We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

The Stewardship Senior Associate will lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive major donor stewardship and engagement strategy. Reporting to the Director of Donor Relations and Events, you will collaborate with members of the Donor Relations and Events (DRE) team, frontline fundraisers, and other key stakeholders across the Foundation to enhance the stewardship and benefits program for our major donors. The ideal candidate is highly organized, creative, and possesses exceptional communication skills, with a deep passion for building meaningful, long-term relationships with donors.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Donor Stewardship Strategy: In close collaboration with other members of the DRE team and frontline fundraisers, build a comprehensive major donor stewardship strategy. This strategy will ensure our major donors are meaningfully engaged and feel valued at every stage of their giving journey. This includes thoughtful gift acknowledgment, recognition, donor gift creation, and engagement opportunities in Foundation programming and volunteer opportunities.

• Donor Benefits: Develop and execute a suite of donor benefits for Foundation and Obama Presidential Center donors that can be tailored to different giving levels and interests. Work closely with the Direct Response (including Mid-level Giving) and Frontline teams to ensure the benefits are varied and level-appropriate.

• Donor Interest Group Coordination: Build tailored stewardship programs for key donor constituencies, including the Foundation Board, Storytelling Council, Obama Administration and campaign alumni, and other target audiences.

• Database and Process Coordination: In coordination with the Donor Relations & Events Analyst (to be hired) and the Development Data & Analytics team, track and analyze donor engagement data to inform stewardship strategies and ensure progress toward stewardship goals. Propose more efficient processes where necessary and create new templates to enhance engagement planning.

• Team Building and Management: Hire, train, and manage a Stewardship Analyst to support the workstreams outlined above.

• Other Duties: Support the Development team with other fundraising activities as needed. Stay informed about best practices in donor relations and stewardship. Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Comprehensive major donor stewardship strategy for 2025 and into 2026 with an eye towards the Obama Presidential Center opening.

• A suite of donor benefits that are tiered and customized to different giving levels and donor interests, including distinct Obama Presidential Center benefits around opening and beyond.

• Obama Foundation Board Development Committee coordination, including committee meeting materials and outreach.

• Alumni donor stewardship plan and execution, including coordinating giving campaign and donor recognition onsite at the Obama Presidential Center.

• Database management to ensure accurate, up-to-date records around stewardship.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of five to seven years of experience working in fundraising and donor relations.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

• Exceptional attention to detail is required; proofreading experience is a plus.

The salary range for this role is between $$79,040 and $98,800.

This is a hybrid role based at our Chicago office in Hyde Park. #LI-Hybrid #LI-SF1

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.