Manager of Grants & Institutional Giving

Application Deadline: Monday, Feb 06, 2023

Description

About Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is home to WBEZ Chicago’s NPR (National Public Radio) news source and one of the largest and most respected public media stations in the country, as well as urban alternative music station, Vocalo. The organization serves the community with fact-based, objective news and information. WBEZ’s award-winning journalists ask tough questions, dig deep for answers, and expose truths that spark change and foster understanding. In addition to its local and national news programming, WBEZ Chicago is home to a growing portfolio of popular podcasts, including the “Making” series of Making Beyoncé, Making Obama, and Making Oprah; an investigative podcast series, Motive; 16 Shots: A podcast about the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald; Nerdette; and Curious City. WBEZ Chicago has a legacy of innovation as the birthplace of nationally acclaimed programs such as This American Life and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! and the ground-breaking podcast, Serial.

Chicago Public Media recently acquired the Chicago Sun-Times, one of Chicago’s two major daily newspapers and among the most storied dailies in the nation. With the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, Chicago Public Media is now home to the largest local nonprofit news organization in the nation. Under the banner of Chicago Public Media, WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times reach more than 2 million people a week in the Chicago area across broadcast, print, and digital channels. Backed by a significant philanthropic commitment, Chicago Public Media plans to substantially increase its investment in local journalism by hiring additional reporters, producers, and newsroom personnel in the months and years ahead.

The Opportunity

The Manager of Institutional Giving will join a growing Development team with an instrumental role in securing grant support from institutional partners, including foundations, corporations, and government sources. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Giving, the Manager of Institutional Giving will primarily be responsible for grant writing and facilitating the timely submission of grant proposals, stewardship reports, and written correspondence. They will also help expand the institutional giving footprint by managing a portfolio of current funders and prospects. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and possess a deep appreciation for the critical role of public media.

Position Summary

As Manager of Institutional Giving, you will support the Institutional Giving team’s ability to meet ambitious revenue goals in support of Chicago Public Media’s mission and services. Specifically, you will:

• Proactively identify and document organizational information useful for communicating impact with potential and current funders
• Develop and maintain collegial partnerships with staff across Chicago Public Media to create compelling written collateral on CPM’s impact and instill a sense of shared ownership in fundraising process and outcomes
• Manage deadlines and ensure timely submission of letters of intent, grant applications, follow-up materials, and stewardship reports
• Serve as a grant writer; regularly update content for accuracy, clarity, and responsiveness to donor interests while creating a compelling case for Chicago Public Media’s work
• Manage a portfolio shaped by level of experience and team needs to consistently acquire new prospects, cultivate and solicit gifts, and steward current funders
• Partner with the Director of Institutional Giving to track grant deliverables
• Assist in the development and execution of research strategies and targeted areas for research, working closely with the Prospect Research Manager and Director of Institutional Giving

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of development experience, with expertise in cultivating, securing, and stewarding institutional and corporate partnerships
• Exceptional communication skills, especially clear, precise, and compelling writing skills
• Basic understanding of non-profit financials and budgeting processes
• Organized and detail-oriented; can multi-task and meet numerous deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated, proactive, and purposeful with the ability to work independently and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment

Working at Chicago Public Media

At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact.  Our culture is one where collaboration, ideas, and innovation are encouraged.  We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, diverse experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.

Chicago Public Media’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion is reflective across our brands, WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM, in our staff and in our work.  We are fully focused on equality of opportunity and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, experience, and all other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for you at hire and in the years to come.

Our benefits include: 

• 6 weeks of fully paid family leave
• High-quality Medical, Dental, and Vision plans at an affordable cost
• A 403(b)retirement plan with a company match
• Generous paid time off, including starting with 3 weeks of vacation and 4 personal days.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and may change periodically to meet the needs of Chicago Public Media (CPM). The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.

Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.

For additional information about this position, please contact: