Donor Relations Officer

Company Description Catholic Care Closets is a faith-based nonprofit that has supported students and families for more than a decade by removing barriers to learning. The organization partners with schools, donors, corporations, foundations, and community groups to provide essentials such as hygiene products, clothing, school supplies, food assistance, and other critical resources to children experiencing economic hardship. By meeting these needs, Catholic Care Closets helps improve attendance, increase classroom engagement, support emotional well-being, and promote academic success. The team collaborates closely with educators and community leaders to build sustainable support systems that restore dignity, strengthen families, and empower students. Guided by its mission and vision, the organization focuses on compassionate service, responsible stewardship, and lasting community impact.

Role Description The Donor Relations Officer is a full-time, hybrid role based in Chicago, IL, with flexibility for some work from home. This role is responsible for building and sustaining strong relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and faith-based communities to support Catholic Care Closets’ mission. Day-to-day activities include managing a portfolio of donors, conducting outreach and stewardship communications, coordinating donor meetings and site visits, and preparing impact reports and acknowledgments. The Donor Relations Officer will collaborate with leadership and program staff to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities, support annual and planned giving efforts, and assist with donor events and campaigns. The role also involves maintaining accurate donor records, tracking engagement activities, and using data to inform cultivation and retention strategies.

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5 years of fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit development, sales, business development, or relationship management experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build trust and develop long-term relationships.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.

Preferred

• Experience securing corporate sponsorships or major gifts.
• Grant writing or foundation relations experience.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship best practices.
• Experience working in faith-based or nonprofit organizations.
  

Within the first year, the Donor Relations Officer will:

• Increase donor engagement and retention.
• Expand the organization's donor pipeline, exceed $750K in gifts.
• Develop new corporate and community partnerships.
• Help grow annual fundraising revenue.
• Strengthen donor stewardship and reporting processes.

At Catholic Care Closets, your work directly impacts students and families throughout our community. You will join a mission-driven team dedicated to restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and ensuring every child has the resources they need to succeed.

• Together, we remove barriers so students can thrive.

Base Salary Benefits: $80,000–$110,000 (based on experience)

Medical, Dental, Tuition Reimbursement, 10 Days paid off, and more...

Send your Resume and a Cover Letter to catholiccareclosets@gmail.com ATTN: Terri