Jobs are sourced directly from employers. No recruiter involved. Apply through the employer's link to make sure your application reaches the right people. → National Development Associate

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

National Development Associate

GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse recruitment