Development Coordinator

Position Summary

The Development Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the fundraising efforts of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO). This position provides administrative, logistical, and operational support to the Development team, ensuring the seamless execution of donor relations, fundraising campaigns, and special events. The Development Coordinator will also assist with office operations, database management, and donor stewardship to support the organization's mission of inspiring and cultivating personal excellence through music. The ideal candidate is passionate about music education, highly organized, and detail-oriented, with a collaborative spirit and strong technical skills.

Key Responsibilities

1. Donor Database and Record Management

• Maintain accurate donor records in Patron Manager (Salesforce-based CRM) and complete Patron Manager Admin Certification within the first 10 weeks.
• Input and track donations, pledges, and donor information.
• Generate regular and as-needed fundraising reports, including performance against budget goals, projections, and reforecasting.
• Ensure timely and accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgment letters.

2. Donor Communication and Stewardship

• Coordinate regular communication with donors, including newsletters, email campaigns, and event invitations.
• Create donor profile reports for meetings and maintain schedules for donor and Board member engagements.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for Board meetings, ensuring timely delivery to members.

3. Event Coordination

• Assist in planning and executing fundraising events, including logistics, vendor coordination, and guest communication.
• Prepare event materials such as programs, name tags, and promotional items.
• Provide on-site support during events to ensure donor and guest satisfaction.

4. Office Management Support

• Manage general office operations, including organization of physical spaces, files, and archives.
• Assist with onboarding/offboarding processes and maintain access to standard CYSO systems via external helpdesk Prime MTSP.
• Interface with building management, external vendors, and partners for service and maintenance needs.

5. Collaborative Initiatives

• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to align donor messaging with organizational branding.
• Assist with strategic initiatives, including supporting the Strategic Plan Committee.

6. Grant and Proposal Support

• Assist with the preparation of grant proposals and reports.
• Research prospective funding opportunities and compile relevant data.
• Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines to ensure timely submission.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, communications, or business administration.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in fundraising, event planning, or administrative support, preferably in a nonprofit setting.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Patron Manager (or similar Salesforce-based CRM); Salesforce experience is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• A friendly, collaborative spirit and commitment to supporting the CYSO community, including staff, Board members, musicians, families, and guests.
• Flexibility, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn new skills as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with fundraising principles and donor cultivation practices.
• Experience with event coordination or project management.
• Passion for music education and the mission of CYSO.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Hybrid work environment with a minimum of 3 in-office days per week. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for events, meetings, and concerts.
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $45,000 annually.
• Health and dental insurance, with 80% of the premium paid by the employer for employee coverage.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with up to 5% employer match after one year.
• Generous paid time off, including 10 vacation days, 10 PTO days, federal holidays, and an office closure at the end of the year.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to gprice@cyso.org with the subject line "Development Coordinator Application – [Your Name]."

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.