Assistant Director of Development

Overview:

MetroSquash was founded in 2005 as an out-of-school time program for Chicago Public School students. The first MetroSquash class consisted of 10 fifth-grade students and utilized squash courts and classroom space at the University of Chicago. A grade level was added each year to realize a service pathway from 5th grade through post-secondary completion. In 2015, the organization raised over $8M to construct a permanent home - the 8-court Hussain MetroSquash Center in Woodlawn. MetroSquash has 20 full-time staff serving over 500 students and their families annually. In 2018, MetroSquash opened its first satellite location in Evanston to serve students just north of Chicago. MetroSquash Evanston currently serves 70+ 6th-12th graders and utilizes court space at the McGaw YMCA.

Description:

The Assistant Director of Development reports to the Chief Development Officer and plays a vital role in overseeing MetroSquash’s communications, development operations, fundraising events, Auxiliary Board (Young Professionals Board), and the volunteer program, including corporate partnerships. This position ensures the integrity of donor data, leads communications strategies, manages fundraising events, and supervises the Development Coordinator to ensure efficiency in development processes.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, creative, and adept at balancing multiple priorities. This role is responsible for creating and executing communications efforts, managing donor and fundraising platforms, leading all fundraising events, engaging the Auxiliary Board, and overseeing a robust volunteer program, with a focus on corporate partners, to support the organization’s programming and events. The Assistant Director of Development will work closely with MetroSquash leadership to ensure that all development and communication activities align with the organization’s mission and goals.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing & Communications:

• Manage and execute marketing and communications strategies for program updates, fundraising campaigns, and events.
• Oversee MetroSquash’s social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), creating and scheduling engaging content to drive audience engagement and growth.
• Develop marketing materials using Canva and collaborate with MetroSquash’s graphic designer for communications, event signage, and promotional materials.
• Utilize Constant Contact to manage email marketing campaigns, newsletters, and donor communications.
• Support the Chief Development Officer in crafting compelling communications, including fundraising appeals, sponsorship materials, and impact reports.

Fundraising Events & Donor Engagement:

• Collaborate with leadership and event committees to drive engagement, attendance, and fundraising goals.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and follow-up of all major fundraising events, including the MetroSquash Gala, MetroSquash Cup, and Golfing for Graduates Outing.
• Coordinate event logistics, including vendor management, ticket sales, registration, silent auctions, and sponsorship fulfillment, in collaboration with leadership.
• Support the MetroSquash Auxiliary Board (Young Professionals Board), ensuring goals are met including engagement, fundraising, and event participation.

Volunteer Program Management:

• Manage the Development Coordinator who handles aspects of the volunteer program, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and engagement of volunteers to support MetroSquash’s programming, events, and fundraising initiatives.
• Ensure the Development Coordinator is maintaining accurate volunteer records and coordinating assignments, including scheduling, training, and expectations.
• Develop and implement volunteer engagement strategies, focusing on corporate partners, to ensure a positive experience that aligns with MetroSquash’s mission.
• Regularly evaluate and improve the volunteer program to maximize impact and engagement, collaborating with program and leadership teams to align volunteer support with organizational priorities.

Database & Donor Management:

• Manage Salesforce CRM, ensuring data accuracy, tracking donations, reconciling financial reports, and maintaining donor profiles.
• Oversee and improve donor acknowledgment processes, ensuring timely thank-you letters, tax receipts, and stewardship communications.
• Generate fundraising reports and insights for leadership, helping to track fundraising goals and trends.

Development Team Management & Collaboration:

• Directly supervise the Development Coordinator, ensuring completion of key tasks related to donation tracking, volunteers, marketing, events, and donor stewardship.
• Work with program and leadership staff to align development and communication strategies with organizational needs.
• Support the Chief Development Officer in identifying and cultivating new funding opportunities and partnerships.

Required knowledge, skills & abilities:

• A bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, marketing, or a related field.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of Salesforce CRM or similar donor databases; experience with donation tracking, reporting, and donor engagement strategies.
• Experience in marketing and communications, including social media management, email marketing, and content creation.
• Strong event planning skills, with experience managing logistics, vendors, and fundraising events.
• Ability to lead and mentor staff, with experience in managing direct reports preferred.
• Comfortable speaking in a public setting for community and volunteer tours.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage donors, partners, and stakeholders effectively.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while also being a collaborative team player.
• Commitment to MetroSquash’s mission and vision.

Other:

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Location:

This is a cross-site role working out of our Chicago and Evanston offices with some remote work opportunities.

How to Apply:

Email your resume and cover letter to careers@metrosquash.org or apply through Idealist platform. No calls, please.