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Position Overview

The Development Associate plays a vital role in advancing GiGi’s Playhouse’s fundraising efforts by supporting donor relationships, stewardship, fundraising events, and day-to-day development operations. Working closely with the national Development team, this individual will help create exceptional experiences for donors while ensuring fundraising initiatives are executed with excellence.

This is a highly collaborative, relationship-focused role ideal for someone who enjoys interacting with people, organizing projects, and supporting mission-driven work. From coordinating donor mailings and stewardship efforts to assisting with sponsorship outreach and fundraising events, this position directly contributes to the growth and sustainability of GiGi’s Playhouse

While experience with Salesforce or other CRM platforms is beneficial, this position is far more focused on building relationships, coordinating fundraising activities, and helping deliver an outstanding donor experience than on technical database management.

This position is primarily in-person at our National Office in Hoffman Estates, with opportunities for a hybrid schedule. As GiGi’s Playhouse continues to expand nationally, this role offers tremendous opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Stewardship & Outreach

Assist in creating exceptional donor experiences through personalized stewardship, thank-you calls, handwritten notes, emails, and recognition efforts.
Coordinate donor appreciation gifts, stewardship packages, and personalized outreach materials.
Support ongoing relationship management for individual, corporate, and foundation supporters.
Assist in preparing donor meeting materials, presentations, and leave-behind packets.
Help ensure every donor interaction reflects the mission and values of GiGi’s Playhouse.
Work alongside interns and GiGi Gianni, our organization's namesake and a self-advocate with Down syndrome, to create meaningful stewardship opportunities through personalized donor outreach, relationship-building, and mission-centered engagement.

Development Operations

Assist in coordination of donor mailings from beginning to end, including gathering stories, printing materials, assembling mailings, and ensuring timely delivery
Support gift processing and acknowledgement workflows alongside the Stewardship Manager and Finance Team
Assist with development calendars, fundraising timelines, and project coordination
Maintain organized records and assist with routine administrative functions supporting the Development team.

Events, Sponsorship & Community Engagement

Support planning and execution of national fundraising events, including logistics, registration, sponsor fulfillment, and donor communications.
Assist in identifying local sponsors, vendors, auction partners, and community supporters for fundraising initiatives.
Coordinate sponsorship materials and assist with sponsor recognition throughout events.
Work alongside the Development team to cultivate meaningful community partnerships.
Help create memorable donor experiences before, during, and after fundraising events.

CRM & Data Support

Maintain accurate donor records and interaction notes within Salesforce
Utilize Sales force to support stewardship efforts, donor communication, and event management.
Assist with basic reporting, mailings lists and campaign preparation
Learn best practices for donor management and CRM utilization

Other Responsibilities Include

Review and improve our acknowledgment letter process alongside Stewardship Manager
Collaborate with finance to process donations accurately and on time. Support our fundraising events
Conduct research in identifying new fundraising opportunities

Profile

Qualifications

Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience
2-4 years of experience in fundraising customer relations, nonprofit development, events coordination, hospitality or project management
Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
Comfortable managing multiple priorities in face-paced environment
Passion for relationship building and delivering exceptional donor experiences.
Commitment to the mission of GiGi’s Playhouse and creating a more accepting world

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

Experience coordinating events or fundraising initiatives.
Experience working directly with donors, customers, volunteers, or community partners.
Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM platforms.
Experience coordinating projects and mailings.
Strong Microsoft Office and Google Workspace skills.

Why This Role Matters

The Development Associate helps bring the GiGi’s Playhouse mission to life by creating meaningful experiences for the people who make our work possible. Whether coordinating a donor mailing, welcoming sponsors at an event, organizing stewardship efforts, or supporting fundraising campaigns, this role helps strengthen relationships that fuel our mission.

As GiGi’s Playhouse continues to grow across the world, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a direct impact while developing professionally within one of the fastest-growing nonprofit organizations serving individuals with Down syndrome.

Experience

Minimum of 2 years of experience in fundraising or development roles using data to provide insights in support of the Development and Marketing teams.

Demonstrated success in increasing funds raised by a development team.

GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse

To change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

Website
Nonprofit organization
< 15 persons

GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse did not yet communicate its impact measurement.

This structure did not communicate to us the labels or certifications that it was able to obtain.

GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse

To change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.

Website
Nonprofit organization
< 15 persons

GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse did not yet communicate its impact measurement.

This structure did not communicate to us the labels or certifications that it was able to obtain.

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