Senior Development Specialist

NORTHWESTERN SETTLEMENT•Chicago, IL

8d•$65,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

Northwestern Settlement is seeking a mission-driven professional with development experience to help us manage our fundraising activities with corporations, foundations, government agencies, individual funders and other philanthropic institutions. We are seeking an individual with experience securing funding for social services programs specifically but not limited to; mental health and food insecurity. The Senior Development Specialist will serve as the lead writer on proposals and reports to donors. The Sr. Development Specialist will play an essential role in the organization’s ability to help generate $3+ million in general operating and program support, and to serve as a positive ambassador with funders and other community partners alongside the Director of Development and the Development Specialist.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree.
5 years of grant writing and development experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience with budgeting and budget development. Basic financial management skills.
Team player with exceptional interpersonal skills
Self-starter, motivated, and able to take initiative in all situations; ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and inclusive environment.
Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
Advanced computer skills; database and/or Raiser’s Edge CRM experience a plus.
Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team; work well with diverse styles and personalities.
Strong commitment to supporting youth, families, and Northwestern Settlement mission
All prospective staff will be fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check

Responsibilities

Grant Writing
Collaborate with program and development staff to create compelling grant proposals and funding requests
Write and assemble most or all sections of each grant proposal, with key input from program directors and other staff
Coordinate with relevant staff in order to solicit timely and appropriate input/review of grant proposals prior to submission deadlines
Review guidelines for all foundation proposals and reports to make sure all submissions are accurately formatted and include all required information, including budgets and materials
Grants Management
In partnership with the Development Specialist, take lead in managing the grant proposal calendar and maintain current pipeline to reflect all grant activity
Work with the Development Specialist to maintain and track donor reporting needs, deadlines, and action items.
Complete impact reports to foundation and corporate donors by working with the data analyst to track outcomes, program directors to collect youth/organizational impact stories, and business team for financial reporting requirements.
Work with the Director of Development to manage donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategy for grants. Track current grant cycles and renewal processes and ensure stewardship to guarantee continued funding
Prospect Research
Conduct targeted research to identify new institutional funders and help grow the existing portfolio of funders to ensure that Northwestern Settlement maintains a diverse portfolio of funders
Data Integrity
Ensure data in database is accurate and gifts are acknowledged within 48 hours of receipt
Work with the Development Specialist to maintain records of all corporate/foundation interactions e.g. grant agreements, report requirements or documentation of calls and meetings
Supporting the Development Department
Provide content as needed for slide decks, annual report, etc.
Provide materials for Board of Directors and Resource Development Committee, as well as any institutional funder meetings regarding auxiliary boards to support their fundraising teams
Create funder folders content and liaise with Development Specialists for timely creation for funder meetings
Other
Support awareness and fundraising activities managed by the Development department
Perform other duties as assigned