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Development Communications Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Associate Director, Strategic Development Communications is responsible for planning, writing ... Serve as primary author and project manager for assigned donor proposals, working in collaboration ...

Our Manager of Training and Communications will assess, design, develop, and implement effective ... Training Development and Deployment: * Meet with subject matter experts, key stakeholders, and end ...

Development Intern

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Development Intern Chicago, Illinois, United States Job Openings Development Intern About the Job ... Strong written and verbal communication skills * High attention to detail and the ability to manage ...

Manager of Training and Communications

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Manager of Training and Communications will assess, design, develop, and implement effective ... Training Development and Deployment: * Meet with subject matter experts, key stakeholders, and end ...

Internal Communications Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In the US, we are leaders focused on recycling and circular economy, managing all different ... Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities * Leadership opportunities

Internal Communications Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In the US, we are leaders focused on recycling and circular economy, managing all different ... Career ladders, professional development, and promotion opportunities * Leadership opportunities

Showing results 41-60

Development Communications Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$79.8K

$137K

How much do development communications manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for development communications manager in Chicago, IL is $79,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,300.00 and $93,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Development Communications Manager typically collaborate with fundraising and program teams?

A Development Communications Manager works closely with fundraising teams to craft compelling donor communications, campaign materials, and impact reports that align with organizational goals. They also partner with program staff to gather stories, data, and updates that illustrate the real-world impact of fundraising efforts. This cross-functional collaboration ensures messaging is both authentic and effective, helping to engage donors and build long-term support. Regular meetings and ongoing communication with both teams are essential to stay aligned and responsive to evolving needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Communications Manager?

To thrive as a Development Communications Manager, you need expertise in nonprofit fundraising, strategic communications, and content creation, often supported by a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), email marketing platforms, and analytics tools is typically required. Exceptional written and verbal communication, project management, and relationship-building skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for effectively engaging donors, driving fundraising success, and advancing the organization's mission.

What is the difference between Development Communications Manager vs Communications Specialist?

AspectDevelopment Communications ManagerCommunications Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; experience in nonprofit or development sectorsBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, NGOs, or development agenciesVarious industries including corporate, nonprofit, or government
Employer & Industry UsageFundraising, donor engagement, and awareness campaignsMedia relations, content creation, and internal/external communications

The Development Communications Manager focuses on creating strategies to promote fundraising and donor engagement within nonprofit sectors, requiring specialized knowledge of development goals. In contrast, a Communications Specialist handles broader communication tasks across industries, often with less emphasis on fundraising. Both roles require strong communication skills, but the Development Communications Manager's role is more strategic and sector-specific.

What does a Development Communications Manager do?

A Development Communications Manager is responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies that support fundraising and development efforts within an organization, often a nonprofit. They craft compelling messages, manage donor communications, and produce materials such as newsletters, annual reports, and fundraising appeals. Their goal is to engage donors, increase awareness, and strengthen the organization's relationships with its supporters. They often collaborate with development, marketing, and leadership teams to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Communications jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Development Communications jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Communications Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Development Communications Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Communications Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Communications Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Development Communications Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Development Communications Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Communications Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,773 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Strategic Dev Comms Associate Dir

Rush Oak Park

Chicago, IL • On-site

$32 - $46.44/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Department: Philanthropy

Work Type: Full Time

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www. rush. edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $32.00 - $46.44 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case. This role has a corresponding incentive plan based on multiple factors. incentive compensation and additional benefits can be found on our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits)

Summary:
The Associate Director, Strategic Development Communications is responsible for planning, writing and executing original proposals at the $100,000-$1 million level and other deliverables that contribute to high-priority donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. While this role does not maintain a donor portfolio, the Associate Director works closely with frontline fundraisers, leveraging writing and organizational skills to help build relationships and secure gifts. The Associate Director also will work directly with clinical and academic faculty and staff throughout Rush University Medical Center and Rush University to define and articulate philanthropic opportunities and report on the impact of donors’ support. Reporting to the Director, Strategic Development Communications, the Associate Director is an integral role on the Office of Philanthropy’s Strategic Development Communications team, which develops and articulates messaging for Rush’s current philanthropic campaign; defines and cultivates the campaign’s menu of philanthropic opportunities; drafts proposals, impact reports and cultivation materials for donors; and provides writing and editorial support as needed. The individual who holds this position exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other information:
•Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism, communications, marketing, English or a related field, or with communications experience in a related subject such as public health or medicine.
•A minimum of five years’ experience writing in healthcare, science and/or higher education, with philanthropy experience preferred.
•Exceptional writing and storytelling skills required, including the ability to articulate Rush’s mission and the campaign vision to a variety of constituencies with poise and diplomacy.
•Experience or familiarity with developing human-centered messages that emphasize real-world impact and meaning.
•Professional demeanor.
•Strong analytical and interviewing skills. Curiosity about healthcare and the biomedical sciences. Proven ability to master and then convey complex concepts, synthesizing information from multiple sources to produce original persuasive prose for general audiences.
•Broad experience working collaboratively on communication-related deliverables; welcomes constructive feedback and strives for continuous improvement.
•A track record of shepherding multiple projects with overlapping deadlines from inception to delivery.
•Poise in interacting with and eliciting information from clinicians, researchers, administrators and senior leaders.
•Familiarity with Associated Press style.
•Demonstrates a global perspective, crafting communications that resonate across cultures and contexts.
•Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint required; willingness to learn new technology preferred.
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.

Responsibilities:
1.Serve as primary author and project manager for assigned donor proposals, working in collaboration with frontline fundraisers who manage prospect relationships.
2.Craft original prose that inspires, builds trust and imparts a sense of urgency, answering the questions “why Rush?” and “why now?”
3.Assimilate information in a variety of forms to articulate the case for support and communicate complex concepts in easy-to-grasp messaging.
4.Strategically and creatively utilize the Philanthropy Communications library of content to repurpose and build upon existing materials as appropriate.
5.Set and monitor timelines for project deliverables and stakeholder review/approval; mobilize colleagues from across the institution to meet established deadlines.
6.Assure that all elements of each proposal — narrative, budget, supporting information — are complete, accurate, tailored to the prospective donor’s philanthropic interests and goals, and reinforce consistent messages.
7.In close partnership with the Director, Strategic Communications, serve as a subject matter expert for select clinical and/or academic programs.
8.Keep abreast of institutional facts, figures and news, and of relevant themes and trends in health care.
9.As assigned, create and update stewardship reports, campaign materials, presentations, toolkits and one-pagers, and other philanthropy content.
10.Partner with Philanthropy Communications colleagues to produce content about high-impact funding priorities and the impact of philanthropy that can be shared online, via social media and multimedia platforms, etc.
11.Act as a liaison to fundraising teams and to Rush’s central Office of Marketing and Communications, drawing from and contributing to the department’s shared library of content. Develop, pilot and implement tools to improve all processes listed within this job description.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.