Donor and Volunteer Specialist at Aspire of Illinois in HILLSIDE, IL

Connect People. Build Community. Change Lives.

About Aspire

Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!

The Role

As a Donor and Volunteer Specialist, you will serve as the primary coordinator of volunteer events benefiting Aspire while managing donor relationship-building and stewardship efforts. You will guide the development of group volunteer opportunities, introduce individual volunteer opportunities throughout the year, and build relationships with prospective and ongoing volunteers. Working closely with Aspire’s program teams, philanthropy team, and community partners, you will help increase engagement and create a pipeline of prospective donors and partners who have experienced the Aspire mission firsthand.

What You’ll Do

Support Database Management & Gift Processing

• Conduct gift entry and facilitate the acknowledgement process in accordance with organizational policies and procedures, including oversight of Aspire’s multiple giving platforms.
• Monitor and review Aspire’s CRM database to ensure accuracy and integrity, including data changes, constituent contact information, address accuracy, and interrelationships of data.
• Execute data health procedures, including deduplication, NCOA updates, deceased donor updates, and bulk uploads.
• Reconcile gift reports with the Finance department monthly.
• Provide team members with reports and mailing lists.
• Assist with onboarding and implementation of a new CRM and help develop rules, procedures, and best practices for database organization.
• Provide basic training and support to team members on effectively and efficiently utilizing the CRM.

Strengthen Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Assist with donor stewardship through calls, outreach, and stewardship materials.
• Compile donor profiles, including research using the CRM database (Virtuous) and wealth screening tool (Donor Search).
• Collaborate with the Director, Giving and Operations, to develop annual acknowledgement letters, appeal and Giving Tuesday materials, and associated stewardship pieces.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create materials and stewardship initiatives, including those on social media.
• Work closely with Aspire program leadership to determine gift-in-kind needs and assist with managing in-kind contributions throughout the year.
• Facilitate accurate information sharing with the Philanthropy Coordinator for gift entry and acknowledgement.

Coordinate Volunteer Management & Events

• Develop and drive volunteer-related goals, policies, procedures, plans, and event execution.
• Assess organizational needs for volunteer events in collaboration with program directors and leaders.
• Recruit, screen, train, place, schedule, and supervise volunteers and volunteer events.
• Collaborate with colleagues on the philanthropy team to initiate and cultivate relationships with all constituents, including board members, corporate partners, and community-based organizations.
• Develop and implement two or more volunteer opportunities for individuals.
• Collaborate with philanthropy team members regarding volunteer needs for special events, including the Gala and Marathon. Recruit, train/onboard, and steward volunteers as needed, and communicate clearly with team members about volunteer roles and event execution.
• Ensure volunteers have positive and rewarding experiences.
• Maintain all volunteer records and collaborate with the Philanthropy Coordinator to ensure accurate entry of volunteer relationship-building activities and events into the CRM database (Virtuous).
• Provide consistent and clear communication with volunteers before, during, and after events.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to recognize and include volunteer events and successes in digital and print materials, including social media, the impact report, and appeals.
• Provide accurate reporting and updates on volunteer activities to the philanthropy team and involved leadership before and after events.

Collaborate & Contribute to Team Success

• Connect and build relationships with community leaders, business leaders, family members, Board members, and others to promote and articulate Aspire’s mission, vision, and strategic needs to the greater community.
• Recommend and participate in the development and implementation of team goals, objectives, and systems that contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Philanthropy team.
• Participate in or assist with special events.
• Promote a positive culture that aligns with Aspire’s shared values during all interactions with Aspire stakeholders.
• Actively participate in professional development to enhance knowledge.
• Complete special projects assigned by the Director, Giving and Operations.

Who You Are

• Able to articulate clear and compelling messages about Aspire’s mission, vision, values, and strategic needs.
• Organized and detail-oriented, with strong project management and time management skills and the ability to develop effective solutions and make sound, timely decisions.
• Goal-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to meet goals, follow through on commitments, and find new ways to improve processes and outcomes.
• A collaborative team player who works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders and is comfortable addressing challenges and having difficult conversations when needed.
• Professional and discreet, with the ability to maintain confidential information.
• Committed to providing superior customer service.
• Comfortable learning and using donor CRM software.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Passionate about all people and Aspire’s mission, vision, and values.

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in donor relations, volunteer relationship management, event coordination, or a similar role.
• Proven record of success in developing relationships with constituents.
• Proven record of success engaging with volunteers.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Experience and expertise with Virtuous CRM software or a similar system.
• Passion for philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.
• Ability to maintain grace and poise under pressure.

Why Aspire?

• Make a meaningful impact by connecting volunteers, donors, and community partners to Aspire’s mission.
• Help build relationships that strengthen community engagement and support Aspire’s work.
• Create positive and rewarding volunteer experiences that connect people with opportunities to make a difference.
• Collaborate with colleagues, community leaders, and partners to advance Aspire’s mission, vision, and strategic needs.
• Contribute to a mission-driven organization focused on greater possibilities, meaningful connections, and communities where everyone belongs.

Full-Time Benefits (for employees regularly scheduled to work 37.5+ hours per week)

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Options
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time)
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Annual performance reviews with opportunities to discuss compensation and professional growth

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're passionate about building meaningful relationships, bringing people together, and connecting your community to a greater purpose, we'd love to hear from you! Join a mission-driven team where your collaboration, creativity, and commitment help strengthen community partnerships and advance Aspire’s mission.

Apply today and help create meaningful opportunities for people to connect, give back, and make a difference