Advancement Manager

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Advancement Manager leads the effort to engage current supporters, cultivate new supporters, increase financial investment in BGCC and build an increasingly strong and diverse network of stakeholders.

With a primary focus on donor strategy, the Advancement Manager oversees planning, organization and implementation of BGCC fundraising initiatives including major events. Priorities include relationship-building and solicitation of major donors, management of fundraising boards and event planning. The Advancement Manager reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and oversees the Advancement Coordinator.

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects through individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans; maintain documentation of activity.
• Grow annual revenue from portfolio of donors through relationship-based fundraising and strategic moves management, with an emphasis on long-term stewardship and engagement.
• In partnership with the Advancement Coordinator, facilitate committees, meetings and communications for fundraising boards, which are comprised of BGCC’s most committed supporters.
• Manage the Advancement Coordinator.
• Develop relationships and fundraising strategies to engage boards and deepen their relationship with BGCC.
• Oversee planning, logistics and fundraising for special events; responsible for achievement of revenue goals.
• Identify and communicate potential opportunities and/or relationships to increase the organization’s ability to raise funds to support its mission.
• Develop stewardship and solicitation plans for event sponsors, donors and attendees. Work with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and implement marketing, advertising, and social media plans for all events.
• Manage event budgets and maintain accurate donation records, both in tracking sheets and in the organization donor database, Raiser’s Edge. Ensure event donors are appropriately thanked for support.
• Utilize creativity and an entrepreneurial approach in working with donors to best support BGCC’s mission.
• Utilize a continuous quality improvement plan to build on previous event’s successes and ensure future revenue growth.

• Work collaboratively to ensure strong departmental structure.
• Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
• Perform other related duties as requested.                                                                                                                                

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required from accredited college or university.
• 4–8 years of progressive experience in fundraising. 
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Adherence to deadlines, strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in team-based, cross functional work environments with effective and respectful communication skills.
• Generate and maintain confidential and sensitive files and information.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and to problem-solve with limited supervision.
• Ability to prioritize and promptly respond to donor and key stakeholder inquiries.

• Knowledge of the mission, objectives, policies, programs, and procedures of BGCC; and the principles and practices of non-profit organization.
• Demonstrated experience in the execution of large-scale meetings and events.
• Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising.
• Be goal-driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate leadership self-confidence, sound judgement and good listening ability.
• Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members and other volunteers.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management abilities.

• Demonstration of ability to communicate with different groups.
• Successful supervisory experience.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel etc.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION

• Spend time both at the Club Support Center and at the 20+ Clubs located throughout Chicago
• Must have reliable, insured private transportation
• Must pass criminal background check

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Standard office environment. Occasional need to travel to Club locations in Chicago.  Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs and lift frequently. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.    

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:  Maintain close, daily contact with departmental team, Administrative departments, and Club staff to help inform, discuss issues, explain guidelines/instructions; and advise/counsel on all things fundraising with the organization.

External:  Maintain close relationships with board members, donors (both individual and corporate), foundations, and other funding sources. Work closely with vendors and hired contractors for fundraising events while demonstrating professionalism and ensuring decisions on behalf of the organization are judicious and loyal.