About the Position
The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is looking for a self-motivated and experienced individual for the role of development associate. The associate will support in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to ensure we have the resources to achieve our mission and vision.
This position may be located in Chicago or Springfield, IL. The position is full-time and may include evening and weekend work, and occasional travel within Illinois.
About You
We’re looking for a self-motivated individual who is excited by the challenge of addressing the biggest issues facing Illinois. You should be a stellar communicator with excellent attention to detail who enjoys building, executing, and evaluating strong fundraising programs and activities.
We are a small, dynamic team that relies on each other to produce high-quality work.
We strongly encourage candidates from all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to further diversify our organization. IEC/IECEF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate with senior development manager and senior grants manager to plan and execute IEC’s development plan
- Lead membership administrative functions including but not limited to, recruitment, database management, onboarding, invoicing, and relationship management
- Support the programs team in IEC’s affiliate member engagement strategy
- Provide support for IEC’s largest fundraiser, the Environmental Leadership Dinner, taking place each fall including but not limited to event management, sponsorship solicitation, and supervision of silent auction and other fundraising activities during the event
- Provide support and oversight of other fundraising events
- Research, track, and prepare reports on prospective donors including individuals, foundations and corporations
- Manage donor database and reporting functions
- Create and deliver materials to aid the cultivation, solicitation, and recognition of donations, event sponsorships, and grants
- Ensure donations, donors, etc. are accurately recorded in customer relationship management (CRM) system
- Participate in staff meetings and organizational activities as directed or when opportunities arise
- Understand and track organization donation trends
- Collaborate with Communications team to execute communications that support IEC’s fundraising plan
Qualifications
- Firm understanding of and interest in development, including fundraising basics, solicitation, and stewardship
- Prior nonprofit experience preferred
- Excellent oral and written, inclusive, story-driven communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and project management skills
- Experience with entering, pulling, and organizing data and developing summary reports, especially using customer relationship management software (e.g. EveryAction, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge)
- Knowledge of the latest nonprofit fundraising trends
- Strong judgment of appropriateness and adherence to organizational policy positions and brand reputation
- Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft and Google software suites
- Ability to work with diverse groups and people
- Highly organized and strong attention to detail
- Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently
- Interest in environmental issues and policies
Physical Requirements – Have the ability to:
- Lift and carry items up to 25 pounds
- Operate a computer
- Sit at a desk for extended periods
- Communicate and exchange information
Equal Opportunity Employer
IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, certain arrest or criminal history records, homelessness, and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
Equity, Allyship, and Powerbuilding Values
IEC/IECEF is always working to ensure that everyone on our team feels engaged and supported in all areas of the organization’s operations as we work to become a fully inclusive, multicultural, and anti-racist organization.
We are only as powerful as the people in our movement and those we serve. Building power for people and our environment in Illinois requires us to actively combat social and political power dynamics that disenfranchise marginalized communities across a broad range of issues beyond those that fall squarely within traditional environmental policy. When marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible. Thus we are called to stand in solidarity as allies with those fighting for justice and to strengthen our democratic institutions where power drives policy change.
About Our Pay and Benefits
The development associate is a full-time permanent position located in Chicago or Springfield, IL. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, and vacation. Salary range is $50,000 to $66,000, commensurate with experience. Cover letter MUST include salary requirements. Candidates with salary requirements above the listed salary range will not be considered.
How to Apply
Introduce yourself to us as a colleague. Show us your future here and let us know what you’d bring to our organization! We value great writers, so be yourself, be creative, and take your time with the application.
Applications must be received by 7/22/2025.
To apply please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to:
Danny Collins, Senior Development Manager: dcollins@ilenviro.org
About IEC
Since 1975, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) and Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) have worked to safeguard Illinois—its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends by building power for people and the environment. Representing over 130 environmental organizations and over 600 individuals in the state, IEC carries out its mission to advance equitable public policies that ensure a healthy environment across Illinois through collaboration, building power, and advocacy.
IEC advances sound environmental laws and policies at all levels of government by bringing together the Illinois environmental community to influence decision-makers and ensure clean air, clean water and healthy communities.
From lobbying at the State Capitol to building consensus around an annual environmental agenda, IEC takes pride in leading our environmental movement in Illinois. We coordinate our affiliate member organizations to share resources, mobilize supporters and respond quickly to the most pressing issues facing the environment in Illinois.
IEC also supports environmental activists across the state, building programs and resources to cultivate the next generation of environmental leadership, such as our Young Professionals Board, Community Council, annual environmental scorecards, and other educational programs like our Civics for Environmentalists and Lunch & Learn series.