1

Development Officer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $64,000 Reporting to the Director of Operations & External Affairs (DOEA), the Development Officer (DO) will support fundraising initiatives, donor relations, and external communications for ...

Reporting to the Director of Operations & External Affairs (DOEA), the Development Officer (DO) will support fundraising initiatives, donor relations, and external communications for Growing Home (GH)

Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Operations & External Affairs (DOEA), the Development Officer (DO) will support fundraising initiatives, donor relations, and external communications for Growing Home (GH)

As it enters its next phase of growth, Hope Chicago is seeking a Chief Development Officer to architect the fundraising and partnerships needed to scale a radically different approach to economic ...

SBA Business Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Excellent opportunity for a seasoned SBA Business Development Officer with a very successful national financial institution. Responsible for generating new SBA loans in an assigned local market.

SBA Business Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Excellent opportunity for a seasoned SBA Business Development Officer with a very successful national financial institution. Responsible for generating new SBA loans in an assigned local market.

SBA Business Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Excellent opportunity for a seasoned SBA Business Development Officer with a very successful national financial institution. Responsible for generating new SBA loans in an assigned local market.

SBA Business Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Excellent opportunity for a seasoned SBA Business Development Officer with a very successful national financial institution. Responsible for generating new SBA loans in an assigned local market.

SBA Business Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Excellent opportunity for a seasoned SBA Business Development Officer with a very successful national financial institution. Responsible for generating new SBA loans in an assigned local market.

SBA Business Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Excellent opportunity for a seasoned SBA Business Development Officer with a very successful national financial institution. Responsible for generating new SBA loans in an assigned local market.

SBA Business Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Excellent opportunity for a seasoned SBA Business Development Officer with a very successful national financial institution. Responsible for generating new SBA loans in an assigned local market.

SBA Business Development Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

Excellent opportunity for a seasoned SBA Business Development Officer with a very successful national financial institution. Responsible for generating new SBA loans in an assigned local market.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Development Officer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.2K

$76.8K

$122.7K

How much do development officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for development officer in Chicago, IL is $76,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,300.00 and $87,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Development Officer?

A development officer often works for a non-profit organization, charity, college, or university. Your role in this career focuses on fundraising and donor relations. Your responsibilities revolve around building revenue for the organization through donations and fundraising efforts, so your daily job duties may include planning major fundraising campaigns, utilizing social media to create awareness of a need, planning events to raise funds, finding volunteers for various projects and events, and communicating with executives about revenue and expense reports. Development officers may also write persuasive materials for publication in local newspapers, on websites, or in newsletters.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

Being a Business Development Manager (BDM) can be stressful due to targets, client negotiations, and workload management. The role often requires strong communication, strategic thinking, and resilience to meet sales and growth objectives.

How does a Development Officer typically collaborate with other departments to achieve fundraising goals?

Development Officers frequently work cross-functionally, partnering with marketing, communications, and program teams to align fundraising initiatives with organizational objectives. They often coordinate with event planners for donor events, work closely with finance to track donations, and collaborate with executive leadership to identify and cultivate major gift prospects. Successful collaboration ensures that fundraising campaigns are cohesive, donor communications are consistent, and organizational needs are clearly communicated to supporters. This teamwork helps maximize fundraising effectiveness and supports the overall mission.

What skills do you need to be a development officer?

A development officer needs strong communication, interpersonal, and fundraising skills to build relationships and secure funding. They should also have project management abilities, knowledge of nonprofit or organizational operations, and proficiency with databases and donor management software. Additionally, attention to detail and the ability to work independently are important for success in this role.

What is a Development Officer?

