[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Alternatives Inc. Overview
Since 1971, Alternatives has been a leading provider of youth development programs, social justice initiatives, and school and community-based clinical services. Our mission is to facilitate personal development, strengthen family relationships, and enhance the community’s well-being. We serve youth in some of Chicago’s most vulnerable communities on the far north and south sides. Our highly trained staff foster resilience, insight, and self-advocacy in the youth in our care through a comprehensive approach of crisis management, behavioral therapy, and youth development.
Alternatives provides emergency response for youth in crisis, at all hours of every day, mediating familial conflict and relocating vulnerable children to a safe environment. We work with Chicago Public Schools to provide behavioral health and restorative justice programming, a practice that we pioneered more than 20 years ago, facilitating the very first high school peer jury in 1996. Our Behavioral Health team offers school based clinical hours helping youth develop healthy habits while addressing substance abuse and other destructive behavior. We also provide youth programming during the summer and after school including our social justice program, Girl World, and career training through our summer internship program.
We create culturally responsive environments in which young people build knowledge, skills, and abilities through positive youth development, trauma-informed counseling, leadership development, and community-based healing.
Development Associate
This position is responsible for supporting development and marketing to help fundraise and build awareness of Alternatives’ programming. The ideal candidate for this position will have strong organizational and communication skills and will contribute to every aspect of the development team activities. This role has room for creativity and independent motivation. This full-time position is responsible for managing the development calendar and coordinating all marketing activities including social media, website management, and external communications.
Compensation: Salary range is $36,000 – $41,000, in accordance with demonstrated skills and relevant past success and experience. Alternatives offers 8 paid holidays, 14 days of paid time off, and an additional week off between December 24 – 31 each year. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Reports to: Development Director
Responsibilities
Fundraising and Cultivation (60%)
- Maintain and update database tracking of all donor records including acknowledgment of donations (Donor Perfect);
- Assist with the coordination of all mailings including newsletter (Mailchimp), individual solicitations, invitations to special events, and regular content updates for supporters;
- Coordinate cause-marketing campaigns, and oversee donor and volunteer appreciation/cultivation efforts;
- Manage event logistics, serving as the point of contact for vendors (i.e. catering, venue, printing), supporters and sponsors, volunteers, table sponsors, and attendees;
- Record and track event data and constituent information, including budget information, registration lists, and revenue.
Individual Giving and Donor Stewardship (20%)
- Collaborate with the Development Director on updating and monitoring the annual development calendar to ensure year-round engagement and stewardship of individual donors;
Corporate and Foundation Relations Support (10%)
- Conduct grant and sponsorship research and prospecting;
- Provide support and preparation of materials for site visits;
- Design and develop sponsor and funder collateral as needed;
- Fulfill sponsorship recognition and benefits, including communications such as social media and press releases, signage and merchandise, website updates;
- Assist with program event logistics as requested, including activities such as photography, volunteer management, or communications activities.
Operations, Infrastructure, and Other Roles (<10%)
- Manage updates and contributions to website (WordPress);
- Produce monthly/quarterly email report on agency highlights;
- Produce and coordinates Annual Report for the agency;
- Manage social media strategy with regular posts and engagement tracking;
- Produce standard monthly and quarterly income reports of donation revenue;
- Coordinate meetings and communications with the Associate Board;
- Schedule and attend Development Committee meetings and Associate Board meetings;
- Assist Development team with general administrative responsibilities;
- Help ensure the smooth operation of department and other duties as assigned.
Essential Qualities and Qualifications
- At least two year’s work experience, experience in nonprofit development preferred;
- Prior experience working with annual funds, direct mail and/or online giving a plus;
- Mission and values driven with a strong commitment to social justice;
- Good sense of accountability, strong dependability, and impeccable integrity;
- Detail-oriented and proactive approach to managing time-sensitive and competing workloads;
- A quintessential team player with a willingness to support colleagues outside of one’s primary responsibilities;
- Open to and appreciative of feedback, responsive to direction and coaching;
- Capable communicator with an astute eye for written and visual communication in particular (design or marketing experience, including ability to use design software a plus);
- Good people skills, comfort working with a diverse base of support and stakeholders;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Computer proficiency including Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook (experience with Donor Perfect, WordPress a plus);
- Flexible schedule outside of typical working hours, with the ability and willingness to work occasional nights or weekends as necessary.
Limitations and Disclaimer: The above job description describes the general nature and level of work to be performed; it is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
Timeline: Position will remain open until filled, though we expect to have our new Development Coordinator in place before May 2020. Applications will be reviewed and candidates considered on a rolling basis. A mutually agreed upon start date will be determined at the time of hire.
Employment Status: This is a full time, exempt position.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants from all cultures and communities are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply: If you are interested applying for this position, email your resume and cover letter to Monica George, Director of Development, at mgeorge@alternativesyouth.org. No phone calls, please.
The above job description is subject to modification and change at the discretion of the Executive Director and/or the Director to whom this position reports to reflect necessary contract/program or funding changes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
