CareerBank

Donors Forum of Chicago

Full Time

Chicago, IL

05/28/2008

06/20/2008

The Donors Forum (DF) is the premier resource for networking and education, information and knowledge, and leadership on behalf of philanthropy in the state of Illinois. As a nonprofit membership association of grantmakers, individual donors and advisors, the Donors Forum advances philanthropy by serving its members and by promoting an effective and informed nonprofit sector. The Donors Forum serves over 200 Members from philanthropic institutions; 30 Associate Members in financial, legal and strategic advisory roles; more than 1200 Forum Partners from the nonprofit community; and the public. The Donors Forum provides a variety of workshops, seminars and professional development opportunities for grantmakers, development professionals, trustees and others in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Through its programming, peer groups and exchanges, the Donors Forum provides its membership with valuable opportunities to network, collaborate and share information. Members, Partners and Associate Members have access to specialized research and reference assistance. The Donors Forum Library, which is open to the public, houses the Midwest’s largest collection of philanthropic and nonprofit resources. The Donors Forum also plays a key leadership and advocacy role. The Forum is a voice for the sector, articulating the reach, impact and contributions made possible by and through local philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. The Donors Forum has an annual budget of approximately $2 million and a staff of 21.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Director of Research DONORS FORUM Title: Director of Research Reports To: Sr. Vice President, Membership & External Relations Service Center: Research General Job Description: The Director of Research manages and advances DF’s proprietary research products and projects, including special giving reports, Illinois Funding Source and related data sources. The Director works closely with staff throughout the organization to guide and develop and envision research agendas, projects and tools in support of internal and external research priorities, including market research supporting the organization’s growth and program evaluation to support organizational improvement. Works creatively and collaboratively to identify research needs, gaps, strategies and partners and to design and/or implement research products as appropriate. Manages the schedule for and preparation of Donors Forum’s operating plan and periodic reporting. Essential Job Duties and Expected Outcomes: 1. Manages and conceptualizes Donors Forum’s special and ongoing research projects and reports. Designs and develops research reports and products for internal and external constituents based on Illinois Funding Source, iMIS and other data sources and surveys. Works with staff, Member Issue Groups, and other constituents to identify and create accessible research products and data sets to support market segmentation, outreach and feedback as well as education and knowledge programming and related goals 2. Participates and provides leadership in the Management Team to ensure planning for and accomplishment of annual operating goals and effective communications within the organization; works closely with Management Team members on annual operating plans and periodic reporting on accomplishments throughout the organization, including lead responsibility for report preparation and compilation of summary statistics. 3. Develops and implements Donors Forum’s evaluation plan to measure outcomes against the operating plan and mission. 4. Manages the creation of feedback and evaluation mechanisms, including market research, satisfaction indicators, and program evaluation protocols across organizational program/education initiatives. Works with staff throughout organization to support constituent research tools and capacity. 5. Manages the development and maintenance of IFS, including data analysis, outreach to participants, prospects and partners, development of reports, and enhancing/testing/verifying the integrity of the online and back-end databases, as well as subscriber services as appropriate. 6. Works with staff throughout the organization and beyond to develop research goals and to identify strategies, priorities and partners. Helps to staff related committees and teams as needed. 7. Works closely with staff throughout the organization to identify opportunities and to design and implement research plans to support existing publications and new research and outreach materials including customized reports for members. Manages all aspects of research-driven publications. 8. Plans and manages the research budget with particular attention to achieving revenue and expense goals; performs fundraising functions; manages research staff/consultants, facilities, material and equipment, and other assets to ensure responsible controls over, and utilization of, Donors Forum resources. 9. Develops and maintains relationships with vendors, Members, research partners and others required to advance research goals. 10. Maintains required job skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings to ensure professional development. 11. Performs other duties as assigned. Performance Measures: • Internal and external inquiries are responded to with timely, accurate and relevant information. • Internal and external research goals are achieved in accordance with the annual operating plan. • DF’s visibility and positioning as a research resource on nonprofit and/or philanthropic issues increases. • DF’s data resources are broadly and creatively deployed and valued by internal and external constituents. • Standards, tools and goals for constituent feedback are expanded to help support decision-making, prioritization and assessment of constituent needs and satisfaction. • Internal planning process is conducted on a timely basis and periodic reporting is timely and accurate. • Organization-wide evaluation plan with metrics is developed and implemented. • Illinois Funding Source database is regularly and accurately updated and maintained, with ongoing communications to retain, update and recruit participants and subscribers. • Annual subscriptions to Illinois Funding Source increase. • Goals of annual operating priorities, including financial goals are achieved. • Demonstrates leadership and makes specific contributions to a respectful, collaborative work environment.

Position Qualifications: Master’s degree along with three years relevant work experience. Demonstrated ability to manage multiples tasks and priorities, prioritize work, maintain deadlines and ensure quality of work. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent communications and analytical skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel; computer and Internet literacy also required. Special Conditions: Occasional overtime and travel. Position Classification: Exempt Salary: Commensurate with experience; history must be included for review of application

RESUMES SHOULD BE SENT TO recruitment@donorsforum.org Subject: Director of Research Search OR DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH SEARCH DONORS FORUM 208 S. LASALLE STREET, SUITE 740 CHICAGO, IL 60604 DUE DATE: June 20, 2008 NO PHONE CALLS Donors Forum is an equal opportunity employer.