Job Description

Community Engagement Associate

Partnering with Admissions and Institutional Advancement as described below:

Build something meaningful with us!

Are you energized by meaningful work, strong relationships, and a collaborative team that truly loves what they do? Do you take pride in organization, clear communication, and helping good work thrive behind the scenes? If so, we’d love to meet you.

Organization: Chicago Jewish Day School (CJDS) Chicago, Illinois

Reports to: Development and Alumni Manager

Status: Full-time

The Community Engagement Associate is a full-time position that supports both Admissions and Institutional Advancement, helping cultivate meaningful relationships with prospective families, current families, alumni, donors, and community partners.

Approximately 25% of the position will be dedicated to Admissions and 75%to Institutional Advancement. The Associate will become knowledgeable about the admissions process and will accompany the Director of Admissions on prospective family tours to eventually develop the skills and confidence to conduct tours independently when needed. Additionally, they will support the development team to support fundraising operations, donor stewardship events, and communications.

This position is ideal for an organized, relationship-oriented professional who enjoys working with people, managing multiple priorities, and supporting mission-driven work. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, initiative, discretion, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping families and supporters feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the CJDS community.

The Community Engagement Associate is a trusted partner to staff and school leadership and contributes meaningfully to the integrity and success of CJDS’s philanthropic work and future growth in enrollment.

Key Responsibilities

Administration & Operations (Admissions and Institutional Advancement)

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including gifts, pledges, acknowledgments, and prospective and current student records.
• Own the reconciliation of charitable contributions and ensure timely, accurate acknowledgments and tax receipts.
• Assist with inquiry management, scheduling appointments, and maintaining timely communication with prospective families.
• Track grant deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Run reports, mailing lists, and correspondence to support fundraising and admissions activities.
• Support annual campaigns, special appeals, and other development and admissions efforts.
• Assist with admissions communications, follow-up, and enrollment materials.

Events, Engagement, and Communications (Admissions and Institutional Advancement)

• Accompany the Director of Admissions on prospective family tours and admissions meetings.
• Provide support for fundraising and admission activities such as prospective family night, the donor event, and Leap into Shabbat.
• Support registration, tracking, communications, and post-event follow-up
• Support institutional communications related to admissions and advancement initiatives.
• Participate in cross-functional projects that strengthen enrollment, philanthropy, and community engagement.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of Admissions and Institutional Advancement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to confidentiality and professional standards
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Zoom

Preferred

• Experience 0-5 years in development, fundraising, admissions, or nonprofit administration
• Experience in an educational or Jewish communal organization
• Familiarity with Jewish philanthropic culture and community
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems (CJDS uses NEON, Finalsite, and FACTS)

About Chicago Jewish Day School

Chicago Jewish Day School is a multi-denominational, progressive Jewish day school serving approximately 255 students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Grounded in Jewish values, CJDS offers an integrated, inquiry-based, and experiential curriculum that emphasizes excellence in both Judaic and General Studies.

CJDS is a leader in fostering togetherness, cooperation, and respect across all Jewish denominations. We prepare our students to become thoughtful learners, ethical individuals, and engaged members of the Jewish community—and our work is made possible through strong partnerships with families, donors, alumni, and community supporters.

Benefits & Compensation

CJDS offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees (30+ hours/week), including:

• 100% employer-paid health and short-term disability insurance
• Paid time off in accordance with Chicago ordinances, plus Jewish and Federal holidays
• Tuition remission for eligible children after two years of service
• Optional dental, vision, life, and disability insurance