Part-Time Fundraiser – Chicago

Part-Time Regional Fundraiser
(Chicagoland Area)

About the Role

Employment Type: Contractor (approximately 10–15 hours/week, flexible schedule)
Location: Chicagoland area (Chicago metropolitan region; travel required within ~60-mile radius)
Compensation: $10,000 annually
Reports to: OYM Executive Director
Start Date: Immediate

Orthodox Youth and Young Adult Ministries (OYM) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven individual to serve as a part-time Regional Fundraiser in the Chicagoland area. The primary role is to build awareness of OYM’s work among local Orthodox parishes, youth groups, young adult fellowships, and other Orthodox organizations, while directly soliciting financial support to expand our programs in the region.

This is an outreach-focused position: the ideal candidate enjoys speaking publicly, connecting personally with people, and sharing the vision of Orthodox youth and young adult formation in a compelling, authentic way. You will represent OYM at parishes and events, deliver short presentations (15–25 minutes), answer questions, and follow up to secure donations and recurring pledges.

Key Responsibilities

Schedule and deliver short presentations (15–25 minutes) at Orthodox parishes, youth groups, young adult fellowships, college ministries, and other Orthodox gatherings in the Chicagoland area.
Clearly explain OYM’s mission, current programs (youth retreats, young adult events, campus ministries, formation resources), and regional impact.
Make direct, warm, and respectful asks for financial support (one-time gifts, monthly pledges, parish collections, or event sponsorships).
Follow up personally with interested individuals, clergy, and parish councils via phone, email, or in-person meetings.
Maintain accurate records of all contacts, presentations, and donations in OYM’s donor database (training provided).
Collaborate with national OYM staff to tailor presentation materials and messaging for the Chicago context.
Attend occasional regional Orthodox events (e.g., youth rallies, festivals) to network and raise awareness.
Report monthly on activities, funds raised, and new relationships developed.

Qualifications & Requirements

Strong Orthodox Christian faith and familiarity with Orthodox parish life (jurisdictions, clergy, laity, youth, young adults).
Excellent verbal communication and public-speaking skills; comfortable presenting to groups of 10–200 people.
Warm, relational personality; able to build trust quickly with clergy, parish council members, and families.
Self-motivated and organized; able to schedule and manage own calendar with minimal supervision.
Basic proficiency with email, Google Workspace / Microsoft Office, and simple CRM tools (training provided).
Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel within the Chicagoland region (mileage reimbursed at IRS rate).
Alignment with OYM’s mission: Orthodox formation of youth and young adults through relational formation.
No prior fundraising experience required — enthusiasm and authenticity are more important. However, candidates with sales experience are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Support

Annual stipend: $10,000 (paid monthly).
Mileage reimbursement for all work-related travel.
Full training and ongoing support from national OYM staff.
Access to presentation materials, donor-tracking tools, and promotional resources.
Opportunity to make a direct, measurable impact on Orthodox youth and young adult ministries in the Chicago area.

How to Apply

Please send a brief cover letter (1 page max) and resume to jobs@theoym.org with the subject line:

“Part-Time Fundraiser – Chicago Application – [Your Full Name]”

In your cover letter, please include:

Why you are passionate about Orthodox youth and young adult formation
A short example of a time you successfully spoke to or persuaded a group
Availability to begin (immediate preferred).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom or in person in the Chicago area.