Donor Services Associate

Position Summary

The Donor Services Associate plays a central role in ensuring an exceptional donor experience through accurate gift processing, thoughtful stewardship, and strong data integrity. This position is responsible for managing all contributions in Tessitura, maintaining high-quality constituent data, supporting donor communications and recognition, and providing timely reporting and analysis to advance fundraising and engagement efforts across the organization.

Serving as a key partner to Development, Ticketing, and Finance, this highly detail-oriented and service-driven professional helps translate donor generosity into meaningful relationships by combining meticulous database management with responsive, donor-centered service. This role is foundational to donor trust, informed decision-making, and the long-term success of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s fundraising program.

Core Responsibilities

Gift Processing & Stewardship

• Process and record all gifts, pledges, and payments accurately and in a timely manner in Tessitura
• Generate and distribute personalized tax receipts and acknowledgment letters
• Track pledge schedules and facilitate reminders and follow-up
• Reconcile gifts and pledges with the Finance department and provide documentation for audits
• Serve as a donor concierge, including ticketing, account assistance, and donor service requests
• Maintain donor recognition listings and public acknowledgment records
• Prepare donor profiles, giving histories, and materials for meetings with individual and institutional funders

Constituent Data & Database Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor and prospect records, including contact information, giving history, communication preferences, and relationship notes
• Perform ongoing data hygiene, including duplicate resolution and quality control
• Set up and manage campaign, appeal, fund, designation, and source codes in Tessitura
• Execute segmentation, list building, and data extraction for all fundraising and engagement efforts (direct mail, email, gala, tele-funding, etc.)
• Generate standard and ad-hoc reports to support fundraising, stewardship, and leadership needs
• Analyze trends such as donor retention, donor growth, and campaign performance to support strategic decision-making
• Format and export data for external vendors (mail house, tele-funding, etc.)
• Maintain Tessitura documentation and provide training and guidance to Development team members

Ticketing & Cross-Departmental Support

• Serve as the primary liaison between Development and Ticketing for donor ticketing needs
• Coordinate complimentary and donor ticket allocations and troubleshoot ticketing issues

Administrative & Executive Support

• Provide light administrative support to the Chief Development Officer, including scheduling, meeting preparation, note-taking, and tracking follow-up items

Event Support

• Support donor ticketing, guest lists, and on-site needs for Opening Nights, the Gala, and other development events
• Assist with fundraising logistics and data tracking during and after events

Core Competencies

• Service-oriented, collaborative, and solutions-focused
• High emotional intelligence and professionalism
• Exceptional attention to detail and organization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

• Professional, warm, and confident when working with donors and partners
• Commitment to CST’s mission and values

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Experience working with a relational database system
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word
• Experience in fundraising, ticketing, or nonprofit operations

Preferred

• Experience in performing arts, ticketing, or marketing
• Two years of experience working with a relational database system
• Familiarity with donor stewardship, reporting, and campaign tracking

Work Environment

• Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm
• Some evening and weekend work required for performances and events
• Primary worksite: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds

Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

CST is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $50,000