Manager of Advancement and Stewardship

The Opportunity 

The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition - Education (ISTC Education) team is hiring a Manager of Advancement and Stewardship who will be responsible for co-developing ISTC Education’s fundraising strategy with the Executive Director and drive the growth of our donor portfolio. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and expand our donor base while leading fundraising initiatives. This is an ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic individual seeking to make a measurable impact in the education and nonprofit space. 

Candidates will champion ISTC’s mission to connect students and mentors, foster student innovation, and break down barriers to access for all high school students across the state of Illinois. Join us in supporting the next generation of innovators.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Manager of Advancement and Stewardship will be a key player in amplifying ISTC programs and initiatives through donor engagement and stewardship of new and existing prospects. The Manager should expect to spend at least one day a week in our office located in downtown Chicago.  

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to Jozie Crouch, Communications Coordinator, at jozie@istcoalition.org. 

Experience & Qualifications

• Commitment to ISTC’s mission of breaking down barriers to those historically excluded from STEM fields and the workforce
• A passion for education, equity, and social impact 
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising/development with a proven track record of success
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a relationship-focused approach
• Experience with HubSpot or similar CRM tools
• Preferred experience in grant writing and management

In addition, to be successful as a member of the ISTC Education team in this role, you will be:

• An independent, results-focused, highly-organized self-starter
• An empathetic, accurate, and efficient problem-solver
• Able to ask for help clearly and quickly when needed
• Be comfortable giving and receiving honest, constructive feedback, and able to successfully implement feedback 
• Team-centered and collaborative
• Possess high-level strategic thinking skills and flexibility; as part of a small team, you will be responsible for understanding organizational context and wearing many hats

Core Responsibilities

As the Manager of Advancement and Stewardship, you will be critical to ISTC’s success–you will help represent the face of ISTC and be one of the primary relationship managers stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement fundraising strategies
• Grow and manage a donor portfolio
• Identify, cultivate, and sustain relationships with major donor prospects
• Collaborate with the communications coordinator to produce a bi-monthly newsletter
• Provide regular portfolio updates and reports
• Oversee and enhance existing fundraising events, including two annual fundraisers
• Serve as a liaison to the Associate Board
• Engage in grant writing and management

In preparation for the interview process, please be prepared to move through a series of two interview tasks. Tasks will include both the creation of an event planning timeline and email samples. Instructions and further details will be shared after the screening call and first round interviews are complete. 

Benefits & Salary

Salary starts at $65,000/yr with opportunity for bonuses based on fundraising goals. 

Benefits include:

• 4 weeks paid vacation 
• Additional sick leave and two floating holidays
• 401(k) with match 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Access to our office located in the Lyric Opera building in the heart of downtown Chicago