Advancement Associate (51238)

Advancement Associate

Club Support Center - Chicago, IL 60612

Salary Range $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 Salary Position Type Full Time Job Shift Full Time Hours Education Level 4 Year Degree (Bachelors) Travel Percentage Up to 25%

Position Summary

The Advancement Associate will support and engage the broad community of supporters who fundraise and advocate on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. Reporting to the Director of Special Events and Board Relations, this role will serve as a key partner in planning, coordinating, and executing fundraising and engagement events across the organization.

The position will serve as the primary staff liaison to the Guild Board, supporting board engagement, committee management, and the successful execution of its signature fundraising event, Lawn Ball. The Advancement Associate will also lead planning and coordination for Youth of the Year, BGCC's premier mission-focused fundraising event, and provide strategic and logistical support for additional organizational events and committees. This role requires a highly organized, relationship-oriented professional who can manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, and contribute to the overall success of BGCC's advancement efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Guild Board by coordinating meetings, supporting committees and initiatives, and providing exceptional communication and service to members.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Guild Board members, event committees, sponsors, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.
• Support the planning, logistics, sponsorship coordination, and fundraising efforts for Lawn Ball and help ensure achievement of revenue goals.
• Provide support and coordination for additional event committees and fundraising initiatives across the Advancement department.
• Manage a portfolio of additional events as assigned, including Carol A. Walter Junior Youth of the Year, Great Futures Golf Event, and First Look for Charity.
• Provide event support for organizational fundraising and stewardship events, including the Woman's Board Summer Ball, Youth of the Year, and other cultivation or donor engagement activities.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Advancement colleagues to develop event materials, sponsorship outreach, donor communications, acknowledgments, and post-event impact reporting.
• Support sponsorship fulfillment, auction coordination, guest management, and event-day operations.
• Track event revenue and expenses, monitor pledges and sponsorship commitments, and process invoices and vendor payments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain organized event records, timelines, and project plans to support efficient execution across multiple events.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future.

• Health Coverage: Includes health, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you and your family have access to essential care.
• Life Insurance & Disability: Life insurance coverage along with short-term and long-term disability benefits to provide peace of mind.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO policy, including paid holidays, to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Retirement plan: The 401(k) plan including employer contributions after 1 year of service.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional growth opportunities through workshops, training programs, and other learning initiatives.
• Workplace Culture: We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of nonprofit experience in fundraising, events, volunteer management, or related areas.
• Strong project management and customer service skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to execute multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Club staff, board members, volunteers, community partners, and external vendors.
• Experience with donor databases and fundraising software preferred; knowledge of Bloomerang or similar CRM platforms is a plus.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and organizational activities.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed at the Club Support Center and at various Club locations and event spaces throughout Chicago.
• Must have reliable, insured personal transportation.
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check, including a Livescan fingerprinting.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment, with occasional travel to Club and event locations throughout Chicago.
• Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and stand for extended periods as needed at events.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

Disclaimer

The information provided outlines the general nature and level of work expected for this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the role. Responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time based on organizational needs.