Summer Fellow – Central US Region
Description
TITLE: Summer Fellow - Central US Region
LOCATION: Chicago, IL (Hybrid: two-three days in-office)
REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Learning & Development
DEPARTMENT: Central United States
TYPE: 10-12 Weeks (Flexible start/end dates between May – September)
STIPEND: $10,000
LOCATION: Chicago, IL (Hybrid: two-three days in-office)
REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Learning & Development
DEPARTMENT: Central United States
TYPE: 10-12 Weeks (Flexible start/end dates between May – September)
STIPEND: $10,000
Due to the nature of this role, we are only considering candidates who are based in the Chicagoland area.
This position is not eligible for employer visa sponsorship.
WHO WE ARE
CCS Fundraising is an international strategic fundraising firm that partners with nonprofits for transformational change. Since 1947, CCS has empowered many of the world’s greatest organizations across sectors to advance some of the most important causes in history. We plan, manage, and implement programs and initiatives that achieve fundraising goals and mission impact.
CCS Fundraising is an international strategic fundraising firm that partners with nonprofits for transformational change. Since 1947, CCS has empowered many of the world’s greatest organizations across sectors to advance some of the most important causes in history. We plan, manage, and implement programs and initiatives that achieve fundraising goals and mission impact.
CCS provides tailored support to more than 700 nonprofit organizations annually. Headquartered in New York, the firm has over 600 professionals and 18 offices throughout the United States and Europe. Our people are our greatest strength. At CCS, you will join a diverse team of smart, passionate, and resourceful professionals who are driven by purpose and committed to performance.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE
The Summer Fellowship is a hybrid model hands-on learning experience designed to immerse fellows to the work of CCS; outlining how we support our client partners and deliver transformational change.
Fellows will work closely with senior-level colleagues and gain exposure to different areas of our business, partnering directly to advance internal initiatives and external client engagements. This program is ideal for individuals interested in philanthropy and fundraising who want to make an impact in the nonprofit world.
Fellows will contribute to ongoing development efforts for CCS clients, support fundraising initiatives through project-based work, and/or assist in business development operations.
Strong performers will be considered for full-time opportunities at CCS upon program completion.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Outstanding candidates bring a diverse background, an interest in philanthropy, and an ambition to succeed in a rewarding career. The ideal candidate is a highly self-motivated and passionate individual who possesses fundraising experience or transferable skills in consulting, project management, writing, research, and data analysis.
We are looking for a dedicated professional who can:
- Manage multiple projects at once with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Take initiative as a self-starter, actively seeking out learning resources and building strong connections across the team
- Apply critical and strategic thinking to quickly identify the crux of a problem, question, or issue
- Communicate clearly, concisely, and logically both verbally and in writing and is comfortable articulating strategies with a variety of audiences
- Adopt a “bias for action” approach to any given situation and remain open-minded to new ideas
- Thrive in a mission-oriented environment and is motivated by the idea of working across philanthropic sectors
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current enrollment in an MBA or Master program
- Excellent quantitative analytical skills
- Keen business sense demonstrated in either a professional or academic environment
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with all levels of staff, volunteers, donors, and prospective donors
- Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Great storytelling skills and strong public speaking skills
- Microsoft Office proficiency, strongly skilled in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
PROJECTS MAY INCLUDE
- Developing work plans and materials for campaign planning studies and development assessments
- Conducting analysis of our clients through review of fundraising performance and interviews with organization's executives, volunteer leaders, and donors
- Preparing fundraising campaign materials, including strategic plans, operating materials, case statements, and major gift proposals
- Conducting in-depth prospect research
- Writing and delivering high-impact presentations and materials
- Directly supporting senior-level colleagues on client deliverables
- Supporting key internal projects, including marketing, business development, and other operational initiatives
CCS offers competitive benefits, a dynamic training program, resources, career advancement, mentoring, and networking opportunities. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourage a diverse pool of candidates to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
Please visit the CCS Careers website at https://www.ccsfundraising.com/about-us/careers/. Click on “Explore Job Openings,” then select the opening for “Summer Fellow – Central US Region.” At the bottom of the job description, click “Apply Now” to submit your application. Please indicate that you are applying for the “Summer Fellow – Central US Region” role in your cover letter.
Applications may be submitted until May 9th, 2025, and will be considered on a rolling basis.