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 2023-2024 academic year, we will serve nearly 300 middle and high schoolers. 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, Advancement is a critical role on the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ leadership team that will help to propel the us to the next level. LINK Unlimited Scholars is on the cusp of significant growth and the VP, Advancement will play an integral part in leading our growth by developing strategies aligned with our strategic growth goals. The VP, Advancement, will use a creative approach to convert strategy into effective execution, translating LINK Unlimited Scholars’ initiatives and goals into clear objectives for board and staff. In solid partnership with the President & CEO, The VP, Advancement will implement a comprehensive and multi-faceted donor communication and stewardship strategy that ensures we have the resources necessary to fulfill 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 high-paced and at times stressful 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 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. Must also have flexibility to on occasion work a slightly later schedule and/or on a weekend to support special events.
Compensation
Salary range $115k-135k; to be determined based on experience and skills. Full-time employees are eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance, Retirement, PTO days, 11 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 via link. 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 2023-2024 academic
year, we will serve 300+ middle and high schoolers. 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 Summer Learning team, the Summer Learning Facilitator is responsible for delivering
lessons/programming as a part of our leadership development and academic programming. Summer Learning facilitators
work directly with our Scholars to ensure that they are receiving, discussing, and understanding the material and
facilitators are curating a rigorous experience. Summer Learning sessions will focus on grade-level content geared to
combat summer learning loss and prepare scholars academically for their Math or ELA courses in the upcoming year.
Additionally, one day each week will be allocated for exploratory learning that will include site visits and field trips
around the Chicagoland area. During such programming, Summer Learning Facilitators will serve as chaperones and
support Scholars in preparing for, engaging in and reflecting on their experience. All materials are provided for
instruction and will be sent to Summer Learning Facilitators to allow for ample time to internalize the lesson and prepare
for execution. Summer Learning Facilitators will collaborate with and report to the Director, Educational Programs.
Curriculum Design
- Development of a 2-week, 6 session curriculum inclusive of the following:
- Pre-Assessment & Post Assessment
- Relevant state and professional standards for rising 7th, 8th or 9th grade students (please indicate for
which grades(s) your proposal aligns) - Objectives
- Daily Learning Sequence
- Bell Ringers & Exit Tickets
- Culturally Relevant Activities
- Competency-Based Formative Assessments
- Differentiation Recommendations
- Materials
- Powerpoint slides
- Handouts (digital & print)
- Each curriculum must be standards-aligned, culturally responsive, and driven by an essential problem/question.
- Each curriculum must have valid and reliable pre- and post-assessments that are aligned with curriculum
standards and objectives.
Instruction/Grading
- Deliver instruction according to the lesson plans during each day of Summer Learning
- Support as chaperone during off-site Summer Learning Programming
- Support and build relationships with assigned cohort of Scholars as they engage in Summer Learning
programming - Assist with receiving Scholars and dismissing Scholars from programming
- Grade/score assignments and year-end capstone projects
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in education, social/human services, counseling, social work or related field PREFERRED.
- Previous teaching/instructional experience preferred.
- Ability to interface effectively with Scholars, faculty and volunteers.
- Availability on all instructional days
- Ability to ensure appropriate outcomes for Scholars are balanced and maintained
Characteristics
- Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and
procedures of the organization. - Growth mindset and servant leader approach to educating in Chicago
- Cheerful and welcoming demeanor
- Must have outgoing and engaging personality
- 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
- Part-time
- Orientation in early June with multiple date options.
- Summer Learning Start Date: June 24, 2024
- Summer Learning End Date: August 2, 2024
- Days/Time: Monday-Thursday, 8:30a-1:15p
- Session 1: June 24, 2024 – July 5th, 202
- Session 2: July 8, 2024 – July 18th, 2024
- Session 3: July 22, 2024 – August 1, 2024
- Must be available for 2 sessions at minimum
Compensation
Facilitators will be compensated $1,600 for the expected 2 weeks of instruction. There are opportunities for a 6 week
commitment with compensation at $2,500.
