Development Associate

Overview

The Lycée Français is a pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 international school in Chicago, Illinois. We seek high-quality employees interested in advancing our mission to empower students to grow into active global citizens who employ critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, adaptability and act with the utmost integrity.

Position Overview

The Development Associate plays a critical support role within the Lycée Français de Chicago’s Development Office, with responsibilities evenly split between:

• Gift processing and data entry (50%)
• Administrative support to the Chief Development Officer (50%)

This position is an integral member of the Advancement team and works closely with colleagues in the Communications and Marketing Office, particularly when coordination is needed for website updates, donor messaging, or community outreach materials. The role requires excellent attention to detail, a proactive and collaborative work style, and comfort working in Raiser’s Edge (both database and NXT web view).

I. Development Database and Gift Administration (50%)

• Adhere to the Database Manual and Policy Handbook developed in collaboration with the school's RE consultant (our Raiser’s Edge “Power User”)
• Enter and process all philanthropic gifts, pledges, and payments into Raiser’s Edge daily
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate constituent records (e.g., contact information, relationships, gift histories, and constituent codes with dates)
• Generate and distribute timely donor acknowledgment letters, ensuring consistency with giving levels and campaign messaging
• Perform regular gift reconciliation with the Finance Office and resolve discrepancies as needed either directly or in collaboration with Development colleagues
• Support the Development Office with reporting needs, including dashboards, board materials, and donor summaries

II. Administrative Support to the CDO (50%)

• Manage the calendar, scheduling, and administrative logistics for the Chief Development Officer
• Help prepare materials for Development Committee meetings, donor visits, and internal presentations
• Coordinate the CDO’s communications, reminders, and follow-up related to major gift activity and donor stewardship
• Maintain organized digital and physical files for Development operations
• Assist in planning and executing Development events (e.g., cultivation gatherings, donor receptions)
• Collaborate with the Communications and Marketing Office when development-related content, website updates, or campaign materials need to be published
• Serve as a professional and confidential point of contact for internal and external stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CDO

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required
• 2+ years of experience in development, fundraising operations, or nonprofit administration preferred
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or other donor database/CRM strongly preferred
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational, time management, and data entry skills
• Comfortable working with numbers and producing accurate reports
• Strong communication skills—both verbal and written
• Team-oriented, flexible, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
• Must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues across departments, including the Business Office and Communications
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning; working both independently and as part of a team; and, once hired, to the mission and values of the Lycée Français de Chicago
• Ability to handle sensitive information with absolute discretion and professionalism
• English fluency required, French language skills a strong plus

• This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with benefits, including medical insurance, tuition remission, 403b match, and a generous paid time-off policy.
• The annual salary range is 55-65,000
• All prospective employees must be able to clear a background check.
• This position requires on-site presence at the Lycée campus, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for events.
• Start date in January 2026

• Please visit the Lycée Français de Chicago’s Employment Opportunities website and submit a cover letter and resume. No phone inquiries, please.
• Lycée Français de Chicago celebrates diversity and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All candidates are encouraged to apply and will be evaluated on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.
• For more information about the Lycée please go to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org