Operations Program Associate Jobs in Bridgeview, IL

The Philanthropy and Grants Associate plays a key role in advancing the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) by supporting all aspects of the organization’s fundraising efforts. Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, this position is responsible for managing and supporting relationships with current and prospective individual, corporate, foundation, and government funders.

The Associate leads written fundraising efforts, including proposals, grant reports, and stewardship communication. This role collaborates closely with the Advancement and Club Operations teams to identify funding needs, develop compelling funding requests, and communicate the impact of donor support through both quantitative and qualitative reporting. The position also supports corporate and foundation partner engagement activities and events to ensure an exceptional donor experience and maximize fundraising outcomes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Development & Relationship Management

• Identify, research, qualify, and prioritize prospective individual, corporate, foundation, and government funding partners.
• Cultivate and solicit prospective funders through customized proposals, letters of interest, and stewardship communications.
• Manage moves management strategies for current and prospective partners to build and sustain meaningful relationships.
• Oversee corporate and foundation renewals, developing innovative opportunities to deepen donor engagement.

Proposal Development & Grant Management

• Lead and prioritize written fundraising communications, including grant proposals, reports, stewardship updates, and letters.
• Develop compelling and creative corporate partnership proposals aligned with each partner’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
• Track grants, projects, deadlines, and new funding opportunities to ensure timely submissions and reporting.
• Collaborate with BGCA and local Club staff to gather programmatic data and marketing deliverables required by funders.

Revenue Tracking & Reporting

• Track year-to-date and month-to-date corporate and foundation revenue.
• Monitor the corporate partnership pipeline and identify potential risks to achieving annual revenue goals.
• Prepare written and oral reports for internal and external stakeholders, including board members, donors, prospects, volunteers, and community partners.

Events, Engagement & Special Initiatives

• Support corporate engagement activities and special events in coordination with the Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations and the Manager, Corporate & Foundation Relations.
• Provide support for in-kind donation initiatives such as the Holiday Gift Drive, Back-to-School Drive, and other corporate or foundation-led efforts.
• Support Board Development Committee initiatives focused on corporate partnerships and fundraising growth.

Work Schedule & Availability

• Primarily a weekday, daytime position.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required to support fundraising events, donor engagements, and special initiatives.   

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future.

• Health Coverage: Includes health, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you and your family have access to essential care.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO policy, including paid holidays, to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Employee Assistance Plan: Our EAP offers access to counseling services, resources, and referrals, ensuring you have the tools you need to thrive in all areas of life.
• Life Insurance: Life insurance coverage to provide peace of mind.
• Retirement plan:  The 401(k) plan including employer contributions after 1 year of service.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional growth opportunities through workshops, training programs, and other learning initiatives.
• Workplace Culture:  We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization.

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a fundraising or development role.
•  Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors, with strong knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and donor-centered proposals and reports.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in a professional environment.
• High level of integrity, discretion, diplomacy, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a positive, solutions-oriented approach to changing priorities.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Must pass required background checks.

Primarily works in a standard office environment.  Occasional travel to Club locations in Chicago is required.  Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and lift frequently.  Ability to lift to 25 lbs on an occasional basis. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

The information presented describes the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this position.  It is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or objectives required of employees assigned to this role.  Duties may change at any time with or without notice.