Development Communications Specialist Lead

Chicago, IL (On-site)

$83K/yr – $137K/yrSenior Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 6 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own the donor communications stream that translates clinical impact into donor friendly narratives for six figure gifts and stewardship across campaigns.

  • Lead proposal and stewardship content from intake to delivery, coordinating with Donor Relations and Creative to meet deadlines.
  • Refine editorial and project management practices to improve efficiency and cross functional alignment.
  • Build relationships with clinicians and researchers to align division priorities with donor communications and campaign strategy.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Research, write, and edit proposals, stewardship reports, and presentations that generate support for institutional philanthropic priorities; translate complex concepts into lay language and synthesize material from multiple sources to create a compelling donor narrative
  • Assist with the intake process for proposals and impact reports from concept through delivery; coordinate with Donor Relations and Creative and proactively communicate with fundraisers to ensure timely production of deliverables
  • Collaborate with colleagues to refine systems and processes to improve efficiency and coordination; support best practices for project management, editorial review, and stakeholder collaboration
  • Partner with teammates to develop effective strategies for creative, inspiring donor communication throughout all phases of a comprehensive fundraising campaign
  • Develop a deep understanding of division priorities and establish productive relationships with clinicians and researchers
  • Cultivate knowledge of generous donors and support fundraisers in developing effective communications plans; integrate communications into stewardship plans
  • Engage in benchmarking and other activities to elevate the development communications program and stay current on industry best practices and trends
  • Other job functions as assigned

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 5 years relevant experience, preferably in healthcare, academic medicine, or higher education
  • Superb written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience with seven-figure gift proposals (demonstrated ability to organize, write, and edit)
  • Ability to prioritize and execute multiple projects under demanding deadlines
  • Expert-level skills in Microsoft Office; project management software experience and InDesign preferred

Preferred

  • Experience with project management software and InDesign preferred
  • Healthcare, academic medicine, or higher education experience preferred
  • Seven-figure gift proposals experience (preferred)

Benefits

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Employer paid group term life and disability
  • Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
  • 403(b) with a 5% employer match
  • Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
  • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Tuition assistance
  • Student loan servicing and support
  • Adoption benefits
  • Backup Childcare and Eldercare
  • Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees
  • Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities
  • Discount purchasing program
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago logo

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

3.8 Glassdoor

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is the largest pediatric healthcare provider in the region with a 130 year legacy of excellence. We are proud to serve as the pediatric teaching and research partner of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and are ranked nationally in all 10 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report.

Founded in 1987
Chicago, Illinois, USA
7K employees (89 in marketing)
71% recommend to a friend
81% CEO approval

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
665.8K
Monthly Google Ads Budget
$82.2K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
38.5%
Direct
50.8%
Referral
8.5%
Social
1.1%
Paid
1%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~7K

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
64 (1% of company)
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
2

Funding

Total Funding
$14M
Last Raise
$3.7M
Grant, 5 months ago

Funding History

  • Oct 2025
    Grant
  • Nov 2024
    Grant • $3.7M
  • Sep 2019
    Grant • $250K

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