Senior Associate, Foundation Relations

Start Early is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country. Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more inclusive early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country. We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication. Please become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

The Senior Associate, Foundation Relations, contributes to Start Early’s ability to secure funds from current and prospective funders by supporting foundation stewardship and cultivation activities. The Senior Associate also manages a portfolio of family foundation and mid-level foundation donors, with responsibility for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding partners to contribute to the overall fundraising goals of our mission-driven development team. This is a hybrid position based in the Chicagoland area. The Development Team meets in person once a week (twice during Core Weeks) at our Chicago Headquarters at 1 N. Dearborn.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Foundation Relations, you will:

• Support donor cultivation and stewardship activities of the full Foundation Relations team by identifying appropriate touchpoints and engagement strategies, drafting donor correspondence and newsletters, and developing meeting prep sheets and follow-up materials.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 40 family foundation and mid-level foundation funders and prospects through the donor management cycle, including stewarding and renewing current funding, identifying and qualifying new prospects, initiating outreach, attending discovery calls for new donors, and supporting solicitations.
• Understand funder priorities and contribute to strategic partnership development with a portfolio of family foundations and mid-level foundations. In partnership with Development colleagues, develop and execute funder stewardship/engagement plans to strengthen funder relationships within the assigned portfolio and position Start Early for renewed and increased giving with existing funders. Prepare background research, meeting prep sheets, and other fundraising material.
• Support the development and submission of grant proposals, reports, and supporting materials to foundations for Start Early programs and priorities. Track deliverables using Start Early’s private grants process in partnership with finance and program teams.
• Proactively manage priorities and workflows to meet deadlines. Bring a solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving. Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the Salesforce database, including key data from SE events, development staff meetings, and other contextual information.
• Build effective internal relationships based on clear communication to support the stewardship of funder relationships. Collaborate with team leadership, Finance, and Program staff to support the development of grant budgets, expenditure reports, and accompanying financial narratives needed for grant proposals and reports.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, Journalism, Social Science, Business Administration or a related field.
• Two or more years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising, which should include: Prior experience in stewardship of foundation donors, including managing institutional grants; prior work with family foundations is a plus.
• Proficient in grant writing and editing skills with exceptional attention to detail, and an ability to synthesize complex outcomes and outputs related to large systemic issues.
• Proficient project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple large-scale projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and maintain strong relationships within a highly collaborative work environment.
• Basic knowledge of early childhood development and education, with the desire and ability to learn about issues relevant to infants, children, and families.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products, fundraising databases (Salesforce preferred), and the ability to learn new technology and software programs as needed.
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs and priorities.
• A passion for Start Early’s mission.

We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $62,000-$68,000

As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

Our generous benefits plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401 (k) Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.