The Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation (IPRF) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Development and Marketing professional. This is a part-time contractor to serve in a newly created role. You are:  a collaborative, results-oriented, passionate development and communications professional interested in leading and expanding IPRF’s fundraising and branding efforts. IPRF has historically used volunteer efforts to solicit donations and plan fundraising events; the organization is ready to increase awareness, donations, major gifts and planned giving and is seeking someone to help develop innovative approaches and successful solutions.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on fundraising experience and donor management as well as a background in marketing and communications. This one-year, renewable upon annual review contract position offers a creative opportunity to grow and promote the fundraising program within an environment that prizes solution-oriented action and collaborative, cross-functional problem-solving. This role will work closely with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Sponsorship Manager to ensure there is no overlap of donors/sponsors and will report to the IRPA/IPRF Executive Director. Payment is $30,000/annually (to be paid monthly) to contractor.

Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive multi-year fundraising plan encompassing all revenue streams
• Assist with annual financial goals
• Serve as an organizational representative to external stakeholders, building effective and long-lasting internal and external relationships with all donors
• Stay current on emerging trends in development and implement best practices

Fund Development

• Work with the IPRF board and executive director to build a major gifts pipeline and implement a formal moves management approach, including portfolio building and stewardship strategies
• Explore and develop strategies for planned giving revenue
• Provide data, guidance, and resources to support Board fundraising efforts

Reporting and Data Management

• Ensure accuracy of all fundraising data
• Create/maintain comprehensive dashboards and reports to track fundraising progress
• Prepare regular analysis on fundraising performance metrics
  Communications and Marketing
• Ensure brand consistency across all Foundation materials and channels
• Develop compelling and timely PR, marketing, and communications content including emails, social media,  newsletter(s) and other outreach promotional materials
• Manage website updates in a timely manner
• Collaborate on fundraising-focused events and outreach initiatives with volunteers and any IPRA program staff
• Design and produce the IPRF Annual Report

OTHER

• Establish and maintain donor contacts, developing background research and meeting prep sheets, and preparing other fundraising materials
• Develop and execute engagement plans and other key stewardship touch points to strengthen donor relationships and position IPRF for renewed and increased giving with existing donors
• Develop and deliver concept papers and support leadership in the development of the overall frame and positioning of IPRF stories/messages
• Maintain all IPRF data

Two days a week required in Hinsdale office

About Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation (IPRF)

Our Vision: Invest in developing park and recreation professionals to achieve their full potential. Our Values: Advancement of Illinois parks, recreation, special recreation, and conservation professionals. Committed to supporting students in the parks, recreation, therapeutic recreation, and conservation fields. Dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Mission: Be a sustainable philanthropic organization benefitting members of the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA).

Connections working at Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation (IPRF)