Organization Overview:
Founded in 2003, FamilyForward is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a vision to break the cycle of poverty. FamilyForward’s mission is to strengthen low-income, working families in Chicago’s northwest suburbs on their journey toward financial independence. FamilyForward’s two-year program serves families through mentoring, rental assistance and other support services. In partnership with the local supportive community, FamilyForward’s professional staff and trained volunteer mentors empower parents by teaching solid financial principles and crucial career-advancement and life skills. FamilyForward transforms lives, one family at a time.
Position Description:
This is a full-time position. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director/Chief Impact Officer (ED/CIO) will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for FamilyForward’s staff, administration and programs, and the execution of its mission.As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we seek an experienced, inspiring and dynamic individual to lead us forward. If you are someone who loves a challenge, thrives on building relationships, and wants to make a real difference, this is the role for you!
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership and Staff Management:
- Lead the FamilyForward team, providing guidance, motivation and support to help them succeed in their roles.
- Support the family program and staff members by helping to seek out and recruit new volunteer mentors.
- Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration.
- Identify and nurture opportunities for staff development and growth.
- Oversee daily operations, including management of supplies and coordination with vendors, to ensure a smooth-running and efficient office.
2. Community Outreach and Relationship Building:
- Actively represent FamilyForward in local chambers of commerce, community meetings and networking events, and with potential stakeholders.
- Build and sustain meaningful relationships with organizations offering complementary services and explore potential partnerships with nonprofits having similar missions.
- Increase donation levels by 5%+ annually, particularly focusing on new individual contributors and corporations/businesses.
3. Grant Application, Management and Tracking:
- Research, write, submit and manage grant applications to local governments, private foundations and community organizations.
- Assertively seek out new grant opportunities to keep the funding pipeline robust.
- Maintain a master tracking and reporting system for all grant activities.
4. Financial Management and Leadership:
- Track donations meticulously in our customer relationship management (CRM) tool (Panorama) and ensure donors feel valued through personalized thank-you letters or other recognition.
- Collaborate with associates to streamline donation processing and maintain strong donor relationships.
- Work closely with the Treasurer on financial tasks including bill payments, credit card reconciliation, audits and tax-related matters.
5. Fundraising Event Coordination:
- Lead the charge in organizing exciting fundraising events, from concept through execution.
- Drive engagement and awareness through innovative pre- and post-event communication strategies.
6. Marketing and Public Relations:
- Create engaging content for social media, newsletters and other platforms to tell our story and attract support.
- Support the Marketing Committee in crafting compelling articles and managing communication lists.
7. Board Development and Engagement:
- Work closely with the FamilyForward Board members, providing them with regular updates and engaging them in our mission.
- Participate in Board-led Standing Committee and Executive Committee meetings.
- Lead Advisory Board meetings, developing agendas that inspire action and drive our mission forward.
- Identify potential candidates for filling open slots in both Boards.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration).
- Proven experience in grant writing, fundraising and/or nonprofit development.
- Strong leadership skills with a knack for motivating and managing a team.
- A deep sense of empathy and a genuine passion for helping others.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fundraising/CRM software (e.g., Panorama, Zeffy, Cheddar Up).
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Knowledge of the local community and nonprofit sector is a plus.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary in the range of $75,000-85,000, commensurate with experience.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth.
- A hybrid, flexible work schedule that combines remote and in-office work. Occasional early morning and evening meeting attendance required.
- Wellness benefit up to $75/month, including contribution to a gym membership, etc., to help focus on your mental and physical health.
- Retirement savings program after 90 days.
If you’re ready to take the lead in driving positive change and building a brighter future for families in our community, we’d love to hear from you! Apply at info@family-forward.org.
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