Summary
Description
A.B.L.E. was founded on the belief that everyone is A.B.L.E. to connect, to contribute, and to create. Our work centers on fostering communication, teamwork, and inclusivity, not just among our program participants, but for all who work with us. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, sexual orientations, ages, and disability statuses. A.B.L.E. is committed to including diverse voices and perspectives across our organization.
What will the Development Manager do?
The Development Manager is a fundraising generalist who shares compelling stories about the impact of A.B.L.E.’s work to gain support for our programs. The Development Manager will develop systems, research prospects, and ensure that all ambassadors for the organization have what they need to be successful in their efforts to increase financial resources and draw new audiences into our work. They will work closely with the Executive Artistic Director to develop fundraising strategy, and with the Board Development committee to ensure the Board has the tools, training, and encouragement to raise needed funds. Their focus will shift throughout the year to support various initiatives, but they will spend time on:
Institutional and Corporate Giving
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Research prospective funders including local, regional, and national foundations, government organizations, and corporations
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Draft grant proposals, reports, and renewal applications for approval by the Executive Artistic Director
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Maintain internal grants calendar, tracking current and potential institutional funders and deadlines
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Collate supplemental materials for grant applications including work samples and budgets
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Cultivate relationships with new and existing funders, seeking opportunities to strengthen partnerships and increase financial support
Individual Giving
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Nurture meaningful relationships with donors at all levels through timely gift acknowledgement, consistent communication, and demonstration of impact
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Liaise with the Board of Directors, key staff, volunteers, and other A.B.L.E. community members to cultivate new relationships
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Manage monthly giving program, delivering promised benefits to retain current monthly donors and recruiting new monthly supporters
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Manage major gift program, including maintaining relationships with current donors and prospecting for new gifts
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Support year-end giving campaign and annual fundraising campaign
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Uphold highest standards for donor confidentiality
Communications
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Maintain A.B.L.E.’s donor database through Little Green Light
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Create constituent lists and prepare regular reports for the Board of Directors and Senior staff to support donor engagement initiatives.
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Write, edit, and proofread copy for online and printed materials for fundraising efforts including newsletters, social media posts, and periodic mailings
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Develop targeted plans for appealing to different stakeholder groups including e-mail, posted mail, and phone calls
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Lead the creation of A.B.L.E.’s Annual Impact Report to summarize A.B.L.E.’s work at the completion of each fiscal year in collaboration with Board and Program Staff
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Manage ticketing for all events including performances and fundraisers
Volunteer Engagement
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Support A.B.L.E.’s volunteer Development Committee in planning for fundraising events and campaigns
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Manage Front of House Volunteer Teams for A.B.L.E.’s Public Performances and other special events
How do I know if I am a good fit?
We are looking for candidates with at least 3 years of transferable experience and a proven track-record in the fields of development or fundraising.
Additionally, you should be able to say “yes” to all or most of the following:
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You are an excellent communicator – you have a clear written voice, craft compelling stories, and can adjust your style to suit different audiences and mediums.
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You are a people person – you enjoy networking, making connections, and nurturing relationships
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You are inclusive – you are aligned with A.B.L.E’s core values and mission, and uphold fundraising practices that are ethical, equitable, and community-centric
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You are goal-oriented – you are proactive, motivated to work independently, and excited to actively seek out new prospects and opportunities for the organization
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You are organized – you meet deadlines, can juggle different projects and priorities at the same time, and pay careful attention to details
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You are a researcher – you like digging for information, looking for patterns, and designing clear systems to track this information
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You are responsive – you can adapt to new information and changes, and communicate these changes with others.
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You are reflective – you show willingness to grow and deepen your skills, you ask questions, and you are willing to ask for help when you need it
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You are collaborative – you share ideas that can make our work stronger, and enjoy building relationships with a diverse range of people from the A.B.L.E. community including our actors with disabilities, volunteers, staff, organizational partners, and supporters
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You are a leader – you can motivate a team and nurture a positive, honest, and safe environment for others to connect and create.
Other details
Schedule
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This is a part-time position that requires 20hrs/week.
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The schedule is flexible, and you can work with the Executive Artistic Director to set mutually agreeable hours.
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Occasional nights and weekends will be required for events and rehearsals
Location
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This position is primarily remote/work from home, however in-person attendance at several in-person events will be required, so we are seeking applicants based in the Chicagoland area.
Compensation & Benefits
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$26,000/yr – $28,600/yr commensurate with experience
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$50/month tech & travel stipend
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$250/year professional development reimbursement to attend conferences, workshops, or other sessions that can expand your skill sets.
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$200/year treat yourself stipend
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Voluntary retirement contribution through Illinois Secure Choice
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A.B.L.E. offers a discretionary paid time off policy, including 3 weeks of organization-wide closures each year
More about A.B.L.E.
A.B.L.E. – Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations is a Chicago based nonprofit celebrating 10 years of creating theatre and film projects for, with, and by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. Whether in person or online, all A.B.L.E. programs strive to foster agency, and nurture lifelong skills like communication, collaboration, and creativity. A.B.L.E.'s ensembles have produced more than 30 projects for the stage and screen, ranging from original work devised by the group, to Shakespearean classics, to award-winning feature films, and innovative Zoom projects. A.B.L.E. also shares their unique approach for creative arts programming through outreach workshops and residences with schools, community centers, and other organizations that serve people with disabilities, as well as disability awareness and inclusion training for businesses. By placing disability in the spotlight, A.B.L.E.’s strives to shift societal preconceptions, and build more inclusive, empathetic communities. You can see some of our past shows, meet our current team, and learn more about all of our programs online at ableensemble.com
Ready to apply?
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Fill out the application and requested materials online at ableensemble.com/work-with-us by 5pm CST on Wednesday April 15th. In addition to narrative questions, you will be asked to upload a resume and work sample. Late submissions will not be considered.
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If you need support or accommodations to complete your application, please contact us at admin@ableensemble.com
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All applicants will be notified no later than Friday April 24th. We will invite successful candidates to interviews beginning in the last week of April and the first week of May
