Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.


Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.


We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.


Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!


The Individual Giving Officer will serve as a key member of Start Earlys growing Individual Giving team. An experienced fundraiser will experience success while engaging current and prospective donors at the $1,000 - $10,000 level. They will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual supporters while developing and executing strategies to inspire increased support. Reporting to the Director of Individual Giving, this person will be integral to the success of Start Earlys Individual Giving team raising upwards of $8M.

Reporting to the Director, Individual Giving you will:



Responsible for a portfolio of no less than 75 individuals, including both prospects and donors. Actively moves constituents through the donor lifecycle, and regularly adds (and as appropriate, removes) individuals to portfolio. Maintains regular in-person or written communication with individuals in portfolio and designs thoughtful strategies (in partnership with other team members) to encourage gift renewals and upgrades. Tailors giving strategies to serve both donor interests and intent, and organizational priorities. Comfortable discussing planned giving program with constituents.

In partnership with the Director, Individual Giving, and Individual Giving Manager, contribute to the creation of a formal Annual Fund.

Work in partnership with other development team members, and senior leadership, to brainstorm and create the most effective strategies for donor engagement and retention. Key contributor and active participant in team and strategy meetings.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in Salesforce database, including key data from meetings and calls, SE events, development staff meetings, and other contextual information.

Supports team-wide fundraising efforts, and regularly attends events with and for Start Early.

Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of this job description.

Deep commitment in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.

Optimally establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.

Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of this job description.


Qualifications:



Bachelors degree required.

Five years of non-profit fundraising experience is required. Experience working with a database (Salesforce preferred).

Demonstrated fundraising professional with a passion for supporting young children and families and who recognizes current disparities and holds a desire to create opportunity for all.

Excellent communication, presentation, and persuasion skills; comfortable developing pitches and proposals.

Knowledge of the Chicago philanthropic landscape and prior experience with solicitation and stewardship of individual donors at $1,000 and above.

Ability to interact with senior staff leadership, donors, and key stakeholders in a professional manner.

Project management skills sufficient to manage multiple competing and complex tasks efficiently.

Ability to self-reflect, along with providing, receiving, and implementing feedback that improves performance and achieves results.

Ability to adapt to changing needs and priorities and remain flexible.

Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office products; ability to learn and grasp other computer technology and software programs as needed.

Organized thinker with exceptional attention to detail.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Ability to support multiple staff members and work in a team environment.

Demonstrated ability to work with diverse staff and external individuals.

Ability to process, protect, and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.



We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications dont perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $68,000-$77,000


We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

The Chicagoland area is preferred with a hybrid work schedule.

Our generous benefits plan includes:


Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.


Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.