Simon Wiesenthal Center is Hiring for Associate Director of Development, Midwest

Associate Director of Development, Midwest — Simon Wiesenthal Center

The Simon Wiesenthal Center is hiring an Associate Director of Development to support fundraising, operations, and communications in Chicago and across the broader Midwest. This role centers on donor engagement, event support, and cross-functional collaboration to advance a respected human rights mission.

Company Overview

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights organization dedicated to confronting antisemitism and hate, defending the safety of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, and teaching the lessons of the Holocaust through awareness, advocacy, justice, and education. Since 1977, SWC has built a constituency of more than 400,000 member families, with an international footprint that includes the Museums of Tolerance, Moriah Films, and the Digital Terrorism + Hate Project.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, SWC maintains operations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Paris, Berlin, Jerusalem, and Buenos Aires, and is an accredited NGO at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Organization of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe. Its Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles serves as a flagship educational arm, while Moriah Films has produced 17 documentaries, including Academy Award winners The Long Way Home and Genocide.

Role Summary

The Associate Director of Development will support and execute fundraising, operations, and communications strategies across Chicago and the Midwest. The Center is seeking a hands-on, relationship-driven professional with strong communication skills, demonstrated success engaging donors, and clear alignment with SWC’s mission. This position is well-suited to a motivated, detail-oriented fundraiser who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to help grow the Center’s regional presence.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Manage and grow a portfolio of donors and prospects with a focus on Chicago.
• Conduct regular in-person donor meetings to solicit gifts, steward relationships, and expand giving opportunities.
• Support regional fundraising initiatives with timely follow-through on development strategies and activities.
• Assist with foundation grant writing and the preparation of donor proposals.
• Help plan and implement parlor meetings, cultivation events, and major donor events, focusing on logistics and outcomes.

Strategic Communications & Marketing

• Assist with regional mailings, email campaigns, and direct communications with constituents.
• Contribute to localized marketing and communications efforts that raise visibility and donor engagement.
• Leverage existing constituent lists and data to strengthen outreach and effectiveness.
• Support local branding initiatives, events, and community presence across the Midwest.

Operations & Collaboration

• Partner with the EVP of Development, Midwest to align regional efforts with national strategies.
• Collaborate with colleagues across development, communications, and programming to execute initiatives seamlessly.
• Serve as a reliable project manager, upholding timelines, deliverables, and accountability.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.
• 5–7 years of experience in development, fundraising, and/or nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated self-starter with success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; experience preparing proposals and donor materials.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and able to work independently in a hybrid environment.
• Passion for SWC’s mission and commitment to human rights, education, and advocacy.

Compensation and Location

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Chicago, IL (supports the broader Midwest region)
• Salary Range: $110,000–$125,000 USD
• Work Environment: Hybrid noted in the description

How to Apply

Submit your application via the organization’s portal: Apply here.

Conclusion

If you are a relationship-driven fundraiser who excels at building donor partnerships and delivering on development plans, this role offers an opportunity to advance a mission-driven organization’s impact across the Midwest.

About Mesha

Mesha is a hub for ambitious marketers with playbooks, company spotlights, and curated roles. Explore resources at trymesha.com and browse open marketing roles at trymesha.com/jobs.