Development Coordinator

Housing Action Illinois is a statewide coalition of more than 160 organizations dedicated to protecting and expanding the availability of quality, affordable, accessible homes throughout Illinois. The great majority of our member organizations are nonprofit direct-service providers who provide shelter, affordable housing, and/or housing counseling to low-income individuals and families.

Through our Policy Advocacy Program, we mobilize our members and allies to advocate for policies that help end homelessness, create affordable rental housing, promote sustainable homeownership, and affirmatively further fair housing. For this work, we particularly focus on the needs of people with the lowest incomes and others impacted by systemic inequities in our society. Our complementary Public Education & Organizing Program builds awareness and activates change by sharing information and real-life stories with policymakers, nonprofit service providers, and the media. Meanwhile, through our Capacity Building Program, we provide training, one-on-one guidance, and resources to housing counseling agencies and developers so that they can serve more families and help our communities thrive. Housing Action also manages a statewide network of AmeriCorps VISTA members working with our member agencies to build capacity and alleviate poverty.

Job Title: Development Coordinator

Responsible to: Manager of Communications & Development

Summary of Primary Job Functions:

The Development Coordinator position is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about housing justice and eager to gain experience in a wide range of development activities, from grant writing and event management to prospecting and building donor, sponsor, and member relationships. We seek a candidate who will help grow our foundation and corporate support, build the momentum of our new individual giving program, solidify member relationships, and think strategically about our next steps.

While juggling a variety of projects and priorities, the Development Coordinator will have the opportunity to shape this role, deliver new outcomes, assist with elevating our fundraising strategies and endeavors. Current sources of funding include government, corporate and foundation grants, as well as an annual benefit, annual conference, membership dues, and individual donors. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist the Manager of Communications & Development, Executive Director, and other program staff as necessary with all development and fundraising activities, including but not limited to:

Fundraising

• Work closely with the Manager of Communications & Development and Executive Director to create and execute fundraising strategies and plans with excellence, optimizing giving from corporations, foundations, government sources, and individuals.
• Prepare persuasive, well-written grant proposals and reports for public and private sources, as well as research new funding opportunities and create strategies to build on existing funding.
• Coordinate staff work plans for timely completion of letters of inquiry, grant proposals, grant and financial reports, and funder meetings; keep projects on track and support relevant staff in meeting deadlines.
• Maintain records in the giving database, create standard processes to document individual giving, and ensure that calendars and records are kept up-to-date.
• Improve and execute individual giving appeals, typically at the end of the year and in spring; oversee donor acknowledgment process, including the generation of acknowledgment letters and thank you calls.
• Support and assist with monitoring fundraising plans and activities of the Board.
• Collaborate with accounting to ensure accurate tracking and reconciliation of donations, grant payments, and other transactions.

Membership

• Work with key staff to ensure consistent, effective membership outreach and renewal, helping document engagement and update records as needed.
• Support member retention and prospecting by creating member communications and promoting member benefits.

Special Events

• Plan and execute our annual benefit.
• Support the fundraising, communications, and logistical aspects of the annual Housing Matters conference.

Communications

• Assist in planning and executing communications strategies to support resource development efforts, including drafting, publication and distribution of the annual report and quarterly impact updates for members and funders.
• Work closely with the Manager of Communications & Development to create compelling content to share the mission of Housing Action with our external audiences, contributing to the creation of newsletters, one pagers, website content, brochures, and other communications.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate in this role will thrive in a small office environment and will be eager to grow in the development profession.

• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in helping secure funding from government, individual, foundation and/or corporate sources.
• Demonstrated success in meeting fundraising goals, grant writing and/or special events planning and promotion; ability to evaluate effectiveness of projects, provide suggestions for improvement, and develop new initiatives.
• Ability to take direction, work independently, balance competing priorities, show initiative, and produce results, but also work effectively in a team environment.
• Extremely detail-oriented and organized, with strong written and verbal skills.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to coordinate team projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills; persuasive, able to procure donors, funders and items needed for fundraising efforts.
• Professional demeanor in person, over the phone and via written correspondence.
• Strong software and computer skills; ability to learn new programs quickly, especially Mac computers/software. Experience with Salsa Engage, Grantseeker, WordPress and/or Daylite a plus.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse people and communities.
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Experience in related field may be substituted for educational degree.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the state; must have a valid driver’s license.

Housing Action offers a competitive salary ($51,000 – $54,000) and benefits package. Benefits currently include 100% of health, dental, and short-term disability insurance premiums for employee paid by Housing Action, 12 vacation days the first year of employment (increases to 18 days thereafter), 5 personal days, 10 holidays, and 12 health leave days.

We also offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, with the option to work 2-4 days per week remotely. Successful applicants must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit a written request for a legally recognized exemption upon hiring.

Housing Action Illinois is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer Illinois. We believe that personnel diversity is an organizational strength and recognize and value the intersectional identities that staff members bring to our organization.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two short writing samples (500 words or fewer) to employment@housingactionil.org with “Development Coordinator” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2022, although Housing Action Illinois will be reviewing resumes on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please.