Development Operations Coordinator at Inspiration Corporation in Chicago, IL

Job description

• In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation.
• In order to help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals. Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant- driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices focus on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.
• At Inspiration Corporation, employees live this mission by demonstrating the following Core Values. Inspiration Corporation believes that these Core Values are what makes the organization one of Chicago’s leading facilitators of personal transformation, and a great place to work:
• Integrity - We cultivate trusting, collaborative relationships rooted in mutual respect and accountability.
• Growth - We encourage personal development, curiosity and being open to new possibilities.
• Equity - We recognize each person's inherent rights and advocate for inclusive access to resources and opportunities.
• Resilience - We persevere and seek solutions that celebrate our strength in the face of adversity, while practicing and encouraging self-care.
• Hospitality - We create uplifting, accepting, and nourishing connections with everyone who comes through our doors.
• The Development Operations Coordinator supports the Development team with gift processing, record management, CRM execution, stewardship, and other administrative functions. The position requires demonstrated expertise in database and records management; exceptional written and verbal communication skills; strong attention to detail and deadlines; excellent organizational and project management abilities; sound judgment and ethics; the ability to work in a team environment as well as independently; and the ability to problem-solve.

Responsibilities

• General
• Demonstrate Inspiration Corporation’s Core Values.
• Exhibit professionalism and high standards in all aspects of performance.
• Communicate with donors by phone, e-mail, or in person to explain Inspiration Corporation and its work and solicit or accept donations on behalf of the organization.
• Work with all departments as appropriate to ensure that the needs of the agency’s participants are addressed.
• Attend agency All Staff meetings and department meetings.
• Represent Inspiration Corporation at other events, including staffing tables, public speaking, etc. as needed.
• Ensure Development team operations, communications, and file management are aligned.
• Document processes and update department policies and procedures.
• Receive and process all donations and contributions to Inspiration Corporation within 2 business days of receipt.
• Ensure that all financial contributions are delivered to the Finance department promptly and securely.
• Track campaign pledge payments and maintain accurate capital campaign data to inform reporting, reconciliation, and donor stewardship.
• Meet at least monthly with Finance department to ensure records are accurate.
• Work across Development team to generate updated and accurate mailing and digital lists for appeals, donor communications, and events.
• Track and ensure proper record keeping, acknowledgement, and notification of all gifts, including tribute (in honor of/in memorial of) gifts.
• Track progress towards capital campaign, challenge grants, or other campaign goals.
• Work with Accounting team to reconcile Development and Finance records monthly.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date contacts, contact information, relationships, constituencies, and other data in donor database (Bloomerang) for donors, prospects, board members, etc.
• Oversee database administration and maintain proficiency through on-going and appropriate trainings.
• Maintain updated guidelines and process documents for users.
• Ensure data hygiene using consistent standards and by fixing errors, correcting missing or incorrect information, removing duplicates, and monitoring NCOA updates.
• Stay current with database improvements and updates. Conduct ongoing database monitoring, validation, auditing and compliance activities.
• Prepare and send timely, accurate donor acknowledgements, pledge reminders, and other donor correspondence in accordance with organizational standards and procedures.
• Track acknowledgement status, donor recognition, and stewardship activity in the CRM. Enter contact updates, donor interactions and activities on behalf of leadership staff.
• Support donor appreciation efforts and other stewardship initiatives that strengthen donor engagement.
• Apply attributes and affinity groups as defined by the Director of Annual Giving.
• Coordinate with the Development team to complete acknowledgements related to events, campaigns, and special fundraising initiatives.
• Monitor the general Development inbox and phone calls. Respond to, or route inquiries to appropriate staff, promptly and professionally.
• Maintain organized digital and physical filing systems for Development records and materials.
• Order, inventory, and maintain Development supplies, including letterhead, donor materials, and general office supplies.
• Supporting development and implementation of improved systems across the department and the organization.
• Take clear meeting notes and track action items for Development team meetings.

Requirements

• EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university preferred; experience with Bloomerang (or other CRM) strongly preferred. Strong writing skills required. One or more years of applicable work experience or equivalent academic experience required.
• LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret written materials. Must be able to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Must be able to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• REASONING ABILITY: Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Skills

Required

• Strong writing skills
• Strong attention to detail and deadlines
• Sound judgment and ethics
• Ability to problem-solve