We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college. For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational resources and tools today.
LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.
Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. In the 2024-2025 academic year, we will serve 300+ Scholars (Jr. LINK, High School Fellowship, & Collegiate Scholars). Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.
Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!
Position Summary
- Grants, Stewardship, & Event Support
- Develops a deep understanding of LINK's mission, current themes, and organizational priorities to effectively support grant writing, donor solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
- Partners with the VP, Advancement to research, write, and submit grant proposals that align with LINK Unlimited Scholars' priorities and initiatives, ensuring a strong pipeline of funding opportunities.
- Researches grant opportunities and populates grant paste sheets with relevant, well-organized information to support the submission of high-quality proposals.
- Responsible for drafting grant proposals, reports, and related materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with funder requirements.
- Supports donor communications (e.g., winter appeal, impact reports, spring appeal), including list clean up, merging labels/letters/etc., printing, and mailing.
- Sets up and manages donation pages through fundraising platforms, ensuring they are user-friendly, updated, and effective in driving donor engagement.
- Manages the matching gift portfolio by researching matching gift opportunities and developing written promotions through platforms like Double the Donation to maximize this revenue stream.
- Collaborates with the Advancement Team to support donor-focused events, crafting event-related communications, mailings, and post-event data reports for accurate tracking and analysis.
- Serves as point of contact for the Advancement Team, providing clear communication and support to donors and volunteers. (Interfaces with donors to provide an exceptional customer service experience through phone calls, meetings and electronic communications).
- Other duties as assigned.
- Donor Acknowledgements
- Leads the gift processing and acknowledgement activities for all giving.
- Creates exceptional thanking strategies and plans that acknowledge donors and inspire them to give again.
- Builds and sends virtual communications to donors and/or general LINK mailing subscribers.
- Donor Database & Data Management
- Maintains the accuracy and integrity of electronic databases by ensuring that all information is kept current and up to date.
- Daily to weekly data entry/updates of donors.
- Leverages technology to better track and steward donors across all segments.
- Coordinates, prepares and distributes ongoing and ad-hoc giving reports, prospect lists, and solicitation materials related to the Advancement Team's fundraising activities.
- Generates and edits Salesforce reports for purposes including mailing lists, grant needs, and donor listings.
- External Affairs
- Establishes and maintain strong relationships with grantors and major funders, ensuring ongoing communication and engagement to strengthen long-term support for LINK’s initiatives.
- Coordinates outreach to current and prospective donors through regular communications, updates on organizational achievements, and targeted engagement strategies.
- Collaborates with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and execute external communications strategies that effectively promote LINK’s programs, events, and successes.
- Collaborates with other internal teams to coordinate mass outreach to stakeholders, including Scholars, parents, Mentors, etc. (via Mailchimp).
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 1-2 years of experience in a relevant field such as Nonprofit Management, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or related disciplines.
- At least ONE year of experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, grants management, or event coordination within a nonprofit organization, highly desired.
- Understanding of fundraising strategies, donor cultivation, and stewardship practices preferred.
- Experience in grant proposal writing, reporting, and research to identify prospective funding sources highly desired.
- Experience in data entry and database management, particularly with Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong relationship and partnership cultivation skills to build rapport with existing and potential donors and stakeholders.
- Must be able to prioritize and independently manage projects from implementation through completion.
- Excellent time management skills with proven ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team.
- Ability to function well in a high-paced environment.
- Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Adobe Suite.
- Experience with Salesforce and mass email platforms such as MailChimp is preferred.
- Must have the ability to learn new or updated software.
Characteristics
- Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
- Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
- Strong work ethic.
- A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
- Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
- Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.
Work Schedule
Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but requires 40-50 hours per week. Hybrid schedule: remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday. The role requires flexibility to occasionally work later hours for special events and some Saturdays to observe Scholar programming in support of grant writing.
Compensation
Salary range $48k-$53k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, PTO days, 8 Holidays, and a holiday shut down from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.
LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.