A Development Officer is a professional responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing fundraising initiatives and donor relations for an organization, often within the nonprofit sector. They work to secure financial support through grants, donations, and other fundraising activities to help the organization achieve its mission. Development Officers also build and maintain relationships with donors, prepare fundraising materials, and track contributions. Their role is crucial in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of their organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Officer, you need expertise in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing, typically supported by a relevant degree such as in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems (such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce), event planning tools, and fundraising platforms is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, persuasive communication, and strategic thinking help build lasting relationships and effectively convey an organization's mission. These skills are crucial for securing financial resources and fostering partnerships that sustain nonprofit initiatives and growth.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Development Officers in large organizations or nonprofits can earn close to or over $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, commissions, or in senior roles. High-level executive positions such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite roles also frequently reach or exceed this salary level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills.

What is the role of a development officer?

A development officer is responsible for planning and implementing fundraising strategies to support an organization’s goals. They build relationships with donors, identify funding opportunities, and often use tools like CRM systems to manage donor information. Strong communication and grant-writing skills are essential for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Officer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Development Officer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Development Officer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,753 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Chief Development Officer

Saint Ignatius College Prep

Chicago, IL • On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Development/Chief Development Officer
Date Posted:
5/13/2026
Location:
Saint Ignatius College Prep, Chicago, Illinois
Date Available:
Negotiable
Closing Date:
When Filled
Chief Development Officer
Saint Ignatius College Prep - Chicago, IL
Job Title: Chief Development Officer
Department: Development
Reports To: President
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: 12-month, full-time
Position Summary
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a senior leader responsible for advancing the mission of the School through strategic leadership of development, alumni relations, marketing/communications, and public relations. As a key member of the President's leadership team, the CDO designs and implements comprehensive advancement strategies that strengthen philanthropic support, increase visibility, and enhance accessibility. This role oversees all fundraising efforts and ensures alignment with the School's values, mission, and long-term strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage all advancement functions, including development, alumni relations, communications, and public relations
  • Develop and execute annual and long-range fundraising strategies, including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, and corporate/foundation relations
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, including alumni, parents, and community partners
  • Provide leadership and supervision to advancement staff, including performance management and strategic direction
  • Partner with the President and Board of Trustees to support fundraising initiatives and donor engagement
  • Oversee donor relations, recognition programs, and advancement communications
  • Strengthen community relations with local organizations, civic entities, and institutional partners
  • Collaborate with school leadership on strategic planning, visibility, and institutional growth
  • Other duties as assigned

Scope and Impact
This role has broad organizational impact, shaping the School's fundraising strategy, public presence, and long-term financial sustainability. The CDO exercises significant independent judgment, directly influences major gift revenue, and plays a key role in strategic decision-making. The position interacts extensively with senior leadership, trustees, donors, and the broader community.
Qualifications - Required
  • Demonstrated experience in institutional advancement, fundraising, and operations management
  • Proven leadership experience managing teams and complex initiatives
  • Strong background in strategic planning and implementation
  • Experience in donor cultivation, major gifts, and fundraising program oversight
  • Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church with appreciation for Jesuit education

Qualifications - Preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in business, leadership, or related field
  • Experience in education or nonprofit sector advancement
  • Experience working with boards and high-level stakeholders

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills
  • Strong leadership presence with ability to build trust and relationships across diverse stakeholders
  • Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead complex initiatives
  • High level of professionalism, discretion, and organizational awareness
  • Ability to engage effectively with donors, trustees, alumni, and community partners

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position operates in a professional school and community environment with frequent interaction at on-campus and off-campus events. The role requires extended periods of sitting, communication, and travel to meetings and events. Evening and weekend work is regularly required.
Compensation and Schedule
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.
  • Salary Range: $190,000-$210,000
  • Compensation is salaried and commensurate with experience.
  • The expected work schedule typically ranges from 40 55 hours per week, including evenings and events as required.

Performance Expectations
  • Achievement of annual and long-term fundraising goals
  • Successful cultivation and stewardship of major donors
  • Effective leadership and development of advancement team
  • Increased visibility and engagement with alumni and community stakeholders
  • Alignment of advancement strategies with school mission and strategic plan
  • Strong collaboration with President, leadership team, and Board of Trustees