Description

Job Title: Development Associate (Part- Time; Exempt)

Organization: The Learning Center/House of Connections

Location: Chicago, IL 

Schedule: Part-time, 28 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends

Salary: $30,000 annually 

Reports to: Executive Director

About Us
The Learning Center / House of Connections is a community-based adult education and literacy organization dedicated to empowering adults through education, skill-building, and personal development. We provide programs in literacy, English language learning, and workforce readiness, fostering lifelong learning and opportunity for all.

Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Development Associate to support the organization’s fundraising and development efforts. This part-time, salaried role will assist with donor relations, grant support, event coordination, communications, and data tracking. The ideal candidate has 2–3 years of experience in nonprofit development or a related role and enjoys working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

The Development Associate should possess a passion for and commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of adult learners. This position is ideal for someone who is looking for a long-term position where they can leverage their skills to impact the community and build long-lasting strategic relationships to further TLC’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Donor Management and Stewardship
  • Maintain and update donor records in the database, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
  • Prepare and send timely donor acknowledgment letters and tax receipts.
  • Assist in developing and implementing donor cultivation strategies to strengthen relationships.
  • Track and report donor engagement and giving trends to inform fundraising strategy.
• Grant Support
  • Conduct research to identify potential grant opportunities.
  • Assist in writing, editing, and submitting grant proposals and reports.
  • Maintain grant calendars and deadlines to ensure timely submissions.
  • Collaborate with program staff to gather data and impact stories for grant applications.
• Event Planning and Coordination
  • Assist in planning, promoting, and executing fundraising events, including some evenings and weekends.
  • Coordinate logistics such as venue setup, vendor communication, registration, and volunteer support.
  • Track event attendance, sponsorships, and donations, and provide post-event reporting.
• Communications and Marketing Support
  • Assist in drafting content for newsletters, social media, appeals, and annual reports.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and Development Committee to create compelling fundraising materials.
  • Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the mission and impact of the organization.
• Data Tracking and Reporting
  • Maintain accurate records of fundraising activities, donor contacts, and contributions.
  • Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, campaign results, and event outcomes.
  • Support evaluation of fundraising initiatives to improve future efforts.
• Team Collaboration and Special Projects
  • Work closely with the Executive Director and program staff to support organizational priorities.
  • Participate in staff meetings and contribute to strategic planning discussions.
  • Assist with special projects as needed to advance the mission of The Learning Center.

Requirements

Qualifications

•       2–3 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related role.
•       Strong written and verbal communication skills.
•       Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
•       Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and QuickBooks Online.
•       Experience drafting grant language or writing proposals/letters of inquiry.
•       Experience supporting events or donor cultivation.
•       Experience with Social Media, Canva, and Mailchimp preferred. 
•       Ability to work some evenings and weekends for meetings and events.
•       Passion for education and literacy is highly desirable.

Nice-to-have Qualities

•       Respectful and welcoming attitude.
•       Maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences.
•       Strong personal commitment to service.
•       Desire for personal and professional growth.
•       Ability to quickly adapt to variety of changing situations.
•       Understanding of financial procedures, policies, and bylaws.
•       Bilingual (English & Spanish).
•       Knowledge of needs and services specific to the neighborhoods we serve – North Lawndale and Little Village.

Work Conditions

Physical Requirements

•       Ability to sit for long periods of time and climb stairs.
•       Must be able to travel to on-site locations.
•       Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. occasionally.

Typical Schedule and Work Hours

•       Part-time position
•       Monday thru Thursday, 9AM – 3PM, Fridays 9AM – 1PM, plus occasional evening and weekend hours associated with meetings and events
•       Some travel

Compensation and Benefits

•       Salary: $30,000 annually, part-time (28 hours/week).
•       Professional development opportunities.
•       Paid time off pro-rated for part-time role.
•       Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community.

How To Apply

Please send a one-page cover letter (describe your development/fundraising experience and interest in adult education or nonprofit work), a resume, and three references to careers@tlcchicago.org with subject line “Development Associate — [Your Name]”.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job is filled but should be submitted by no later than Friday, March 13, 2026.

 *Incomplete applications will not be accepted. No phone calls please.* 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Learning Center/House of Connections provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, national origin, citizenship status, work authorization, physical and mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital or civil union status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.