Development & Operations Associate

Job Title: Development & Operations Associate

Reports to: Emma Gonzalez Mac Roberts, Chief Operating Officer

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

Location: Chicago, IL; remote-first with regular in-person meetings and events

The Development and Operations Associates works closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the Chicago TREND team to support fundraising, communications, financial administration, and day-to-day operations. As TREND CDC's second hire, this role sits at the center of the organization's work and is critical to our ability to scale. For someone looking to build their career in community development, this role provides the opportunity to develop expertise across the full spectrum of nonprofit operations while directly contributing to a mission-driven organization.

TREND Community Development Corporation (TREND CDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019 to complement the mission of TREND, a social enterprise focused on revitalizing urban commercial corridors and closing the racial wealth gap. TREND acquires shopping centers in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, transforms them into vibrant community hubs, and creates opportunities for local residents and small dollar investors to co-own these assets.

To date, TREND co-owns six shopping centers in partnership with 462 local and small-dollar investors. TREND CDC secures public and philanthropic funding and partners with local organizations to advance this mission. The organization leads investor communications and advances programs including small business support, commercial corridor planning, climate-positive improvements, and creative placemaking. By facilitating inclusive economic development, we build stronger, more resilient communities.

• Conduct research to identify potential grant opportunities
• Assist in the preparation of compelling grant proposals, including narratives, budgets, and supporting documents
• Participate in funder meetings, track action items, and support follow up
• Support implementation and reporting of grant-funded activities

• Manage day-to-day community investor communications, including quarterly reports and one-off communication
• Coordinate bi-annual investor webinars and other engagement activities
• Maintain investor records and contact database

• Support development of organizational collateral and marketing materials (e.g., one-pagers, presentations)
• Support storytelling efforts and external communications (e.g. website, Linked In)

• Support day-to-day financial operations, including tracking payables and receivables monthly and supporting the annual financial audit
• Support the development of contractor and partner agreements
• Support preparation of quarterly Board meeting materials and maintain Board Book

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, urban planning, business administration, or related field
• 2–3 years of experience in operations, administration, fundraising, or related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and constituents
• Experience supporting fundraising or grant-funded programs
• Comfort working with budgets and financial documents
• Familiarity with Mail Chimp, Canva, Linked In, and/or other communications tools
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Self-motivated and effective working independently in a remote-first environment
• Comfort working on a small, entrepreneurial team
• Extremely detail-oriented
• Discretion in handling confidential information
• Passion for community development and mission-driven work

The salary range for this role is $65,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience, with the opportunity for annual performance-based bonuses and advancement. TREND CDC offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, employer 401(k) matching, and unlimited paid time off.

Chicago-based candidates are preferred, though exceptional candidates based in other cities will be considered.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to m by Sunday, March 1, 6PM Central Time. Writing samples should be no more than three pages (excerpts from longer pieces are welcome) and ideally reflect topics related to TREND CDC’s mission and/or the responsibilities of the role.