Development Communications Manager

Position Overview:

The Chicago Public Library Foundation is seeking a strategic, data-informed writer, editor, and communicator to join its fundraising team as the Development Communications Manager. This role blends high-impact storytelling, grant writing, and integrated campaign communications to drive fundraising results and deepen donor engagement.

The Development Communications Manager leads the development of compelling, donor-centered content across channels—including proposals, reports, digital campaigns, and executive communications—while using data and donor insights to continuously improve effectiveness. This position plays a central role in shaping how the Foundation communicates its impact to institutional and individual funders and contributes directly to achieving annual fundraising goals ($6M\+).

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, this role works closely with development, marketing, operations, and Chicago Public Library program teams to ensure cohesive, strategic, and equity-centered communications.

About the Chicago Public Library Foundation

Established in 1986, the Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF) is an independent nonprofit that exists to accelerate the potential of our public library by investing in resources that transform lives and communities. We connect individuals, businesses, foundations, and City agencies committed to building a stronger and more equitable Chicago. Together, we invest, at every level, in distinctive social impact opportunities that are uniquely accessible to everyone through our 82-branch Chicago Public Library system..

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications \& Fundraising Alignment

• Translate fundraising priorities and program strategies into compelling, donor-centered messaging that drives revenue
• Contribute to development of case for support, campaign messaging frameworks, and narrative positioning
• Ensure alignment between development communications, marketing, and organizational brand voice

Grant Writing \& Institutional Fundraising

• Lead the writing and project management of a high volume of grant proposals, letters of intent, and reports for foundation, corporate, and government funders
• Collaborate with program and development staff to define goals, logic models, and outcomes
• Manage relationships with program staff and contribute to funder communications as needed
• Support efforts to secure approximately $2M\+ in annual institutional funding

Donor Communications \& Lifecycle Strategy

• Create tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship materials for major and mid-level donors
• Support development and execution of donor journey communications across acquisition, retention, and upgrade strategies
• Draft high-level correspondence for senior leadership and Board members

Digital \& Multi-Channel Campaigns

• Write and edit digital fundraising content, including email campaigns, online appeals, and web content
• Collaborate with marketing to execute integrated, multi-channel fundraising campaigns
• Optimize content for clarity, engagement, and conversion across platforms

Data-Driven Communications

• Partner with development operations to analyze campaign performance and apply insights to improve messaging
• Use donor data, segmentation, and trends to tailor communications strategies
• Contribute to tracking and reporting on fundraising communications effectiveness

Campaign \& Project Management

• Serve as communications lead on key fundraising campaigns and initiatives
• Manage timelines, workflows, and inputs across multiple stakeholders to meet deadlines
• Maintain a calendar of proposal and reporting deadlines and ensure compliance with funder requirements

Content Systems \& Process Improvement

• Develop and maintain templates, boilerplate language, and a centralized library of fundraising content
• Continuously improve systems and workflows to increase efficiency and quality
• Ensure consistency, clarity, and quality across all development communications

Equity-Centered Storytelling

• Apply ethical and equity-centered storytelling practices that reflect the dignity and experiences of the communities served
• Partner with program staff to ensure accurate and inclusive representation in narratives

Reporting \& Publications

• Manage content development for annual reports and donor-facing publications
• Maintain organization profiles on charity and rating platforms

CRM \& Data Management

• Maintain accurate records in Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems, including tracking proposals, reports, and donor interactions
• Collaborate with operations to ensure data integrity and accessibility

Key Competencies

• Exceptional writing and editing skills across formats and audiences
• Strategic thinking and ability to connect communications to fundraising outcomes
• Strong understanding of donor motivations and philanthropic engagement
• Data literacy and ability to interpret fundraising performance metrics
• Excellent project management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling narratives
• Ability to maintain consistent brand voice across multiple channels
• Experience working cross-functionally with development, marketing, and program teams
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge) and donor databases
• Comfort using emerging tools and technologies to enhance productivity and content development

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of professional writing experience required
• Demonstrated success in grant writing, fundraising communications, or related work strongly preferred
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, particularly in education, arts, or cultural institutions, preferred
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Integrity, ethical conduct, and a commitment to CPLF’s mission.

Work Environment:

CPLF offers a hybrid work environment, with up to two remote days per week. Typical working hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, with occasional evening or weekend hours. This position operates within an accessible office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging:

The Chicago Public Library Foundation aspires to be in every neighborhood, for every Chicagoan. To achieve this vision, we must commit to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) for the Chicagoans we serve. As an organization rooted in public-private partnership, we believe that achieving change in DEIB requires us to invest thoughtfully in Library programs, engage collaboratively with our community and our Library partners, and continuously develop a workplace culture that values and supports every employee. We want to create as many opportunities as possible for everyone who works with the Library Foundation to participate in—and benefit from—our DEIB work. We are working to incorporate ongoing DEIB learning into the fabric of our culture, embrace transparency and information sharing across the organization, and implement structures that facilitate equitable access to growth and career development.

Research tells us that women and candidates from marginalized groups often hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet 100% of the qualifications. The Chicago Public Library Foundation encourages you to be the exception to this rule and to apply. If you are unsure that you meet every criteria but believe you have what it takes to enhance the Library Foundation as we grow, we want to hear from you!

Role Roadmap

30 Days

• During your first month at the Library Foundation, you will focus on getting to know the organization; familiarizing Learn organizational priorities, programs, and editorial standards
• Build relationships across development, marketing, and program teams
• Gain familiarity with systems, workflows, and current communications materials

60 Days

• Begin leading proposals and reports
• Develop strategic messaging recommendations and prospect insights
• Contribute to active fundraising campaigns and communications planning

90 Days and Beyond

• Independently manage development communications pipeline
• Lead messaging for campaigns and institutional fundraising efforts
• Play an active role in shaping annual fundraising strategy and communications

Salary Range:

58,000 – 63,000

Generous Benefits Package includes:

•

Health and dental insurance coverage

• 403(b) retirement plan with matching funds

• Paid time off including vacation and wellness days

• Professional development allowance

To apply please email cover letter and resume: [email protected]

Applications will be accepted through July 31, 2026\. If selected for a first round of interview, you will receive a communication in early August. The ideal start date for this position is in September.

Join us in advancing the mission of the Chicago Public Library Foundation and making a meaningful impact on the lives of Chicagoans!