Arena Careers

Office Location: This is a fully remote position, engaging with staff and stakeholders through virtual platforms. Preference will be given to candidates based in Chicago, IL or Washington, D.C. This position is not eligible for paid relocation.

Reports to: Major Gifts Officer

Schedule: Full-time

Mikva Challenge is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to develop youth to be engaged, informed, and active citizens and community members who will promote a just and equitable society. We do this by engaging youth in an authentic and transformative learning process built on youth voice and youth expertise. Youth in Mikva’s programming experience unique civic learning opportunities. Our approaches include direct youth work, teacher support, and liaising with civic leaders and institutions. We believe strongly in the potential of youth and are committed to youth voice.

Mikva Challenge evaluations show the lasting impact of its programs.

• 82% of students reported an increase in their civic knowledge.
• 77% of students developed their sense of civic agency and increased their future commitment to civic action.
• 83% of students took on new civic leadership.
• 79% of students reported gains in their socio-emotional skills — many of which have direct academic outcomes.

About the Position

Reporting to the Major Gifts Officer, the Individual Giving Manager plays a key role in ensuring Mikva Challenge has a strategic and sustainable individual giving program. The Manager develops, cultivates and stewards a portfolio of donors with the capacity to give up to $2,500, leading the execution of a comprehensive annual giving strategy.

Success in this role requires strong project and event management skills; the ability to analyze data to inform donor qualification, cultivation, and solicitation; and strong written and verbal communications skills. As an integral part of the Advancement team, this position manages their portfolio, contributes to the overall fundraising goals, supports with logistics related to Mikva Challenge’s boards and signature fundraising events, and partners closely with the communications team to design and create compelling donor communications and collateral.

Core Responsibilities

Portfolio Management and Annual Fund Campaigns

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects with the capacity to give up to $2,500 by engaging them through an annual giving program.
• Develop and manage an annual giving and monthly giving program for gifts under $2,500.
• Lead year-end and special campaign fundraising appeals, by managing all print and online solicitations, including list segmentation, messaging/content development, and production of collateral materials in partnership with the communications team.
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of strategies, campaigns, and overall results to inform future campaigns

Donor Stewardship and Events

• Partner with the Major Gifts Officer to implement high quality individual donor stewardship strategies by conceptualizing donor-focused communications, including annual reports and donor newsletters, and partnering with the Communications team to design and produce content and collateral
• Support the Major Gifts Officer with executing donor engagement opportunities, such as site visits to observe programming and small and large donor stewardship events
• Collaborate across teams to enhance donor relationships , including participation in Mikva’s programming and events.
• Assist in the planning and execution of Mikva’s fundraising events by preparing invitation lists, researching and reserving venues, and coordinating with the Host Committee
• Project manage and execute small board-hosted events

Prospect Research

• Analyze giving and capacity data of current and lapsed individual donors to inform donor pipeline development and identify donors to migrate to the Major Gifts Officer portfolio
• Conduct prospect research to diversify and expand the organization’s donor base

Operations and Data Management

• Support the Chief Advancement Officer and Major Gifts Officer with logistics of stewarding and engaging members of the National Board and Illinois and DC Advisory Boards
• Partner with the Stewardship and Data Manager to oversee matching gift activity
• Maintain accurate donor records in the donor database and assist in development operations initiatives, including CRM data review and analysis, gift processing, and donor acknowledgements
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience: 3-5 years of fundraising experience. Experience with individual gift cultivation and solicitation is a plus.

Qualifications

• Passion for working with a mission-driven youth leadership non-profit.
• Experience applying fundraising best practices in a not-for-profit setting; experience with a national non-profit is a plus.
• Event planning experience is a plus.
• Understanding of prospect cultivation and solicitation processes.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and a proven ability to create and foster meaningful connections between donors and the organization.
• Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission and goals to a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong project management and problem solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated with strong follow-through and task completion skills.
• Ability to work independently, collaborate across teams, and report to multiple stakeholders in a remote environment.
• Ability to adapt to different work styles, behaviors, and team dynamics while maintaining effective collaboration.
• Proactive, creative thinker who takes initiative.
• Familiarity with current issues and trends in education, and an understanding of the philanthropic funding landscape for education and youth programming.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft and Google Workspace.
• Experience with a donor database platform such as Salsa
• Willingness to work periodic evenings and weekends, as needed

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $69,000 annually commensurate with experience. Please note that the salary range listed is based on candidates located in Illinois. Candidates in the Washington, DC area may be eligible for a cost-of-living adjustment.

We offer a competitive benefits package including HMO or PPO health care plans, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan, generous paid vacation and sick leave, flexible spending account, short- and long- term disability, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Individual Giving Manager” in the subject line. Please, no phone calls. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Equity Statement

Mikva Challenge is an equal opportunity employer and we highly value diversity in our workplace. Mikva Challenge provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. Applicants from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized communities, including people of color, are strongly encouraged to apply.