CAREERS
LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that furthers college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.
Open Positions
Position Descriptions:
We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college. For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational resources and tools today.
LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.
Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. In the 2024-2025 academic year, we will serve 300+ Scholars (Jr. LINK, High School Fellowship, & Collegiate Scholars). Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.
Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!
Position Summary
The VP of Advancement is a pivotal role on LINK Unlimited Scholars’ leadership team, tasked with driving the organization to its next level of success. As LINK Unlimited Scholars approaches a period of significant growth, the VP of Advancement will be instrumental in developing and executing strategies that align with our long-term objectives. This role requires a creative and strategic thinker who can effectively translate our initiatives and goals into actionable plans for both the board and staff.
Working closely with the President & CEO, the VP of Advancement will implement a comprehensive donor communication and stewardship strategy, ensuring we have the resources necessary to achieve our mission and meet our strategic priorities.
Strategy & Vision
- Establish a state-of-the-art development program, positioning LINK Unlimited Scholars for long-term, sustainable success through strong and growing philanthropic support.
- Develop and implement a robust development strategy that encompasses foundations, major donors — other individual donors — corporations, special events, and government where possible.
- Articulate an inspiring vision and demonstrate an authentic commitment to organizational success.
- Create and implement a process by which a steady source of donor prospects are identified, researched, and qualified for the appropriate level of cultivation and solicitation, with the goal of creating a multi-year pipeline to sustain the organization for the future.
- In concert with the President & CEO, ensure LINK Unlimited is visible in the Chicago civic and philanthropic community (often by attending events to that raise awareness of LINK Unlimited Scholars and its work), promote LINK Unlimited Scholars’ presence in appropriate business and civic conversations, and attract donors and advocates to advance LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission.
Team Cultivation, Leadership & Collaboration
- Nurture, motivate, and lead a growing team of committed development colleagues who are passionate about the mission of LINK Unlimited Scholars through goal-setting, mentorship, evaluation, and recognition.
- Manage the performance and professional development of the development team.
- Work in collaboration with the Communications team to deliver strategic messages to various individuals and stakeholder groups to increase their understanding of the organization’s identity and brand, strategic imperatives, and case for support.
- Build a productive working relationship with the President & CEO and other members of the Leadership Team, and provide them with timely advice and counsel in all development areas.
- Develop a strong bond with the organization, thoroughly understanding its history, distinct mission, values, and culture; its youth participants; operations; base of financial support; and the opportunities for involvement.
- Assist the President & CEO in managing relationships with current and former Board Members, identifying and recruiting new members, setting philanthropic goals for the Board, and participating in relevant committees.
- Collaborate and leverage relationships of the President & CEO, Board Members, and senior leaders — ensuring they are effectively supported in order to achieve fundraising goals.
- Lead the Board’s Development Committee, partnering with the Development Chair to oversee Board fundraising activities and ensure revenue goals are met.
- Build knowledge about and relationships with thought and philanthropic leaders to become conversant and competent within the civic landscape.
- Be a source of development knowledge and expertise for the organization.
Advancement Planning & Implementation
- Prepare the annual operational plan for development and fundraising, including the delineation of timetables, budgets, and strategies for accomplishing goals and objectives.
- Develop a master calendar of development activities and events — including 1-2 major fundraising events each fiscal year — and ensure proper planning, preparation, and follow-up.
- Prepare and ensure accurate fundraising reports that include all lines of revenue — monitoring monthly progress towards goals.
- Review and create clear policy guidelines for development, including processing and accounting, donor recognition, and stewardship.
- Stay on top of research industry trends and best practices in philanthropy and apply findings to inform and adapt fundraising strategies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s or higher preferred.
- 10+ years of nonprofit work experience, preferably in college access or success or other related educational areas.
- A minimum of 5-7 years of development/fundraising experience.
- An ability to assess and implement successful identification strategies for new sources of support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Experience having cultivated partnerships with corporations and/or foundations to generate resources and/or revenue.
- Experience with donor-centric approaches to resource development.
- An ability to build, manage, nurture, and evaluate strong teams with a track record of effectively leading a performance and outcome-based team.
