Equality Illinois is the Midwest’s largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Equality Illinois is a 501(c)(4) organization, which also has an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization, Equality Illinois Education Project. Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy and protection of the rights of the LGBT community.

POSITION OVERVIEW
Equality Illinois is seeking a Development Associate to assist the Director of Development in growing a comprehensive development program that emphasizes cultivation and stewardship of individual, foundational, and corporate donors. The Development Associate will be primarily responsible for smaller events, online fundraising, and prospect research, but will also support the Director in the execution of larger events to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization. The Development Associate reports directly to the Director of Development.
This is a full-time position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage donor research, prepare call sheets, and compile notes, information and pledges;
• Manage smaller fundraising events and identify and develop new donor events, while assisting on larger events;
• Lead management of online fundraising strategies, including composing e-mail and social media fundraising messages;
• Conduct research to identify new foundation and corporate support, and strengthen existing foundation relationships through grant writing, reporting and general stewardship;
• Help develop and execute strategies around grassroots fundraising, including membership renewals and special appeals;
• Provide support for the fundraising efforts of the CEO, Director of Development, staff and Board members, and Volunteers (as needed);
• Support implementation and maintenance of all development office systems and procedures;
• Other duties as assigned, including contributions to teammates outside of fundraising; and
• Some travel required and working on fundraising events that may take place outside of normal business hours.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A commitment to the mission and philosophy of Equality Illinois.
• At least one year of experience in non-profit fundraising, event planning or campaign fundraising.
• Demonstrated achievement in meeting assigned goals.
• Demonstrated success in the planning and the execution of events.
• Experience with online communications.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with stakeholders.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• A “can do” attitude that enjoys the challenges of nonprofit development/fundraising.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Proficiency in using fundraising software (Salsa).
• Experience interacting with major donors.
• Graphic design skills.
• Marketing experience.
• Experience with webpage maintenance.
• Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish (and/or other languages)

SALARY & COMPENSATION

• Salary (exempt) commensurate with experience
• Retirement plan with employer contributions
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Two weeks paid vacation in the first year
• Paid holidays
• Transit benefits
• Other benefits

HIRING PROCESS
The application deadline is October 9, 2015. Applications will be reviewed as received.

TO APPLY
Please send (1) a thoughtful cover letter describing your interest in this position addressed to Michael Nordman, Director of Development, via e-mail at Development_Associate@eqil.org, along with (2) your résumé and (3) three professional references. Please use the subject line: Development Associate Position. Applications will be reviewed as received.

Equality Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, and transgender people are strongly encouraged to apply.