Communications and Development Volunteer

General job description: Donors Forum, a nonprofit that strengthens philanthropy and the nonprofit sector in Illinois, is seeking a Communications and Development Volunteer to work in our External Relations department for 8 weeks, possibly longer. This volunteer will support Donors Forum's external relations efforts, which are critical to raising revenue for the organization: web communications, fundraising, publications, promotions, and media relations.

Benefits include:

• affiliation with a well-regarded and established nonprofit that is at the center of the nonprofit and philanthropic community in Illinois, enjoying relationships with hundreds of funders and nonprofits across the state
• the opportunity to work in a small, fast-paced department with colleagues who have broad and deep experience in nonprofit marketing, communications, and fundraising
• a nominal stipend to cover the cost of public transportation and lunch ($15 per day)
• training (when not working on other projects) in workshops, programs, or events that Donors Forum offers its constituents. The number of training opportunities will depend on the length of the volunteer assignment
• school credit, depending on the requirements of the volunteer's school

What former volunteers have said, and where they are now:

Several of Donors Forum's former volunteers have moved on to jobs in the area's nonprofit sector. Here is what some of them said about their experience at Donors Forum.

• "My work was compelling and helped broaden my knowledge of communications and the nonprofit arena. I was really lucky to work in an environment that was challenging, with superiors who encouraged and helped me. I appreciated the honest feedback and quality career advice; there is a lot that I will take from this experience and apply to future jobs." -- Becky Panter (Donors Forum June - August, 2009), Boston University 2010, Teach for America
• "I have greatly enjoyed my past few months here at Donors Forum, getting to know many of you. I have learned a lot during my time here, and know it will be useful to me in the future." -- Frances Duberstein (Donors Forum August - December 2009), pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Affairs at the University of Indiana's School of Public and Environmental Affairs
• "My volunteer experience provided me with invaluable insights into the world of philanthropy. Through the various projects I worked on, I was able to gain insight into the wealth of information and resources Donors Forum offers the philanthropic community. The opportunity was especially valuable as a person interested in career transition from the corporate space into the nonprofit sector. I encourage anyone interested working in the nonprofit sector to consider this volunteer assignment -- you support a very worthwhile organization while developing essential skill sets and knowledge." -- Heather McDonald (Donors Forum August - November 2009), Walk Manager, Chicago Walk & Roll, American Cancer Society - Chicago Region
• "I have really enjoyed my time at Donors Forum, and am certain that I will use much of what I learned in my new position. I also appreciate all the good advice I received from the staff as I went through the job-search process." -- Dana Horst (Donor Forum November 2009 - January 2010), Director of Development and Marketing, Just the Beginning Foundation
• "My three months at Donors Forum were an illuminating time during which I felt I was fully included as a member of the organization. I was called upon to support special initiatives, including the launch of a new website. It impressed me just how much input and responsiblity the position asked of me. I gained valuable hands-on experience in making a real contribution to the leading organization in Illinois' nonprofit community. Further, I was encouraged to take full advantage of Donors Forum's resources by attending its workshops and meetings -- free of charge. The networking opportunity these workshops present is invaluable, and the lessons I learned led directly to my finding work in another large nonprofit in the Chicago area! I can't say enough about the friendly and professional staff at Donors Forum. I highly recommend to anyone looking to get a foot in the door in Illinois' nonprofit community to consider this opportunity." -- Christopher Boyce (Donors Forum December 2009 - April 2010), Development Manager, Instituto del Progresso Latino

Representative volunteer assignments:

• Assist with the planning and launch of a new Donors Forum website
• Assist with production of e-newsletters
• Monitor and post, as supervisors' direction, on Donors Forum's blog, Facebook fan page, and Twitter
• Keep and file fundraising records and documents and share sponsors' benefits with sponsors
• Research new funders
• Help prepare proposals and acknowledgement letters
• Research media outlets, including websites, and create media lists for promoting Donors Forum's products and services
• Create promotional displays or traveling "exhibits" to promote Donors Forum programs
• Create and maintain inventories of promotional packets for Donors Forum's constituents
• Produce, help proofread, and disseminate promotional fliers and newsletters
• Interview Donors Forum's constituents for testimonials and stories of their experience with Donors Forum
• Assist with administrative support, including filing and photocopying

Volunteer goals:

• All duties are successfully completed with minimal errors, on deadline, and in accordance with Donors Forum's mission and External Relations' goals
• A professional, cooperative, and friendly work attitude -- with an emphasis on service, cooperation, and teamwork -- is maintained

Ideally, Donors Forum seeks a volunteer with:

• flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• strong writing skills
• strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• strong interpersonal relations skills
• strong organizational skills
• a solid work ethic
• experience in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• preferably, some knowledge of html and basic web-related skills