Fundraising Associate
Chicago, Illinois

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors to provide for the wellbeing of the men and women who serve in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as well as the families of fallen soldiers. FIDF is committed to providing these soldiers with love, support, and care in an effort to ease the burden they carry on behalf of the Jewish community worldwide.
The Development Associate will be a member of the dynamic, professional and fast-paced Illinois fundraising team. In addition to managing their own portfolio of donors and working closely with lay leaders (Board Members and Lay Leaders of affinity groups), this position will provide administrative support to the Illinois Director to significantly increase the current revenue derived from the fundraising efforts in the area.
Educational Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Skills and/or Experience Required:
• At least 3 years’ experience in the development field
• Strong computer skills including: Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook; knowledge of Raiser’s Edge a plus.
• Highly organized, detailed-oriented and self-motivated
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to diverse audiences. Interact comfortably with donors and with all levels of staff
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work independently while also supporting a team.
Essential Job Duties:
• Strategize with the Illinois Director, and Lay Leaders to identify new prospects
• Solicit, and manages portfolio of donors (<$4,000) in an effort to support the campaign (new, renewed, and increased gifts)
• Engage and manage affiliate groups and work with them on applicable campaign and events
o Young Leadership
o Women’s Brigade
o Mitzvah Committee
• Create plan, timelines, and materials for events, parlor meetings, and lapsed donors
• Develop relationships with event-related vendors and negotiate terms of engagement
• Communicate with Lone Soldier Families and create opportunities for engagement with visiting Lone Soldiers
• Handle chapter’s communications and related tasks including, but not limited to: responding to requests for information from donors, event fundraising support and mailings.
• Provide administrative support to the Illinois Director, including meeting logistics, donor recognition, and meeting materials
• Maintain accurate records of donor information in Raiser’s Edge related to campaign
• Support regional events, including Annual Dinners, parlor meetings and community events throughout region to build brand awareness and expand base of potential prospects.
• Assist with office management such as collecting monthly receipts, coordinating FIDF merchandise with the national office and ordering office supplies as needed
• Managing the full Central Region shared electronic calendar (mailings, events, donor birthdays, campaigns)
• Assume other responsibilities as needed to support fundraising tasks as set forth by the Midwest Region Executive Director and the Illinois Director.