Development Coordinator

Organization Overview

Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our comprehensive approach to whole girl development equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. These positive outcomes are achieved through three core elements: people – trained staff and volunteers who build lasting, mentoring relationships; environment – girls-only, physically and emotionally safe, where there is a sisterhood of support, high expectations, and mutual respect; and programming – research-based, hands-on and minds-on, age-appropriate, meeting the needs of today’s girls. Informed by girls and their families, we also advocate for legislation and policies to increase opportunities for all girls and address the systemic barriers that impede girls’ success, particularly girls in low-income communities and girls of color.

Position Overview

The Development Coordinator is a dynamic and skilled professional with expertise in development operations and event planning. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s fundraising and operational goals. This individual will be hands-on and highly productive, with primary responsibilities in development operations, event planning, and grant management.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Development

• Assist with creating and executing fund development strategies.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development and Senior Development Specialist to support annual fundraising initiatives like Giving Tuesday and End-of-Year Giving.
• Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the She Shines Women’s History Month Celebration and the Strong Smart Bold Awards gala.
• Manage donor database operations, including donor prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Conduct research to identify funding opportunities and high-net-worth donors.
• Support the development of grant proposals and letters of inquiry, including compiling supporting documents and attending information sessions.
• Coordinate with team members on data analytics and grant reporting.
• Submit development/finance reports to the Chief Financial Officer, including bi-weekly batches and monthly revenue reports.

Grant Management

• Lead programmatic grant reporting and management of grant requirements.
• Track and monitor grant proposals, ensuring compliance with deadlines and requirements.
• Collaborate with Programs, Community Engagement, and Finance departments to prepare grant proposals and progress reports.
• Collect, enter, and maintain grant-specific data for performance tracking and reporting.

Event Planning and Management

• Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events, including the She Shines Awards and Strong Smart Bold Awards gala.
• Oversee all event logistics, such as venue selection and coordination, sponsorship solicitation, in-kind auction item procurement, event marketing, run of show, day-of logistics, and staff and volunteer roles.
• Collaborate with board members, staff, volunteers, girls, and external consultants to ensure seamless event execution.

Communications

• Prepare donor acknowledgment letters and correspondence.
• Develop presentations, meeting agendas, and minutes for Board of Directors and Associate Board meetings.
• Assist with donor cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Collaborate with the Development Team on communications such as newsletters, impact reports, talking points, speeches, flyers, and graphics.

Volunteer Relations and Engagement

• Support the implementation and execution of the Corporate Volunteer Program.
• Assist with strategies to recruit and retain corporate volunteers.
• Collaborate with the Community Engagement Department to plan and implement corporate engagement activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience in a related role, including at least 2 years in event planning.
• Exceptional communication skills and keen attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently while meeting deadlines.
• Strong initiative, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience collaborating effectively with senior leadership and program teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a team-oriented, collaborative approach.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Nonprofit experience and a passion for Girls Inc.’s mission preferred.

Highly Preferred:

• Proficiency in DonorPerfect or similar fundraising software.
• Experience with Canva and Adobe Suite tools like InDesign and Illustrator.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite and email marketing platforms like Constant Contact.

Working Conditions:

This position is based in our nonprofit organization's office with opportunities for remote work. It may require occasional evening or weekend work during peak periods, such as grant deadlines or fundraising events.

Join our team of dedicated professionals and make a significant impact on our organization's growth and the communities we serve. Together, we can work towards creating positive change and advancing our mission to improve lives and make a difference.

Girls Inc. of Chicago has a Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

GIRLS INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER