Scitopia Development Consultant

The Scitopia Foundation is soliciting applications for a Development Consultant to lead fundraising and media initiatives key to the launch, construction and opening of a novel science center, Scitopia Chicago, located in the heart of Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood. Join a dynamic team and play a crucial role in advancing this high-profile science education initiative.

Scitopia Chicago (SC), the flagship enterprise overseen by the nonprofit Scitopia Foundation, is envisioned as a STEAM-themed learning hub and free public destination promoting teen self-realization and beneficial community opportunities. Fusing in synergy library, conservatory, museum and

neighborhood history, SC promotes self-realization and career pathways for southside teens and

offers opportunities for visitors of all ages spaces to connect, learn, meet or revel in a unique

southside conservatory-vivarium. By fostering key 20th and 21st Century skills (e.g., creativity,

innovation, collaboration, civic engagement), SC aims to function as a neighborhood anchor to

an emerging equitable Transit Oriented Development zone centered on the adjacent Garfield Green Line Station.

Key Responsibility:

To seek, establish and deepen relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations and neighborhood, city and state representatives to meet fundraising benchmarks for SC development.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Communications: collaborate with other staff and the foundation in developing a robust media strategy to effectively communicate the novelty, opportunity, aims and impact of SC to key supportive parties and agencies and the public at large.
• Grant Support: Assist with grant strategy, development of a portfolio of funding opportunities, and proposal writing, submission and any needed reporting.
• Donor Relations: Support the cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors including drafting personalized communication, maintaining donor records, and assisting with donor-focused events.
• Special Events: Provide planning, oversight and management of fundraising and cultivation events.
• PR & Marketing: Develop a media and communications strategy in collaboration with the Scitiopia team. Create and collaborate on compelling content for newsletters and email appeals, website and social media, press releases, annual reports and event advertisement and invitations.
• Administrative Support: Manage and organize as needed development and communications records and tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Non Profit Management, Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field.
• 4+ years of professional experience in development and/or fundraising roles, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Experience with content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to its realization.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with fundraising software or donor relationship management databases (e.g.,Salesforce).
• Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canvas, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Basic photography and video editing skills.
• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact).

Potential for growth, SC intends for this position to transition into a full-time benefits

eligible position. Contract reviewable and renewable after 6 months.

The Scitopia Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to fostering a diverse

and inclusive workplace.