of 20-30 (non-Trustee) donors giving $10,000+ annually.
  • Support the President in managing his or her portfolio of donors - including Trustees.
  • Maintain in-depth knowledge of the University's distinctive history, mission and philosophy, and program offerings.
  • Serve as and/or support the University's spokesperson for select media inquiries as assigned.
  • Provide managerial leadership of and strategic direction to the Advancement office.
  • Adhere to the highest ethical standards; convey a professional and positive demeanor; and lead division in ongoing professional development.
  • Manage all resources required for division programs and initiatives.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant/related field.
  • Five years+ of successful fundraising and external relations leadership experience.
  • In-depth working knowledge of and experience with best practices related to fund development and prospective donor identification.
  • Significant experience in major gift solicitation.
  • Ability to organize and oversee special events sponsored by the University as part of its expanded fundraising goals.
  • Management style supportive of building respectful and collaborative relationships with all members of the campus community.
  • Ability to actively participate in campus, Joliet, and Will County communities where opportunities to represent the university to prospective donors and friends exist.
  • Willingness to support the Catholic and Franciscan values of the University.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Mastery of data and standard technology programs (e.g. Microsoft Office).
  • Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position.

Preferred Requirements
  • Experience in successful fundraising and external relations in higher education.
  • Experience with Banner.
  • 10 years' experience in university advancement.

Hours/Shift/Work Schedule
Full-time exempt position, it is expected that work will be performed to completion. Minimum of 40 hours per week, days, Monday through Friday; evening and/or weekend hours as needed.
Physical Requirements of Position
Work is performed in an office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Substantial time is spent working on a computer, local and national travel and meeting with individuals in a variety of settings.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
FP0801-16
Open Date
08/31/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes