Nonprofit Program Manager

The Nonprofit Program Manager works directly with the Executive Director on internal and external initiatives and supports the connection with the general public, donors, legislators, and other constituents. Additional duties are identifying potential donors and examining business relationships, procedures, processes, and resource utilization. The critical responsibilities of this position are strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills while possessing a high comfort level with using technology. Also, the Nonprofit Program Manager is tasked with identifying opportunities to increase Giant Steps' perception by the general public, donors, legislators, and parents by efficiently utilizing and managing internal/external resources. All initiatives must be carefully managed by monitoring and tracking the progress of initiatives assigned by the Executive Director.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Executive Director with daily duties, such as communications, follow-up with donors, managing thank you or other correspondence, coordinating calendar, helping set meetings, managing files on major donors, supporting the development department as needed (especially during major events), etc.
• Manage Annual Review meeting schedules and follow-up emails
• Document processes and present progress reports to Executive Director
• Advise Executive Director on efficient and cost-effective solutions for identified challenges.
• Help in creating relationships with legislative representatives at the state and national levels.
• Support in creating relationships with potential and strengthening relationships with current donors.
• Confidently write content copy for events, and internal documents, such as the Annual Report and thank you letters.
• Create engaging and informative content for the website, blog, social media, and other content marketing channels that Giant Steps might leverage.
• Conduct market research and track donor preferences/trends.
• Assist in creating marketing strategies, content, and materials.
• Assist in managing department budget.
• Ensure that Giant Steps resources are used responsibly and fiscally conservatively at organizational events.
• Support the development team on critical events
• Assist in developing continuity of comprehensive programs and services
• Optimize personnel utilization by increasing cross-functionality and interdepartmental cooperation
• Proactively build relationships with Giant Steps faculty, therapists, staff, and central administration.
• Assist in organizational policy-making and grant writing
• Manage/track grant funds
• Support program when needed by covering lunch periods and assist classroom teachers by taking students on sensory breaks
• Support off-campus evening or weekend events.
• Assist with donor databases to strengthen donor relationships (If unfamiliar with donor databases used, Giant Steps will provide training.)
• Assist in identifying new donors by using the "DonorSearch" database software.
• Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
• Adhere to company policies and procedures

(The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all-inclusive. The supervisor may assign other duties).
Knowledge and Skills

• Self-directed, with a high level of initiative and ability to work independently
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• Strong editing skills
• Excellent Organizational Skills:
  • Strong attention to detail
  • The ability to manage large quantities of information
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining a high level of productivity
• Strong time management skills
• Proficient user of word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs
• High level of discretion concerning confidential information
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Flexible and able to adapt to change quickly
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Google doc/drive, Canva, Donor database program, and DonorSearch (If unfamiliar with database software, Giant Steps can support learning the software.)

Personal and Interpersonal Skills

• Personal passion for and alignment with organizational mission, vision, and goals
• Possess a positive attitude
• A consensus builder and team player with a collegial working style
• The ability to listen, share and collaborate with others
• Thoughtful questioner and able to recognize how and when to move a discussion forward during meetings
• Demonstrated ability to focus collaborative efforts on the achievement of identified outcomes within finite time frames
• Adept at cultivating relationships with a broad range of people, including potential donors, administrators, faculty and staff, and the Board of Directors
• A positive approach to embracing change

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's in Communications, English, Marketing, Public Relations, HR, or Public Policy; master's degree in a related area preferred
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a related field
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel throughout the Chicagoland area

Classification

• The Nonprofit Program Manager is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Salary

• Salary is commensurate with the level of education and experience

Calendar

• The Nonprofit Program Manager follows the Central Administration Calendar.
• Nights and weekends may be expected as part of the position

Conditions of Employment

• A pre-employment physical, drug screening, and criminal background check are required.
• Possesses appropriate professional credentials
• Reference check(s)

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is typically performed indoors within the school facility and offsite at community locations.
• Moderate physical movement is required for the job
• Minimal exposure to physical risk is anticipated
• The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to very loud
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continually required to stand, walk, sit, run, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, balance, crouch, talk, hear, smell, and see. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds.

Annual Performance Review

• The Nonprofit Program Manager will schedule his/her formal annual review meeting with the Executive Director two weeks before his/her performance review in June.
• The Nonprofit Program Manager will complete a draft personal evaluation to be used during the formal review two weeks before his/her performance review in June.
• The Nonprofit Program Manager performance review will be conducted in June of each year by the Executive Director.

Compensation Package
Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage to all full-time employees working at least 30 hours/week.
Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity (AAP/EEO)
Giant Steps adheres to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis, including veteran status, disability, religion, race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, or FMLA-related medical condition, height, weight, familial status, marital status, and genetic information.
Disclaimer
This disclaimer acknowledges that it is probable that as an employee of Giant Steps Illinois, IL., you may be at risk of personal injury. Injuries may include but are not limited to hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, and having hair pulled. The extent of some injuries may result in a break in the skin. All injuries must be documented according to the policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook. Often, individuals are placed in this setting due to physical aggression or acting out behaviors that may prohibit them from participating in other environments. Our organizational setting allows for these atypical behaviors. All employees are required to show proof of a Hepatitis B vaccination upon hire.

*Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. can review and change the job description when necessary.