Here at CHAIL, employees experience a “People First - Culture of Care” working atmosphere. From the most tenured staff to the newest team member, everyone is welcomed into a community that prioritizes diversity, equity, wellness, belonging, and good health. Starting with our CEO/President and migrating to every employee, this agency takes pride in taking care of each other. We believe if our employees are cared for, they can better live out the mission of the agency which is to help the kids and families who need it most. By putting our people first at CHAIL, they have the opportunity to share their expertise, talents, and passions with clients as they are changing the lives of the kids who will change the world. Our employees at CHAIL will tell you that they love working for the agency because they love what the agency does!

Job Function:

The Development Operations Specialist is responsible for ensuring that the non-profit organization’s development and fundraising operations run smoothly. They will work closely with the development team to ensure that all fundraising activities are executed efficiently and effectively. They will be responsible for managing the organization’s donor database, ensuring all donor information is accurate and up to date. They also work with the development team to develop and implement fundraising strategies and campaigns. The Development Operations Specialist is responsible for ensuring that all donations are processed accurately and timely. They also work alongside the accounting department to ensure that all financial records related to donations are accurate.

Job Profile and Responsibilities:

• Processes all donations to the agency daily, including generating timely thank-you letters (and receipts as requested), thoroughly and accurately completing batch entries of contributions into the database, and ensuring timely deposits of check, cash, and credit card transactions with the accounting department.
• Communicates and works cooperatively with all levels of staff and donors regarding restricted donations, confirming receipt of contributions, investigating discrepancies between donor and the agency’s CRM software records, fielding inquiries, and solving problems.
• Responsible for the creation and maintenance of online giving campaign sites through software (e.g., GoFundMePro, formerly Classy).
• Communicates to the Director of Development on donor and corporate contributions for appropriate coding and distribution.
• Thoughtfully prepares written board-level communications to apprise board stakeholders of donation year-over-year trends.
• Assists with planning and executing special events, including invoicing, processing event-specific donations, cold-calling donors, setting up event campaign websites, and day-of-event setup and execution.
• Manages scholarships and honor award applications and fund payouts.
• Attends team meetings and committee meetings as necessary.
• Maintains confidentiality concerning clients, donors, volunteers, employees, and official agency business.
• Represents the agency by projecting a favorable image and fostering good working relationships with external agencies, groups, and the public.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in data entry and database management, with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders (donors, staff, board members).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing discrepancies and inquiries.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Education and Experience:

• Must have an associate’s degree.
• Two years’ experience in customer service or donor stewardship.
• Experience with special event planning and execution; including but not limited to invoicing, CRM management software data entry, guest list entry, and registration.
• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds for event setup/materials, ability to stand and move around during events, manual dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.
• Travel: This position requires some travel to project/partner locations.
• Equipment Used: Some driving is required. Must provide own vehicle, valid Illinois driver license and proof of full insurance coverage.
• Proficient in Excel, Microsoft Word, and Adobe.
• Passionate about the Children’s Home mission of helping the kids and families who need it most.

Benefits:

• PTO (paid-time-off) accrual 3 weeks first year (full-time)
• 9 paid holidays
• 1 floating holiday
• Sick Leave accrual 12 days per year (full-time)
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401K with company match
• Company paid life insurance, STD and LTD
• Supplemental life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Opportunity to Further Education

CHAIL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.