Grant Writer and Donor Relations Manager 

ICNC works to strengthen the companies in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor on Chicago's Near West Side. Please see www.industrialcouncil.com for information on ICNC's mission and activities. In addition to representing and providing assistance to hundreds of companies in its community, ICNC owns and operates Make City, a small business incubator which houses 100 small business tenants in its 416,000 square foot facility. ICNC also co-owns The Hatchery, a food and beverage manufacturing incubator in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood.
 
Position Activities & Responsibilities:
 
The Grant Writer and Donor Relations Manager will provide support to and be responsible for a wide range of fund development and marketing activities which will include identifying and managing opportunities for grant proposals, corporate gifts and special events as well as daily activities focused on identification, cultivation, solicitation, growth and stewardship of donor relationships. This position reports to the Executive Director.
 
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Development
  • Successfully understand and communicate organization’s mission, vision, history, programs goals and financial needs;
  • Research, identify and write high-quality, coherent, organized and compelling grant proposals/narratives and letters of intent;
  • Work with executive director to build and manage board capacity to grow fundraising department
  • Develop, implement and evaluate ICNC’s annual fundraising plan that incorporates grant proposals, corporate sponsorships and foundation gifts;
  • Track, create and prioritize grant opportunities calendar and submitted applications;
  • Work closely with grant and corporate partnership coordinators to ensure timely submission of proposal as well as contractual fulfillment;
  • Collaborate with team members in the organization to assist with fundraising projects and develop relationships with key stakeholders;
  • Expand relationships with external constituents and key sectors;
  • Lead presentations to potential sponsors/donors as appropriate;
  • Conduct yearly review and assessment of fund development portfolio and make adjustments as necessary
 
Marketing, Communications and Administrative
  • Write/prepare donor solicitations and campaign materials, and correspondence related to development activities;
  • Maintain and improve Sales Force donor database to track contributions, donor acknowledgements and create reports;
  • Manage department budget and expenses and prepare regular performance reports;
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by Executive Director.
 
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field (non-profit management, communications, marketing, public relations,);
  • At least three years of proven track record in grant writing, donor solicitations and/or sales and is comfortable making cold calls and setting up appointments;
  • A proven track record of successful grant/gift solicitation for non-profits, charities and other philanthropic organizations, with evidence of substantial fundraising accomplishments;
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with great follow-skills;
  • Possess superior negotiation skills with ability to overcome common proposal objections;
  • High energy, outgoing, and a passion for ICNC’s mission is essential;
  • Sense of humor;
  • Some experience working with large corporations is a plus;
  • Able to maintain strong, positive, collaborative working relationships;
  • Willing to travel and use personal vehicle as necessary for work-related activities –mileage expenses are reimbursable;
  • Results driven and pushes self and others for results;
  • Excellent time management and strong organizational skills;
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment to meet established goals and deadlines;
  • Active listener who can relate well with all types of people, builds rapport, constructive and effective relationships;
  • Effective in a variety of formal presentation settings, one-on-one, small and large groups with peers, subordinates and supervisors.
  • Skilled coordinating a variety of projects simultaneously;
  • Ability to demonstrate flexibility and creativity;
  • Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel) and intermediate Internet research techniques;
  • Knowledge of Salesforce is a must in order to develop and manage contact lists;
  • Willingness to work flexible, varying hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
 
Working Conditions
Office environment, but much time to be spent in face-to-face contact with donors, involving substantial local travel. 
 
Position Structure and Benefit Incentives
  • This is a full-time position; 40 hours per week; 8:30am-5pm, Monday-Friday; with the ability to work remote 10% of work week
  • Starting annual salary range is $47K-$60K; commensurate with experience;
  • Benefit incentives includes: One week paid vacation to start and one week personal/sick time off, participation in group health insurance plan, SIMPLE IRA, short and long term disability and life insurance; training and career development opportunities available.

How to Apply
Please email letter of interest, current resume, and three professional references to:
 
ICNC
Grant Writer Search Committee
[email protected]
The subject line must include the recruiting code GW.
 
For further information about ICNC, please see our website at: www.industrialcouncil.com.
 

ICNC is an equal opportunity employer and provides a smoke-free, drug-free work place.