Development Assistant
Requisition ID#: 784WL

Responsibilities:
Provide complete administrative and clerical support to Sr. Director of Development, including, but not limited to, scheduling meetings, answering phones, preparing reports, entering call report information in the Raiser’s Edge database, typing letters, coordinating special mailings, arranging zoo tours, etc. Provide administrative support for the Directors of Major and Individual Gifts, including preparing reports, reserving meeting space, preparing special events, coordinating all renewal notices, preparing thank you letters, and creating and distributing meeting materials. Assist with Development Team events, including the Whirl, Annual Meeting, CBOT (Chicago Board of Trade) Picnic, Bison Circle events, Holiday Magic reception and selected cultivation events. File donor information and call reports as requested. Provide administrative and clerical backup to Executive Assistants for the Sr. VP of Advancement and VP of Development as needed. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:
Minimum Associates Degree in Business, Communications, Secretarial Science, or other directly relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Bachelors Degree desirable. Five (5) to seven (7) years comparable experience providing high-level support for a chief executive, V.P., or equivalent level experience required. Non-profit experience desirable. Accurate typing of 50-60 words per minute minimum required. Excellent organizational, proofreading, and prioritization skills required. Eye for detail and accuracy critical. Effective problem-solving abilities; sound, logical decision-making skills. Strong interpersonal skills and busy savvy. Ability to deal with all levels of staff both within and outside the organization. Shorthand or speedwriting desirable. Strong writing/composition skills, strong verbal communication skills. Excellent telephone etiquette and effective listening skills required. Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Able to maintain strict confidentiality of highly privileged information. Computer proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel required. Experience with PowerPoint and other office software packages preferred. Experience with database packages essential. Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with diverse individuals and personalities. Must communicate with sensitivity and have a strong customer service approach. Valid driver’s license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents. Spanish fluency a plus, but not required. Normal workweeks in excess of 40 are not unusual. Some evening and weekend hours required. Individual will be expected to be present and visible at development events, including events for Board members and other professional participants and audiences.