- A minimum of five (5) years:
- Supervisory experience that has included full or part-time direct reports.
- Budget development and monitoring experience.
- A minimum of five (5) years:
- An ability to serve as a visible and effective leader — to recognize and nurture talent while building and retaining a successful team.
- An ability to foster an environment marked by creativity, commitment to professional growth, connectivity, collegiality, mutual respect, and cultural competency across the development function and beyond with an emphasis on equity.
- A proven record of converting strategy into effective execution.
- An ability to execute a development plan and evaluation of outcomes using a metrics-based approach;
- Experience establishing and meeting strategic goals.
- Knowledge of the latest innovations in fundraising techniques and philanthropy and an ability to translate those innovations and techniques into action.
- An ability to communicate on the power of philanthropy to diverse audiences, internally and externally;
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with varied constituencies.
- Demonstrated experience working with electronic databases:
- Salesforce Experience preferred.
- Experience using Project Management platforms to manage goal progress (preferably Basecamp).
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to speak in public and engage all stakeholders (Scholars, Parents, Mentors, Volunteers, etc.).
- Excellent time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently as well as on a team.
- Strong relationship and partnership cultivation skills to build rapport with existing and potential stakeholders.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, or similar software with the ability to learn new or updated software.
Characteristics
- Mission Driven: Exemplifies and COMMITTED to the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
- Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
- Strong work ethic.
- A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
- Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
- Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.
Work Schedule
Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but often requires upwards of 50 hours per week. Hybrid schedule: remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday. Must also have flexibility to work a slightly later schedule and/or on a weekend to support development/fundraising related work and/or special events. LINK Unlimited Scholars is seeking a commitment of at least two years.
Compensation
Salary range $125k-140k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, PTO days, 8 Holidays, and a holiday shut down from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Dr. Toinette Gunn, President & CEO. Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.
LINK TO APPLICATION:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/9f42f360-fe7d-4557-a988-51234a605b20/LINK-Unlimited-Scholars
LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.
We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college. For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational resources and tools today.
LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.
Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. In the 2024- 2025 academic year, we will serve 350 Scholars (Jr. LINK, High School Fellowship, & Collegiate Scholars). Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater
Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.
Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!
Position Summary
As an integral part of the Program Team, the Director, Educational Programs is an education and instruction expert who will lead the logistical and operational planning of various Scholar educational programs. This position will design and coordinate learning experiences, events, and programming for the entire programmatic year. The Director, Educational Programs will
work closely with the Scholar support team to ensure a high quality and satisfactory Scholar experience. The Director, Educational Programs reports to the VP, Programs & Evaluation and manages the Coordinator, Educational Programs and Partnerships and all external Educational Consultants/Instructors.
Program Strategy, Curricula Design, Delivery & Evaluation
- Stay apprised of best practices in the fields of College Access, College Success, and Career & Leadership Development.
- In partnership with the VP, Programs & Evaluation and Managing Director, Scholar Support, monitor our curricula and programming to ensure it remains current with industry standards along with assessing its effectiveness.
- In alignment with organizational annual goals, establish annual team goals and strategies to achieve them.
- Plan and manage Summer Learning logistics, including curricula delivery, Scholar orientations, hiring & management of external Educational Consultants/Instructors, etc.
- Plan and manage Saturday Academy logistics including curricula delivery, selection of guest speakers/panelists, hiring of external Educational Consultants/Instructors, etc.
- Support the creative direction, planning, and execution of All Program Team events (e.g. Scholar Orientation, Scholar Kick-Off, Scholar Celebration, etc.).
Data Analysis & Strategic Direction
- Works with the VP, Programs & Evaluation and Managing Director, Scholar Support to design feedback strategies to gather stakeholder feedback to inform Scholar programming.
- Manage the collection and organization of data to evaluate and measure program outcomes and impact (e.g. program reporting, technical assistance tracking, surveys, stakeholder feedback, etc.).
- Identify and recommend key programmatic indicators and outcomes. o Track and report regularly on outcomes of engagement efforts including individuals reached, participant attendance, and vendor partnerships developed. o Utilize and interpret data for program and process evaluation and decision making so as to make recommendations for continuous improvements.
