Resource Development Associate at IFF – Chicago, Illinois

Title: Resource Development Associate

Employee Status: Full time, non-exempt

Salary: Grade 2

Starting range of $55,000 - $69,000 | Chicago

Reports to: Director of Resource Development

Department: External Affairs

Location: Chicago

Hybrid: In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F

Department Function: External Affairs engages with the stakeholders that make IFF’s community development work possible. It oversees grant fundraising efforts through philanthropic, corporate, and government sources; leads a communications program directed to our clients, partners, funders, and investors; and connects with government decision-makers on public policy that impact IFF’s work.

The Organization

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

The Resource Development Associate is a critical part of the success of the Resource Development department and will support the increased visibility and funding of IFF. The Associate is responsible for implementing development efforts to support strategic priorities, lead general operating requests, and assist with prospect research. The ideal candidate has top-notch writing and storytelling skills, the ability to communicate complex concepts simply and concisely, a keen attention to detail, a commitment to and talent for solving problems collaboratively, and strong project management skills.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Prospect Research and Grant Pipeline Development

• Research and assess public and private funding opportunities aligned with IFF mission and strategic goals.
• Research prospective philanthropic opportunities for internal Core Business client inquiries.
• Maintain and update prospect research trackers and CRM database.
• Present new funding opportunities at monthly team meetings.

2. Grant Lifecycle Support

• Lead grant lifecycle tracking through CRM database and other internal tracking tools.
• Maintain Resource Development work plan to ensure internal and external deadlines are tracked accurately.
• Assist in gathering organizational data, success stories, metrics, and updated attachments during proposal and reporting phases. Assist with grant portal submissions.
• Support completion of assigned grant proposals and reports. Coordinate with staff across departments to gather program updates and impact data to complete assigned proposals and reports.
• Track and catalogue organizational content including client impact stories, thought leadership features, internal and external newsletters, and other relevant material for use in resource development work products. Coordinate with broader External Affairs team for alignment.
• Create and send donor acknowledgment letters for successful grant awards.

3. Database and Document Management

• Lead document management process for the Resource Development team to ensure file accuracy and adherence to file storage processes and policies.
• Update and maintain CRM database, work plan, and other relevant project management and internal alignment tools.

4. Administration

• Organize and schedule team meetings.
• Process and track department expenses by accurately preparing and submitting invoices for approval and payment.
• Manage department software, industry, and partnership subscriptions.

5. Other

• Contribute creative and process driven ideas for department process improvements and overall strategy.
• Develop and complete an annual professional development plan including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion focused goals.
• Development of critical writing and analysis skills.
• Perform other projects as assigned. No job description can be entirely comprehensive, and the jobholder will be expected to carry out such other duties as may be required from time to time and are broadly consistent with the job description and the position's status within the organization.

Performance Measures:

1. Understand and effectively communicate IFF’s mission, business, and impact especially in written materials for external stakeholders.

2. High-quality work products that are written well, crafted strategically, and aligned with IFF’s goals and branding.

3. Execute and deliver assigned projects within the timeframe and goals established.

4. Accurate maintenance of department files and databases.

5. Excellent communication and professional working relationships with IFF staff, and external stakeholders, including its nonprofit customers, investors, funders, partners, and the media.

6. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.

7. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.

8. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.

9. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.

10. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Previous Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in nonprofit fundraising. Experience in and knowledge of nonprofit sector, community development, finance, or real estate development is preferred.

Additional Requirements:

1. Excellent oral and written communications skills.

2. High attention to detail, consistent and reliable follow-through, and ability to prioritize.

3. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Dynamics 365 preferred.

Standard Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution Life Insurance

Short and long term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

Hybrid workplace

Summer Fridays

Employee Development Benefits:

Professional development stipend

Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

• relocation package
• 100% remote
• sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.