Manager of Development and Communications

Jewish United Fund

Chicago, IL

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Administrative Skills, Adobe Product Family, Brand Marketing (Branding), Brand Strategy, Campaigns, Communication Skills, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Data Entry, Database Administration, Donor Development, Donor Relations, Email Marketing, Event Management, Facebook, Financial Support, Flyers, Fundraising, Graphic Design, Graphics, Leadership, Marketing, Metrics, Multitasking, Newsletter, Nonprofit, Plan Meetings, Power Amplifier, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Press Releases, Project/Program Management, Research Skills, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Stewardship, Storytelling, Strategic Planning, Time Management, Web Design, Website Management, Website Traffic, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Chicago, IL
POSTED
1 day ago

The Manager of Development and Communications is responsible for managing and executing University of Chicago Hillel's fundraising operations, playing a central role in sustaining the financial health of the organization. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Development and Communications assists in the day-to-day implementation of University of Chicago Hillel's development strategies — managing annual campaign contributions, coordinating events, pursuing grants, and telling Hillel's story to key constituencies.Along with the Executive Director, the Manager will shape the narrative of Jewish campus life by designing and executing a comprehensive communication strategy that amplifies our mission, drives student engagement, and inspires donor support. We are seeking a relationship and data driven strategic storyteller to elevate our voice, celebrate our students\' journeys, and engage our broader community of students, alumni, parents, and stakeholders.This is an ideal role for a professional who is ready to grow within a dynamic, mission-driven organization.To Apply Applications are being collected through the Hillel International website .What You'll Do Donor Relations & Portfolio ManagementMaintain the annual campaign and donor communications calendar.Cultivate and steward a portfolio of current and prospective donors.Support outreach to nurture strong relationships with alumni and parents.Conduct prospect research and coordinate prospect meetings for the Executive Director.Draft and prepare multi-channel donor correspondence and manage direct appeals.Administer the development database, data entry, and gift processing.Manage donor stewardship, including timely and accurate gift acknowledgements.Prepare internal fundraising reports and donor reports.Grants & External FundingManage large operating support grants by providing foundations with timely reporting, communications, metrics, etc.Identify foundations and other grant opportunities and apply for financial support.Write and produce donor materials, including briefings, proposals, and reports.Digital Storytelling & Content CreationCraft and implement engaging social media strategies including visually compelling content for Instagram, TikTok, and other student-facing platformsWrite copy for email marketing and design newsletters for students, parents, and alumni, and targeted fundraising appeals.Maintain and update the Hillel website.Use graphic design skills to create digital and print assets (flyers, banners, event graphics) using Canva, Adobe Suite, or similar tools.Collect student photos, stories, and testimonials to illustrate Hillel's impact.Brand Strategy & Public RelationsEnsure brand consistency in all campus marketing, merchandise, and external communications.Draft press releases and build relationships with campus newspapers and local media.Collaborate with leadership on swift, thoughtful communication regarding campus climate or relevant student issues.Data & AnalyticsMonitor digital metrics (open rates, social engagement, web traffic) to refine communication strategies.Ensure donor communications align with database segments.Organizational LeadershipParticipate in local and national networking and professional development. opportunities.Perform other operational and administrative responsibilities as assigned.What You Need to Succeed Bachelor's degree or higher2-5 years of development or fundraising experience2-5 years of communication, marketing, social media, or branding experienceSuperior written and verbal communication skills, effective at conveying Hillel's vision and story to a variety of stakeholdersStrong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects accurately and on timeA serious work ethic, sense of humor, and willingness to take risks and learn from unexpected situationsAbility to quickly and genuinely build connectionsRequires discretion and independent judgement in performing all aspects of the positionPreferredProficiency in Google SuitePrior use and knowledge of Little Green Light or other CRM platformsAdvanced understanding of social media platforms and tools (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.)Graphic and web design skills, including use of CanvaWhat You'll Receive Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $60,000-$70,000.Time off:up to22 days of paid time off(starting with 15),up to11 sick days(starting with 7), 8 paid federal holidays, up to 13 paid Jewish holidays, and 6 weeks paid parental leaveHealth Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurancePrepare for your future: 401(k) plan and a 403(b) planAdditional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, and much moreGreat professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities as part of the global Hillel movementReduced summer hours to accommodate for the fast pace of the academic yearAbout University of Chicago Hillel University of Chicago Hillel is the center of Jewish life for one of the most intellectually rigorous and diverse campuses in the world. Serving undergraduate and graduate students from a wide range of Jewish backgrounds, UChicago Hillel fosters a pluralistic, inclusive, and vibrant community rooted in Jewish learning, tradition, and leadership. Through dynamic programming, spiritual exploration, and student-driven initiatives, Hillel empowers students to build meaningful Jewish identities and contribute to a thriving campus culture. Located in the heart of Hyde Park, UChicago Hillel is a vital part of the university's ecosystem and is a place where students find community, challenge ideas, and grow into the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.About Hillel International In 1923, Rabbi Benjamin Frankel started Hillel with humble means, a noble mission and a breathtaking vision: to convey Jewish civilization to a new generation. Today, Hillel International continues to enrich the lives of Jewish students and is the largest Jewish campus organization in the world at nearly 1,000 colleges and universities across North America and around the world. As Hillel evolves as an organization, the mission remains steadfast: to create lasting connections with every Jewish student that foster an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning, and Israel and train them to become the next Jewish leaders.Hillel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an accepting and inclusive environment for all.Please note: All applications for this role are being collected through the Hillel International website .#J-18808-Ljbffr

About the Company

J

Jewish United Fund