- Maintain Scholar and partner information in Salesforce.
- Translate findings from outcomes, survey data, and stakeholder feedback into actionable insights.
Stakeholder Engagement & Experience
- Responsible for enhancing the Scholar experience by ensuring high levels of engagement and satisfaction in all programming.
- Responsibilities for the training, experience, and retention of all educational stakeholders, including Scholars, external Educational Partners/Instructors, Community Partners, etc.
- Lead community outreach efforts to develop and strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations, colleges/universities, and other entities to support and enhance Scholar educational programming.
- Works collaboratively with other organizational teams to proactively support stakeholder engagement.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree REQUIRED.
- A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience.
- Minimum of five (5) years of relevant Programmatic work experience in college access or success or other related educational areas.
- Experience developing student programs including the planning, management, and & facilitation/instruction required.
- Experience with curriculum design highly desirable.
- Experience working with students and families in the nonprofit or education sector, preferably with Black students, highly desired.
- Catholic, Urban Public School, and/or Charter School experience is a plus.
- Teaching experience a plus.
- A minimum of five (5) years Supervisory experience that has included full or part-time direct reports is REQUIRED.
- Experience developing and managing partnerships with either community-based organizations, corporations, institutions of higher learning, civic leaders, etc.
- Strong experience using data to drive and achieve programmatic outcomes, programmatic improvement, and demonstrate impact, including survey design and analysis.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to speak in public, engage, and build relationships with diverse stakeholders (Scholars, Parents, Mentors, Volunteers, etc.).
- Strong presentation skills, both in-person & virtual.
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking: Ability to break down tasks into manageable sections to make informed decisions to tackle a larger problem.
- Demonstrated ability to work at a rigorous pace, prioritize multiple projects/assignments, communicate about challenges, plan, and most importantly, follow through to meet deadlines and objectives.
- Experience using Project Management platforms to manage goal progress (preferably Basecamp).
- Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs and priorities.
- Ability to perceive and resolve a gap between a present situation and a desired goal.
- Demonstrated experience working with electronic databases.
- Salesforce Experience preferred.
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, or similar software with the ability to learn new or updated software.
Characteristics
- Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
- Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
- Strong work ethic.
- A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
- Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
- Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.
- Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work enthusiastically with changing priorities or response to emergency situations.
Work Schedule
Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but requires 40-50 hours per week. Hybrid schedule: remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday.
Must also have flexibility to work Saturdays (generally one a month) and evenings to support Scholar programming and other organizational events.
Compensation
Salary range $77.5k-$87.5k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, accrued PTO days, 8 Holidays, and a holiday shutdown from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.
LINK TO APPLICATION:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/9f42f360-fe7d-4557-a988-51234a605b20/LINK-Unlimited-Scholars
LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.
We link high-potential Black students in Chicago to the path to, through, and beyond college. For Black students to become tomorrow’s leaders they must have access to educational resources and tools today.
LINK’s goal is to mitigate the effect of systemic and structural forces impeding Black students by improving and increasing educational opportunities and access. By equipping our Scholars with the knowledge, skills, resources, and social equity that further college completion and career placement, LINK is increasing the economic mobility and stability of Black students and cultivating a diverse leadership pipeline for our city.
Since 1966, we have successfully supported over 2,500 low- to moderate-income students. In the 2024-2025 academic year, we will serve 300+ Scholars (Jr. LINK, High School Fellowship, & Collegiate Scholars). Our Scholars represent more than 60 Chicagoland neighborhoods, with a focus on supporting ten South and West Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Austin, Bronzeville, Englewood, Garfield Park, Greater Grand Crossing, North Lawndale, Roseland, South Shore, and Washington Park.
Looking to make a difference by linking students to opportunities so they can take a new path—one that leads to their full potential and our city’s vibrant future? Then join our team!
Position Summary
- Grants, Stewardship, & Event Support
- Develops a deep understanding of LINK’s mission, current themes, and organizational priorities to effectively support grant writing, donor solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
- Partners with the VP, Advancement to research, write, and submit grant proposals that align with LINK Unlimited Scholars’ priorities and initiatives, ensuring a strong pipeline of funding opportunities.
- Researches grant opportunities and populates grant paste sheets with relevant, well-organized information to support the submission of high-quality proposals.
- Responsible for drafting grant proposals, reports, and related materials, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with funder requirements.
- Supports donor communications (e.g., winter appeal, impact reports, spring appeal), including list clean up, merging labels/letters/etc., printing, and mailing.
- Sets up and manages donation pages through fundraising platforms, ensuring they are user-friendly, updated, and effective in driving donor engagement.
- Manages the matching gift portfolio by researching matching gift opportunities and developing written promotions through platforms like Double the Donation to maximize this revenue stream.
- Collaborates with the Advancement Team to support donor-focused events, crafting event-related communications, mailings, and post-event data reports for accurate tracking and analysis.
- Serves as point of contact for the Advancement Team, providing clear communication and support to donors and volunteers.
- Interfaces with donors to provide an exceptional customer service experience through phone calls, meetings and electronic communications.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Donor Acknowledgements
- Leads the gift processing and acknowledgement activities for all giving.
- Creates exceptional thanking strategies and plans that acknowledge donors and inspire them to give again.
- Builds and sends virtual communications to donors and/or general LINK mailing subscribers.
- Donor Database & Data Management
- Maintains the accuracy and integrity of electronic databases by ensuring that all information is kept current and up to date.
- Daily to weekly data entry/updates of donors.
- Leverages technology to better track and steward donors across all segments.
- Coordinates, prepares and distributes ongoing and ad-hoc giving reports, prospect lists, and solicitation materials related to the Advancement Team’s fundraising activities.
- Generates and edits Salesforce reports for purposes including mailing lists, grant needs, and donor listings.
- Maintains the accuracy and integrity of electronic databases by ensuring that all information is kept current and up to date.
- External Affairs
- Establishes and maintain strong relationships with grantors and major funders, ensuring ongoing communication and engagement to strengthen long-term support for LINK’s initiatives.
- Coordinates outreach to current and prospective donors through regular communications, updates on organizational achievements, and targeted engagement strategies.
- Collaborates with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and execute external communications strategies that effectively promote LINK’s programs, events, and successes.
- Collaborates with other internal teams to coordinate mass outreach to stakeholders, including Scholars, parents, Mentors, etc. (via Mailchimp).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 1-2 years of experience in a relevant field such as Nonprofit Management, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or related disciplines.
- At least ONE year of experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, grants management, or event coordination within a nonprofit organization, highly desired.
- Understanding of fundraising strategies, donor cultivation, and stewardship practices preferred.
- Experience in grant proposal writing, reporting, and research to identify prospective funding sources highly desired.
- Experience in data entry and database management, particularly with Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong relationship and partnership cultivation skills to build rapport with existing and potential donors and stakeholders.
- Must be able to prioritize and independently manage projects from implementation through completion.
- Excellent time management skills with proven ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team.
- Ability to function well in a high-paced environment.
- Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Adobe Suite.
- Experience with Salesforce and mass email platforms such as MailChimp is preferred.
- Must have the ability to learn new or updated software.
Characteristics
- Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and procedures of the organization.
- Cheerful and welcoming demeanor.
- Strong work ethic.
- A self-starter, creative, and forward thinker.
- Must have the utmost integrity and an ability to process, protect and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
- Exercises good judgment with an ability to manage situations with tact and discretion.
Work Schedule
Full-Time, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but requires 40-50 hours per week. Hybrid schedule: remotely twice a week (Mondays & Fridays) and in-office Tuesday through Thursday. The role requires flexibility to occasionally work later hours for special events and some Saturdays to observe Scholar programming in support of grant writing.
Compensation
Salary range $48k-$53k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, PTO days, 8 Holidays, and a holiday shut down from Christmas Eve through New-Year’s day.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters without salary requirements will not be considered.
LINK TO APPLICATION:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/9f42f360-fe7d-4557-a988-51234a605b20/LINK-Unlimited-Scholars
LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.
LINK Unlimited Scholars, 2221 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60616-3894 • 312-225-5465 • info@linkunlimited.org