Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized,
future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early
learning and care across the country.
Our desire to close the opportunity gap and create more
equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners
guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we
scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research
through partnerships across the country.
Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want
our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and
passionate about the work they do.
Working on the Development team, you will build strong donor
management and relations, including acquisition, cultivation and
stewardship strategies, in order to secure private revenue to
resource Start Early’s strategic priorities.
Reporting to the Director, Development you
will:
Develop and execute Start Early’s annual fund program of mailed
appeals to donors and prospects.
Partner with Communications team on design and mail house,
message testing, and reporting/analysis on outcomes metrics.
Segment and engage in regular, direct outreach to a priority
list of annual fund donors to promote year-over-year growth,
minimize attrition, and carry out a sales-oriented approach to
qualifying prospects.
Based on weekly outreach results, develop and maintain an
active portfolio of 20-30 mid-level ($5k-$25k) prospects in the
pipeline for upgraded giving and manage for results against
goals.
Manage for data integrity to promote team-wide workflow, donor
strategy, and pipeline development, serving as liaison to the
Development Operations team.
Manage a portfolio of up to 10 family foundations, partnering
with various departments across the organization to develop annual
proposal and reporting content templates for Educare Chicago and
General Operations grants, and working with the finance team on
program budgets and reports and submitting by donor-determined
deadlines.
Partner closely with senior staff on the Individual Giving team
for up to 20 principal and major gift prospects including data
management, assistance with meeting preparation, drafting donor
communications, including proposals.
Support Events Team on the Annual Luncheon and Start Early Bash
by providing individual donor list management and outreach
assistance, providing outstanding customer service to individuals
who sponsor and register for Start Early events (capturing
recognition preferences, table guests, following up to collect
pledged payments).
Partner in the design, launch and fulfillment of deliverables
for a new donor society for mid-level individual donors and/or
planned gift donors; and complete other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, Journalism, Social Science,
Business Administration or a related field.
At least three years of experience in non-profit fundraising
and event management, with familiarity in Chicago philanthropic
community.
At least one year of supervisory experience preferred with
ability to mentor and delegate responsibilities to staff.
Demonstrated experience in managing and organizing mail, phone
and personal gift solicitations.
Experience managing volunteers for engagement and fundraising
success.
Advanced writing and editing skills with strong attention to
detail.
Sophisticated project management skills, with the ability to
balance multiple large-scale projects and results.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and
maintain positive relationships within a highly collaborative work
environment.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products, fundraising
databases (Salesforce preferred), and ability to learn new
technology and software programs as needed.
Ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling
confidential information and materials.
Deep commitment to and experience with advancing diversity,
racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and
practice is required.
Effectively establish and maintain effective relationships with
customers and gain their trust and respect.
Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move
work forward.
Our generous benefit plan includes:
Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity,
& Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional
Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6
months paid parental leave and much more.
Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We
celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by
creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
