Job Description: Finance and Advancement Associate

Organization: Evanston Grows

Location: Evanston, IL

Employment Start: January or early February, 2025

Posting Date: December 10, 2024

Position Type: Remote, Part-Time, Contract

About Evanston Grows

Evanston Grows is a community-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity, fostering health equity, and building stronger community connections through urban agriculture, nutrition education, and sustainability.

Position Overview

Evanston Grows is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Finance and Advancement Associate to support the organization’s financial operations and development activities. This role is vital in ensuring the smooth functioning of our financial systems, fostering donor relationships, and expanding our outreach efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director and Development team.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations

  • Maintain and manage organizational bookkeeping using QuickBooks.

  • Process and record financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with best practices.

  • Prepare monthly financial for grant applications, in coordination with the Grants Manager.

  • Reconcile accounts, monitor budgets, and ensure all financial records are accurate and up to date.

  • Support the annual audit process and maintain documentation for tax filings.

  • Create and run financial reports as needed for foundation applications, compliance, and internal review.

CRM Management

  • Manage donor database using Bloomerang, ensuring accurate and updated records of contributions, donor profiles, and communications.

  • Cultivate and maintain ongoing donor relations through acknowledgments.

  • Generate donor reports and analytics to inform fundraising strategy and track campaign progress.

  • Assist in maintaining a comprehensive contact database for stakeholders, partners, and supporters.

Qualifications

Essential Skills

  • Experience with QuickBooks or financial reporting systems.

  • At least one year of experience with bookkeeping, including reconciling accounts, preparing financial reports, and monitoring budgets.

  • Proficiency in Excel and other spreadsheet tools.

  • Attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.

  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Preferred Skills

  • CRM experience, preferably with Bloomerang or similar platforms.

  • Familiarity with financial reporting for Board and Foundation use.

  • Knowledge of the Evanston community and experience working with diverse populations.

Work Environment

This position reports to the Executive Director and will work with the Grants Manager. The role is designed to support Evanston Grows’ mission of community food security and sustainable agriculture.

Hours & Compensation

This contractual, part-time, remote role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact in the Evanston community while working with a passionate team dedicated to food justice and sustainability.

Start date: January 6th

5 hours per week, remote

$25.00/hour

Application Process

To Apply: Please email your resume and cover letter to Laurell Sims, Executive Director, at

laurell.s@evanstongrows.org

We actively seek team members who reflect the rich diversity of our community and who bring unique perspectives to our mission. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or veteran status. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully.

Post Office Box 8011, Evanston, IL 60204

EvanstonGROWS.org