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Program Development Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sarah's Inn

Development Assistant

Forest Park, IL · On-site

$46K - $50K/yr

The Development Assistant provides essential administrative and operational support to Sarah's Inn's development program, with primary responsibility for accurate and timely gift processing, donor ...

Joffrey Ballet

Development Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

About The Position Development Assistant is responsible for the proper acceptance, recording ... programs. The Joffrey Ballet believes in the positive, transformative power of the arts. Our ...

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Practice Development Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

You will play an active role in the development and implementation of key initiatives and programs ... The Day-To-Day On any given day, you will: * Assist with distribution of monthly financial reports ...

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Program Development Assistant information

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How much do program development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for program development assistant in Chicago, IL is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program development assistant?

A Program Development Assistant is a professional who supports the creation, planning, and implementation of programs within an organization. Their responsibilities often include conducting research, helping with program design, coordinating logistics, and assisting with documentation and reporting. They work closely with program managers and other team members to ensure that programs meet organizational goals and run smoothly. This role is common in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and various corporate sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program development assistant?

To thrive as a Program Development Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in project coordination, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with project management software, data analysis tools, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite are commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for effectively supporting program planning, execution, and evaluation, ensuring project goals are met efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by program development assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Program Development Assistants often juggle multiple projects and deadlines, which can make time management a significant challenge. They may also need to coordinate with diverse stakeholders, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. To address these challenges, it's helpful to develop effective prioritization strategies, maintain clear documentation, and proactively seek clarification when project objectives are unclear. Building strong relationships with team members and leveraging project management tools can also contribute to smoother workflows and successful program outcomes.

What is the difference between Program Development Assistant vs Program Coordinator?

AspectProgram Development AssistantProgram Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in related fieldUsually requires a bachelor's degree; some roles prefer experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentSupports program planning and development teams, often in office settingsOversees program implementation, liaising with stakeholders and managing logistics
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in nonprofit, government, and educational sectorsFound in similar sectors, often with more responsibility for execution

The Program Development Assistant primarily supports the planning and development of programs, focusing on research and preparation. In contrast, the Program Coordinator manages the execution and coordination of programs, ensuring smooth operation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Program Development Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Program Development Assistant job openings:

Program Development Assistant jobs near you

Development Assistant

Sarah's Inn

Forest Park, IL • On-site

$46K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Sarah's Inn is a community-based non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of
those affected by domestic violence and to break the cycle of violence for future generations. Our
services and initiatives focus on ending relationship violence through domestic violence crisis intervention,
community education, and violence prevention programs for youth.
Job Title: Development Assistant
Department: Development
Reports To: Development and Communications Manager
Status: Exempt/Full-Time
Position Summary: The Development Assistant provides essential administrative and operational
support to Sarah's Inn's development program, with primary responsibility for accurate and timely gift
processing, donor database maintenance, private grant administration, and event support. The
Development Assistant works closely with the Development team to ensure donor records are accurate,
gifts are properly documented and acknowledged, fundraising and grant deadlines are tracked, event
information and materials are organized, and development systems remain current and reliable. The
Development Assistant reports to the Development & Communications Manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.
Provide administrative and operational support to the Development Department to ensure accurate gift
processing, effective donor stewardship, organized fundraising systems, and successful execution of
events and other development activities as assigned. Success in this position requires exceptional
attention to detail, strong follow-through, sound judgment, and the ability to identify and resolve
discrepancies.
  • Manage accurate and timely entry and acknowledgment of gifts ensuring gifts are entered using
    established coding and documentation procedures, while reviewing gifts and constituent
    information for accuracy and completeness prior to entry.
  • Maintain the accuracy and integrity of the donor database through consistent data entry practices,
    routine quality-control review, record updates, duplicate management, and ongoing database
    clean-up.
  • Complete timely reconciliation of gifts, and support monthly reconciliation of private contributions
    between Development and Finance departments; provide and maintain clear supporting
    documentation and resolve discrepancies as needed.
  • Support the successful planning and implementation of development events through effective
    administrative coordination, logistical support, and timely maintenance of event records and
    tracking systems.
  • Provide administrative and logistical support for development activities, including appeals, donor
    stewardship, and related initiatives, while maintaining accurate records and documentation.
  • Maintain organized inventory and storage of Development supplies, outreach materials, and other
    development materials.
  • Collaborate with the Volunteer & In-Kind Coordinator to ensure in-kind donations are accurately
    documented in the donor database and acknowledged according to established procedures.
  • Provide administrative support for development related communication and digital fundraising
    activities, as needed.
  • Assist with preparing materials for meetings, including committee, board and associate board

meetings.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill,
and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals
with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Location and Schedule:
Sarah's Inn Office- Forest Park
Overall, this position is Monday through Friday during normal business hours, however there will be exceptions
requiring evening and weekend hours (i.e. for Client or Sarah's Inn Events, outreach events).
Education and/or Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • 2+ years of relevant professional experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, administration,
    database management, and/or event administration.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, etc.) and Google Suite
    programs.
  • Experience working with donor databases or CRMs required; nonprofit experience
    strongly preferred.
  • Experience with gift processing, reconciliation, fundraising events, and/or
    development operations strongly preferred.
  • Experience with design software, such as Canva, preferred.
  • Availability to work some evening and weekend hours.Knowledge and Skills:
  • Commitment to Sarah's Inn's mission and anti-violence.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload and maintain multiple
    tracking systems, deadlines, and recurring processes simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to follow established procedures consistently while recognizing
    when information is incomplete, inconsistent, or requires clarification.
  • Strong follow-through and ability to independently monitor assigned work through
    completion.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, writing and proofreading skills.
  • Ability to problem solve and make decisions individually and/or within a team and
    take necessary action.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in diverse and persistent situations.
  • Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with a wide variety of people,
    including but not limited to, board members, staff, volunteers, interns, government
    officials, community partners, organizational donors, media.
  • Commitment to and experience in working with people from diverse cultural, ethnic,
    social economic backgrounds and lifestyles.
  • Valid driver's license, current insurance and reliable car.

Success Factors/Job Competencies:
  • Integrity & Ethics - models Sarah's Inn's Vision, Mission & Values
  • Customer Focus - demonstrates commitment to customer
  • Collaboration & Teamwork - embraces an inclusive workplace
  • Quality - produces quality work product
  • Innovation/Continuous Improvement - finds new and better ways of doing things
  • Job Knowledge - demonstrates a clear understanding of and executes roles and responsibilities
  • Time Management/Productivity - manages time and resources effectively
  • Problem Solving/Decision Making - demonstrates proper judgment, problem solving and decision
    making
  • Independence/Initiative - works with little or no supervision and seeks out new work
  • Communication - effectively communicates

Physical demands and work environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands: While performing duties of job, incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit;
use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Specific vision
abilities required by the job include close vision and distance vision.
Performance Standards:
  • Annual performance evaluation
  • Attainment of annual goals established between supervisor and incumbent

Approval/revision date: August 2026
Sarah's Inn is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or
disability. EOE/M/F/D/V

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