Development Associate, Jewish Networks

Are you looking for a mission-driven non-profit where your skills can help people in need around the world? At the Jewish United Fund (JUF), we take pride in our mission and in having a work culture that fosters a sense of belonging and feels rewarding, supportive, and inclusive. We have a hybrid schedule and offer generous benefits including a 401(k) match, up to 22 days of paid time off (starting with 15), up to 11 sick days (starting with 7), and up to 21 paid holidays. The salary range for this role is $50,000-$53,000.

What you’ll be responsible for:

The JUF Professionals Network (JPN) is the largest, most diverse network of Jewish professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners in Chicago. JPN provides access to high level business community leaders through relevant professional programming and networking opportunities. You will be responsible for supporting the management and administration of all professional “Networks”, working closely with the team’s Assistant Director and Director on fundraising initiatives, events, and leadership development. You will also participate in the support and administration of cross-network initiatives and events within JUF and JPN. Additionally, you will assist the JPN Professional Team in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to maximize charitable and leadership involvement. This role is part of a small, collaborative team and great for someone seeking a position focused on programming, fundraising, and working directly with donors and volunteers. This is an entry level position with the opportunity to grow into an external relationship management role.

What you’ll be doing:

• Oversee assigned day-to-day operations of the JUF Professionals Network (JPN), work with volunteer leadership to support JPN programming, and engage with internal and external stakeholders in support of network priorities while demonstrating professional judgement and discretion.


• Contribute to a variety of JPN in person programs including happy hours and networking events. This includes planning, recruiting, working with volunteer leadership, and overseeing day-of logistics, all in collaboration with JUF event planning professionals and the JPN Assistant Director and Director.


• Organize young professional committee meetings and programs, identify new committee members, and support committee members in their JUF leadership journeys


• Assist with fundraising efforts including research on potential and current donors, building relationships with new and current supporters, and conducting face-to-face engagement thereby increasing their connectivity and giving to JUF, with the opportunity to grow into a Donor Officer role


• Provide administrative support for JPN, such as generating and formatting fundraising reports, sending mail merge solicitation emails, and maintaining timely and accurate records


• Support JUF Campaign and work with various JUF departments to provide general support for all other campaign events, phonothons, and special events on an ongoing basis

What you need to succeed:

• At least one year of experience working in a professional office environment (can be an internship or part-time job) bachelor’s degree or associate degree and 2 additional years of relevant experience


• Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and resourcefulness, while learning from and partnering with the JPN team


• Requires discretion and independent judgement in all aspects of the job.


• Ability to learn Microsoft Office Suite of Products, Salesforce, and other database software programs is required


• Able to handle multiple projects at a time and highly organized


• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written, and oral communication skills


• Willingness to learn and grow professionally


• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a fast-paced work environment


• Knowledgeable about and interest in the Jewish community, culture, heritage, and tradition


• Must be available to work occasional evening meetings/events as needed (approx. 12-15 per year)

What you’ll love about us:

At JUF, you can be part of one of the largest non-profit social welfare institutions in Illinois. We provide food, refuge, healthcare, education, emergency assistance, and essential services to 500,000 Chicagoans of all faiths and millions of Jews around the world. We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with base contribution and match, additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, and much more.

Our Schedule:

We have a hybrid work policy to allow staff the flexibility to work from home / remotely on Mondays and Fridays. Tuesdays-Thursdays, the standard work location is 30 South Wells Street in Chicago, and staff are expected to work in person. We have a 36.5 hour work week, not a 40 hour work week. Our work hours are 8:30am-5pm Monday-Thursday and 8:30am-4pm Friday with a daily 1 hour lunch break.