Economic Development Project Manager Jobs in Illinois

WTTW (Chicago PBS) and WFMT (classical music radio station) are looking for a Development Project Manager to join their team. The Development Project Manager will support the Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations (CFG) Team by driving activities that help achieve the team's fundraising goals, in support of Window to the World Communications (WTTW and WFMT) local journalism, arts and culture programming, educational initiatives, and public media productions. This role combines project management and administrative coordination (approximately 50%) with direct responsibility for corporate sponsorship solicitation and fulfillment (approximately 50%).
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Play a key role in building and advancing funder relationships for the CFG team by coordinating the creation and distribution of collateral materials, maintaining mailing and invitation lists, relationship tracking, and supporting the team's donor interactions.
• Lead the development of proposals and outreach for corporate sponsorships (including gala support, restricted special project funding, and general operations) and manage the fulfillment of benefits for all corporate partnerships.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of funder and partner meetings and events, including special screenings, tours, and unique experiences that strengthen key relationships.
• Gather, analyze, and prepare quantitative and qualitative data (such as recognition impressions) to inform creative storytelling about the impact of our work.
• Lead the CFG Team gift acknowledgement process, including maintaining and regularly updating creative letter templates, personalizing letters for each donor, managing team reviews and implementing feedback, and record keeping.
• Craft and support a variety of written communications for the institutions team, such as persuasive solicitation and gift acknowledgment emails and letters, customized gift agreements, and reports.
• Develop research reports (briefings) for current and potential institutional funder prospects including past interactions (meetings, emails, other points of contact), giving history, and philanthropic interests to inform strategic engagement.
• Maintain funder database (Tessitura) by proactively identifying, entering, and updating contact information and contact reports to ensure accurate records and support moves management and reporting.
• Provide essential administrative and project coordination support to the Senior Director and CFG Team, including managing expense reports, scheduling, meeting logistics, and minutes.
• Participate in the Development team's cultivation and stewardship activities, including in-person and special events such as our annual gala, screenings, and community-building efforts.
• Other duties as assigned: the Development Project Manager will support the CFG Team as necessary and work collaboratively and cross-departmentally across the organization.
• Lead with positive attitude; team-centric behavior; and results-oriented, focused approach to developing relationships both externally and internally that result in increased revenue for WTTW and WFMT.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Strong attention to detail with excellent follow-through.
• Ability to develop and demonstrate progressive responsibility across tasks.
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Proactive planning and project management skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Comfort working in and maintaining a CRM/database (Tessitura or similar), including data entry, tracking, and reporting.
• Ability to handle detailed work with accuracy.
• Ability to follow and maintain work systems and processes.
• Ability to handle matters of a confidential nature.
• Interpersonal skills (working with clients, customers, colleagues).
• Trouble shooting and problem-solving skills.
EXPERIENCE:
• Candidate must have 2-4 years of professional experience, preferably in a non-profit development, fundraising, or a related field.
• Experience supporting fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships or donor engagement preferred.
• Project management experience.
EDUCATION: College degree a plus.
ESTIMATED SALARY RANGE: starting at $52,000 - $61,000/annual
WTTW and WFMT is committed to providing comprehensive and affordable benefits. These benefits are available to eligible employees.
Window to the World Communications, Inc., the parent organization of WTTW and WFMT, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.