To Apply
Submit an application at the following link: https://www.tfaforms.com/5111180
- This application requires a high level curriculum description inclusive of:
- Biographical and professional information about you/the vendor
- Proposal Description
- Scope of work/Scope & Sequence
- Anticipated standards & objectives
- Culturally responsive elements
- Essential problem or question
- Sample handouts
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 2023-2024 academic
year, we will serve 300+ middle and high schoolers. 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 Summer Learning team, the Summer Learning Facilitator is responsible for delivering
lessons/programming as a part of our leadership development and academic programming. Summer Learning facilitators
work directly with our Scholars to ensure that they are receiving, discussing, and understanding the material and
facilitators are curating a rigorous experience. Summer Learning sessions will focus on grade-level content geared to
combat summer learning loss and prepare scholars academically for their Math or ELA courses in the upcoming year.
Additionally, one day each week will be allocated for exploratory learning that will include site visits and field trips
around the Chicagoland area. During such programming, Summer Learning Facilitators will serve as chaperones and
support Scholars in preparing for, engaging in and reflecting on their experience. All materials are provided for
instruction and will be sent to Summer Learning Facilitators to allow for ample time to internalize the lesson and prepare
for execution. Summer Learning Facilitators will collaborate with and report to the Director, Educational Programs.
Instruction/Grading
- Deliver instruction according to the lesson plans during each day of Summer Learning
- Support as chaperone during off-site Summer Learning Programming
- Support and build relationships with assigned cohort of Scholars as they engage in Summer Learning
programming - Assist with receiving Scholars and dismissing Scholars from programming
- Grade/score assignments and year-end capstone projects
Planning/Preparation
- Review provided academic materials to internalize the lesson plans and prepare as necessary to deliver
instruction - Attend one mandatory orientation meeting and optional office hour meetings to attain necessary clarity around
lesson execution or programming participation - Track Scholar assignment completion and participation
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in education, social/human services, counseling, social work or related field PREFERRED.
- Previous teaching/instructional experience preferred.
- Ability to interface effectively with Scholars, faculty and volunteers.
- Availability on all instructional days
- Ability to ensure appropriate outcomes for Scholars are balanced and maintained
Characteristics
- Exemplifies the LINK Unlimited Scholars’ mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with all policies and
procedures of the organization. - Growth mindset and servant leader approach to educating in Chicago
- Cheerful and welcoming demeanor
- Must have outgoing and engaging personality
- 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
- Part-time
Orientation in early June with multiple date options.
Summer Learning Start Date: June 24, 2024
Summer Learning End Date: August 2, 2024
Days/Time: Monday-Thursday, 8:30a-1:15p
Compensation
Facilitators will be compensated $2,500 for the 6-week High School Fellowship and $1,600 for the 4-week Jr. LINK
Fellowship. This role is not eligible for health, dental, and vision insurance or any other benefits.
To Apply
Submit an application at the following link: https://www.tfaforms.com/5110633
- This application requires a 5-10 minute video recording of your instruction or instructional materials
demonstrating your approach to teaching.
LINK Unlimited Scholars is an equal opportunity employer.
Summer Learning Program Math Curricula Development Request For Proposals
PROPOSALS DUE BY: 3/15/2024
|
Company Background For over 50 years, LINK Unlimited Scholars has been a Chicago-based institution working to change the trajectory of high-potential Black youth by providing unique programming in the classroom and beyond. Our Scholars complete a four-year fellowship that includes academic enrichment, leadership development, career exposure, and college access to move them to, through, and beyond college. LINK offers the necessary backing to help close the opportunity gap and further ensure economic stability for our Scholars. |
|
Project Overview Our scholars are required to participate in a 6-week summer learning program. Our goals are to prevent summer learning loss and prepare scholars for the math courses they will take in their next academic year. We are looking for a vendor to design and develop an engaging, culturally-responsive integrated mathematics curriculum for an algebra course and a geometry course. Project Goals
|
|
Scope of Work Each curriculum should include the following: |
Vendors or contractors will be required to meet bi-monthly to review curricula and provide updates with the Managing Director, Scholar Support and Director, Educational Programs. |
||||||||||||||||
|
Grade Level Curriculum Expectations
Grade Level Themes to Consider
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Target Deliverable Schedule:
Nuances to consider:
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Evaluation Metrics and Criteria for Curricula
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Questions Bidders Must Answer To Be Considered
|
|
Proposal Submission Should Include
|
|
Proposal Due: March 15th, 2024, 11:59p Budget: $1190 for 7th or 8th grade | $1785 for 9th or 11th grade |
LINK Unlimited Scholars, 2221 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60616-3894 • 312-225-5465 • info@linkunlimited.org