Advancement Associate, Non-Profit & Social Impact

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF), headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was established in 1947 by the leaders of the metal casting industry, with the support of affiliated organizations and societies, as an independent extension of metal casting educational programs at colleges and universities across the country. The primary objective was to bring top-quality men and women into the industry.

FEF has since become the lifeline of quality people to our industry. The mission of FEF is to strengthen the metal casting industry by supporting unique partnerships among students, educators and industry, helping today's students become tomorrow's leaders.

For more information about FEF, please visit:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

FEF is looking for an innovative and energetic mid-level fundraising professional who is excited about the mission and interested in joining a dynamic and innovative team. The Advancement Associate is responsible for executing the organization’s annual giving program, which includes a fall individual giving campaign, and assisting with the overall fundraising strategy to support its mission and long-term sustainability. This role oversees all annual giving activities, which includes some individual/alumni and corporate giving, assists with major campaigns and events, works on special alumni engagement activities, and provides donor stewardship.

The ideal candidate will be well versed in the basic aspects of fundraising and program/project development. They will have experience and show success in relationship building with both individuals and corporate leaders. They will have experience working with volunteer boards and committees. They will be able to develop and advance annual campaigns and specific corporate grants. The candidate will be a strong communicator and writer, comfortable in presenting the organizational mission to a wide variety of industry professionals, students, university leaders and professors, and many other contacts.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail oriented and able to work on multiple projects with varying deadlines.

This position includes regional and national travel. This position will be mostly a remote work position but does require quarterly in-office meetings.

The Advancement Associate position is critical in maintaining the funding for the mission components of FEF. The Associate is responsible for bringing knowledge of our mission to many constituents, advancing engagement with our alumni, partners and new prospects, and assisting in maintaining a philanthropic focus with staff, boards and other members of the FEF team.

The key to success in this position will be the ability to meet quarterly key performance metrics. This position reports directly to the Director of Resource Development.

• Assist in the development and achievement of annual fundraising goals:
• Write and direct outreach for annual requests from individuals/alumni, corporate partners
• Assist and analyze fundraising communication, online activity and website
• Write and maintain specific annual grants
• Identify new funding opportunities and diversify revenue streams:
  • Create connections to individuals/alumni using defined engagement opportunities
  • Develop new programs to secure new individual and corporate prospects
  • Research new grant opportunities
• Assist or lead specific fundraising events, assist with regional campaigns, endowment and planned giving outreach, and other initiatives.
• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising plan.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, corporate partners, individual donors, foundations, and volunteer leadership.
• Assist with donor engagement, recognition, and retention strategies.
• Assist in alumni engagement strategies – connected to fundraising goals.
• Assist with Key Professor and Advisory Board relationships, liaison with specific AFS Chapters.
• Assist in planning and activities related to FEF’s College Industry Conference.