Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Coordinator, Chicago
at Facing History and Ourselves
🏢 About Facing History and Ourselves
Facing History and Ourselves is a unique global education non-profit that empowers educators to teach students to combat racism, antisemitism, and bigotry through historical lessons. Working here means contributing to meaningful social change by supporting teachers and students in developing critical thinking and empathy. The organization's mission-driven culture and focus on creating more inclusive communities make it an inspiring workplace for those passionate about education and social justice.
About This Role
As Development Coordinator in Chicago, you'll be the operational backbone of the fundraising team, managing Salesforce data, supporting Advisory Board logistics, and assisting with community events. This role directly impacts the organization's ability to fund its educational programs in the Chicago region by ensuring efficient donor management and event execution. Your administrative precision enables the development team to focus on building relationships and securing resources for Facing History's mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve processing donor gifts in Salesforce, preparing materials for an Advisory Board meeting, and coordinating logistics for an upcoming Chicago educator event. You could spend the morning updating donor records and generating fundraising reports, then transition to scheduling development team meetings and tracking expenses, while also managing registrations for a community program. The role balances detailed data work with collaborative event planning in support of the organization's Chicago fundraising efforts.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Facing History and Ourselves Is Looking For
- Has 2+ years of administrative experience with demonstrated proficiency in database management, preferably Salesforce, and can provide examples of maintaining accurate records in a previous role
- Possesses non-profit or event coordination experience, showing understanding of donor relations and community engagement in an educational or social justice context
- Is highly organized with proven ability to manage multiple priorities like gift processing, meeting logistics, and event support while maintaining attention to detail
- Demonstrates comfort with technology tools including Google Suite, Zoom, and Canva, and can adapt to Facing History's specific systems and workflows
📝 Tips for Applying to Facing History and Ourselves
Quantify your database experience—mention specific Salesforce features you've used (reports, dashboards, data imports) or comparable CRM systems if you lack Salesforce experience
Highlight any experience with educational nonprofits, social justice organizations, or event planning that aligns with Facing History's mission of combating bigotry through education
Provide concrete examples of how you've supported boards or committees in previous roles, emphasizing minute-taking, attendance tracking, and logistical coordination
Demonstrate your Google Suite proficiency by mentioning specific collaborative documents or drive organization systems you've managed for team efficiency
Show understanding of development operations by describing a time you improved gift processing or donor data accuracy in a previous position
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express specific alignment with Facing History's mission of using history education to combat racism and bigotry, not just general nonprofit interest", 'Detail your administrative experience with databases (especially Salesforce) and event support, providing measurable outcomes like improved data accuracy or successful event metrics', "Explain how your organizational skills and attention to detail would contribute to the Chicago development team's fundraising efficiency and donor stewardship", "Mention any experience with educational settings, teacher support, or community engagement that complements the organization's work with schools"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Facing History's specific Chicago programs and partnerships with local schools to understand regional impact
- → Review their annual report and fundraising priorities to understand current development goals and challenges
- → Study their educational resources and pedagogical approach to grasp how they use history to address contemporary issues
- → Look into their Advisory Board structure and recent Chicago events to understand community engagement strategies
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Facing History's specific mission or Chicago programming
- Failing to provide concrete examples of database management or administrative support in previous roles
- Overlooking the event coordination aspect—this role requires both back-office data work and front-facing event support
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Facing History and Ourselves!