1

Fundraiser Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Location: 315 N Racine Ave Chicago, IL 60607 The Development Associate is responsible for: * Plan ... Support corporate and foundation fundraising efforts, including prospect research, sponsorship ...

Location: 315 N Racine Ave Chicago, IL 60607 The Development Associate is responsible for: * Plan ... Support corporate and foundation fundraising efforts, including prospect research, sponsorship ...

Location: 315 N Racine Ave Chicago, IL 60607 The Development Associate is responsible for: * Plan ... Support corporate and foundation fundraising efforts, including prospect research, sponsorship ...

Marketing Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$53K - $58K/yr

The Marketing (Advancement) Associate supports the school's marketing, communications, and ... Fundraising (approximately 20%): * Track donor data across all fundraising efforts * Generate ...

Showing results 21-40

Fundraiser Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$5

$17

$27

How much do fundraiser associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for fundraiser associate in Chicago, IL is $17.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fundraiser associate do?

A Fundraiser Associate supports the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns for nonprofit organizations, charities, or institutions. Their responsibilities typically include reaching out to donors, organizing fundraising events, managing donor databases, and assisting with grant writing. They also help build relationships with supporters and ensure that fundraising goals are met. Strong communication and organizational skills are key in this role, and Fundraiser Associates often work as part of a larger development or fundraising team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fundraiser associate?

To thrive as a Fundraiser Associate, you need strong communication, organizational, and research skills, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management software like Raiser's Edge and proficiency in CRM systems are typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persistence, and creativity help you build relationships and craft compelling fundraising campaigns. These abilities are essential for effectively engaging donors, achieving fundraising targets, and advancing organizational goals.

What are some of the main challenges a fundraiser associate faces when engaging potential donors?

As a Fundraiser Associate, one of the primary challenges is building trust and rapport with potential donors who may receive frequent requests from various organizations. It requires strong communication skills to effectively convey the organization's mission and demonstrate the tangible impact of donations. Additionally, Fundraiser Associates must balance meeting fundraising goals with maintaining positive relationships, often collaborating closely with marketing and events teams to create compelling campaigns. Adapting to donor feedback and learning from unsuccessful pitches are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Fundraiser Associate vs Development Coordinator?

AspectFundraiser AssociateDevelopment Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, event supportPlanning fundraising strategies, managing donor databases, coordinating events
Required SkillsCommunication, organization, basic fundraising knowledgeProject management, communication, donor relations
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charities, community groupsNonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations
Common UsageEntry-level fundraising support roleMid-level role with more strategic responsibilities

While both roles support fundraising efforts, a Fundraiser Associate typically focuses on assisting with campaigns and donor outreach, often in an entry-level capacity. A Development Coordinator handles more strategic planning, donor management, and event coordination, requiring more experience and skills. Both positions are vital in nonprofit fundraising teams but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How to become a fundraiser associate with no experience?

To become a fundraiser associate with no experience, focus on developing strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for engaging donors. Entry-level positions often provide on-the-job training, so demonstrating enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and basic knowledge of fundraising principles can help you get started; obtaining relevant certifications or volunteering can also improve your chances.

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

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

Infographic showing various Fundraiser Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,416 per year, or $17 per hour.

Senior Development Associate, Principal Gifts

University of Chicago Library

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

BSD DEV - Principal Gifts 1


About the Department

Medicine and Biological Sciences Development's mission is to inspire and facilitate philanthropy at the University of Chicago Medicine by building relationships with those who share its goals of advancing excellence in research, education, community, and patient care. We accomplish this mission through expertise, integrity, creativity, and collaboration.


Job Summary

The job implements programs designed to meet fundraising goals for contributed income with moderate guidance. Helps build relationships with alumni, faculty, administrators and organizations with potential to make gifts at the instruction of others. Executes communication strategies for projects.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for performing complex and diverse responsibilities in support of fundraising goals for Medicine & Biological Sciences Development (MBSD).

  • As a Secondary Moves Manager they will facilitate, organize, and execute fundraising and stewardship activities for the Senior Associate Vice President and Senior Director, Principal Gifts.

  • Manages logistics and prepares strategic interactions aimed at qualifying, soliciting and stewarding the medical center's highest level (principal gift) donors and prospects.

  • Accountable for driving strategy and next steps following visits and faculty meetings.

  • Facilitates internal meetings and fundraiser visits with current and prospective donors to advance prospect strategy.

  • Understands and remains current on institutional priorities, programs, events, engagement opportunities and has a general understanding of the diverse research priorities of the University and UC Medicine

  • Prepares briefing documents to prepare participants in cultivation, solicitation, and recognition visits.

  • Writes briefings, proposals and a broad spectrum of fundraising materials created for specific audiences such as a donor or prospective donor, family foundation, corporation, or volunteer solicitor in order to support and help achieve their team's annual fundraising goal.

  • Drafts acknowledgements, special greetings, letters for cultivation purposes, and a high volume of messaging for others' signatures including but not limited to the Senior Associate Vice President, the Senior Director, Principal Gifts, and other executive level staff and faculty members.

  • Acts as a project manager for proposals and other written documents, and coordinates with the Marketing and Communications team.

  • Assist with managing a portfolio of faculty members for the purpose of advancing prospect relationships and identifying funding opportunities.

  • Supports the management of portfolios of donors who are in stewardship for existing principal gifts.

  • Coordinates recognition and stewardship with the Donor Relations team.

  • Performs basic prospect research that informs briefings, strategy, proposals and solicitations.

  • Collaborates with Prospect Development team on defining the need for in-depth research and negotiating the timeline for such research.

  • Utilizes and keeps up to date a donor database to prospective donor activity and interests.

  • Assists in raising $25M+ in new gifts and pledges.

  • Supports the qualification of 4+ PG prospects each year.

  • Build relationships with a variety of different individuals within the University in the assigned divisions and departments of those who make charitable gifts.

  • Works with others to maximize prospective donor cultivation.

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. (Required)


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

  • A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in development or a related field, such as public relations, sales, marketing, or a not-for-profit organization.

  • Experience in a university setting or a similarly complex institution.

  • Familiarity with database applications.

Preferred Competencies

  • Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, including the Alumni Development Database System Griffin, a Microsoft Windows computer environment, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Active Planner.

  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, characterized by the ability to listen, to speak, and to write well with a strong commitment to customer service.

  • Excellent organizational skills, and a high degree of flexibility and initiative.

  • Familiarity with the resources available via the Internet.

  • An exceptional work ethic and track record of personal initiative.

  • Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with a team of highly motivated individuals.

  • Familiarity with The University of Chicago.

Working Conditions

  • Office Environment (hybrid schedule).

  • Ability to travel and attend evening and weekend functions when necessary.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)

  • Cover Letter (required)


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Alumni Relations & Development


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$65,000.00 - $80,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


What University Of Chicago employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom