Development Coordinator

Job Title: Development Coordinator
The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture
Location: Chicago, IL

About The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture:

The Athenaeum Center was built in 1911 on the St. Alphonsus campus and is home to Chicago’s oldest continuously-operating off-Loop theater. Our mission is to invite people into encounters with beauty and to revitalize the great Catholic tradition of the arts from our location in one of Chicago’s most unique religious, artistic, and civic buildings. At the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, we believe that beauty has the capacity to build up culture, transform society, and change lives. We hope to help you contemplate, encounter, and delight in beauty.

Position Overview:
The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture is seeking a mission driven and organized Development Coordinator to support the organization’s fundraising and development efforts. This individual will work closely with the Associate Director and the broader team to manage donor relations, plan & coordinate fundraising events, and assist in the planning and execution of various development initiatives. The Development Coordinator will play a key role in sustaining and growing financial support for our programs and mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Donor Relations & Stewardship:
   
  • Assist in managing relationships with current donors, potential supporters, and partners 
  • Facilitate and arrange meetings between potential donors and the leadership team to strengthen relationships and advance fundraising efforts
  • Maintain and update donor records in the donor management system.
  • Create personalized communication for thank-you letters, acknowledgment letters, and impact reports.
  • Help track and ensure timely follow-up with donors and sponsors.
• Fundraising Events & Campaigns:
   
  • Assist in organizing fundraising events, including our annual dinner, quarterly Founders events, and Suburban Soirées. 
  • Coordinate all logistics for events, including guest lists, event materials, and catering.
  • Assist in implementing fundraising campaigns, both digital and traditional, to support the mission of The Athenaeum.
• Grant Writing & Corporate Sponsorship:
   
  • Support the grant writing process by researching potential funders, assisting in the preparation of proposals, and preparing follow-up reports on grants.
  • Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and ensure timely submission of materials. 
  • Identify and secure corporate sponsorships for Athenaeum events and programs, working with the Development team to create compelling sponsorship packages.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with corporate partners, ensuring sponsorships are fulfilling their commitments and expectations.
  • Coordinate the solicitation and management of in-kind donations (goods or services) to support programs, events, and general operations.
  • Track and acknowledge all in-kind contributions, ensuring donors feel appreciated and informed about the impact of their gifts.

• Communications & Marketing Support:
   
  • Help create and distribute newsletters, emails, and other content related to development efforts.
  • Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all fundraising and donor communications.
• Administrative Support:
   
  • Manage donor database using Tessitura. 
  • Provide administrative assistance, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and assisting with the preparation of materials for board meetings and other donor engagement activities.
  • Deposit and manage donations and payments

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, communications, or business).
  • 1-2 years of experience in development, fundraising, or related fields; experience in nonprofit organizations is a plus.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Experience with donor CRM 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with donor management software is a plus.
  • An understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith and the Athenaeum’s mission to revitalize the Catholic tradition of beauty in the arts.
• Personal Attributes:
  • A self starter and team player who assumes best intentions and brings a positive attitude to their work 
  • Enthusiastic, personable, and able to interact effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.