Manager of Development and Communications at University of Chicago Hillel

What You’ll Do

• Donor Relations & Portfolio Management
• Maintain 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.
• Annual Campaign & Fundraising Operations
• 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 acknowledgments.
• Prepare internal fundraising reports and donor reports.
• Grants & External Funding
• Manage 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 Creation
• Craft and implement engaging social media strategies including visually compelling content for Instagram, TikTok, and other student-facing platforms.
• Write 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 Relations
• Ensure 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 & Analytics
• Monitor digital metrics (open rates, social engagement, web traffic) to refine communication strategies.
• Ensure donor communications align with database segments.
• Organizational Leadership
• Participate 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 higher
• 2-5 years of development or fundraising experience
• 2-5 years of communication, marketing, social media, or branding experience
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, effective at conveying Hillel’s vision and story to a variety of stakeholders
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects accurately and on time
• A serious work ethic, sense of humor, and willingness to take risks and learn from unexpected situations
• Ability to quickly and genuinely build connections

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace ($60,000-$70,000)
• Up to 22 days of paid time off (starting with 15), up to 11 sick days (starting with 7), 8 paid federal holidays, up to 13 paid Jewish holidays, and 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Prepare for your future: 401(k) plan and a 403(b) plan
• Additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, and much more
• Great professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities as part of the global Hillel movement
• Reduced summer hours to accommodate for the fast pace of the academic year