Development and Communications Manager

Organization Overview

America SCORES Chicago (ASC) is a nonprofit organization that provides after school and summer programming that combines soccer, poetry, and service-learning. The mission of ASC is to inspire youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. Currently serving neighborhoods in West and Southwest Chicago, ASC provides programming for students in K-8^th grade. In addition to providing America SCORES programming in partnership with Chicago schools, ASC serves as a 21^st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) Lead Partner Agency at seven schools. 

Summary

The Development and Communications Manager (DCM) plays a critical role in furthering the mission of ASC by serving as a key partner to the Executive Director in the design and implementation of the organization’s fundraising and communications strategies. The DCM is responsible for achieving an annual revenue goal through various philanthropic opportunities, including corporate sponsorships, individual giving, fundraising events, and an annual appeal. The DCM is responsible for increasing brand awareness and donor giving through a strategic communications plan. The DCM directly manages the Development and Communications AmeriCorps VISTA and collaborates with the Development and Communications Specialist to visualize and promote ASC programs to internal and external stakeholders.

Position Responsibilities

Individual and Corporate Giving

• Identify, research, cultivate, and steward prospective individual and corporate donors.
• Oversee the VISTA in managing and tracking individual and corporate donor touchpoints, meetings, and gifts using donor management software.
• Manage the Development Board and ensure that they have the necessary tools, training, and organization to be fully engaged in the efforts needed to raise funds and support program and fundraising events.
• Manage a successful annual giving program by planning campaign strategies and goals, overseeing direct mail and online appeals, and analyzing donor data.
• Support with prospecting and creating foundation and corporate grant proposals and reports.
• Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders, including the Executive Director and Director of Programs and Operations, to gather and create all necessary information and materials for foundation, corporate, and individual solicitations and facilitate donor engagement opportunities.
• Produce correspondence for individual and corporate donors which communicates how gifts have been used.

Special Event Management

• Support the execution of ASC’s signature fundraising events, as well as develop plans for new fundraising events to generate additional revenue and attract new audiences to ASC.
• Develop and pursue strategies to ensure events achieve/exceed revenue goals by securing event sponsorship, managing silent auction and raffle items, and promoting individual and group attendance.
• Support the Executive Director in establishing sponsor benefits and ensuring proper recognition and benefit fulfillment, including print, signage, etc.
• Supervise the planning of event logistics, including the event budget, and serve as the staff manager on event day to provide an excellent experience for all participants.

Marking and Communications

• Create and implement social media strategy and editorial calendar which includes all aspects of ASC’s social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube).
• Build and support team knowledge of marketing and social media efforts.
• Support the creation and development of high-quality, up-to-date print and online marketing materials that tell the story of ASC and promote our brand, including the quarterly ASC newsletter.
• Maintain and regularly update ASB website.
• Maintain and seek knowledge of all organizational activity; local and national news; and emerging and relevant research to most effectively communicate with funders, potential funders or other stakeholders.

Additional Tasks

• Attend/work at all major program events, including, but not limited to: Fall Frenzy, Community Slam, SHOUT!, and Jamboree.
• Attend all (approx. 14) Friday Game Day events during the Fall, Winter, and Spring program; supporting with logistics as needed.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for America SCORES Chicago’s mission and programs; core values of Teamwork, Leadership, and Commitment; and the healing power of sport.
• Minimum of three years’ progressive experience with individual and corporate donor cultivation, stewardship, and retention; print and digital giving campaigns; and social media strategy across various platforms.
• Demonstrated success in executing fundraising events that meet/exceed fundraising targets.
• Proficiency with CRM or fundraising software. Experience with Little Green Light preferred.
• Familiarity with InDesign, Photoshop, Publisher or other graphics programs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at a time with precision and high level of efficiency.
• Ability to work collaboratively with SCORES staff, corporate and community partners, and volunteers.
• Action-oriented and adaptable.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write and deliver clear, structured, articulate and persuasive correspondence, presentations, proposals, and reports.
• Strong analytic and strategic-thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to create, implement, and monitor complex plans, and translate those plans into goals and concrete strategies. 
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a small, close-knit team, and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Job Specifications

• Physical demands include handling the storing, packing, and setting up of sporting equipment weighing up to 20 pounds and climbing up and down up to four flights of stairs at a time at program sites.
• Must submit to and clear a Chicago Public Schools background check.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and Google Suite required.
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends to support programming and fundraising events.