Database Specialist

About MPC

Dedicated to shaping a better, bolder, more equitable future for everyone, Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) believes that every neighborhood has promise. Every community should be heard. And every person can thrive. Since 1934, this independent, nonpartisan organization has served metropolitan Chicago’s communities and residents to change perceptions, reimagine conversations, and defy the status quo. Through thoughtful collaboration with local communities, businesses, and governments, MPC is a bold change-maker, addressing the region’s toughest planning and development challenges. We believe that strong partnerships rooted in respect and trust are critical to creative and effective problem-solving. 

MPC is a values-driven workplace, and we are seeking candidates with a demonstrated commitment to creating a region that is:

• Equitable: For MPC, equity means that every individual and community in our region has the opportunities they need to thrive. Promoting equity means that we recognize the harm that discrimination and racism have caused and continue to pose to our lives and neighborhoods. That’s why we drive policies, investments and ideas that ensure all current and future residents can reach their full potential.
• Prosperous: For MPC, prosperity means that both metropolitan Chicago and all of its people are economically healthy and prepared for growth. MPC is focused on ensuring that everyone who lives and works in our region can provide for themselves and their families. We support commitments that bring resources, development, and fairly paid and quality jobs to all communities.
• Sustainable: For MPC, sustainability means that our region meets the natural, human, and financial needs of the present while improving conditions for future generations. MPC’s agenda supports ecological vitality, residents’ health, and economic stability for the long term, and ensures that as things change, our region adapts.
• Engaged and Responsible: For MPC, civic participation, and effective government are cornerstones of our region’s viability. We drive policies that strengthen the participation and impact of residents in local and regional decisions. We also promote adaptive, collaborative, just, and transparent governance at all levels.

About the role:

The Database Specialist is responsible for executing a wide range of functions in the Development and Operations departments, working closely to support the organization's data entry and database management needs. The ideal candidate must have experience setting up and maintaining databases to optimize data functionality. Familiarity with fundraising databases Raiser’s Edge - NXT and Airtable are required, and extreme attention to detail, and, most importantly, a willingness to learn.Compensation for the database specialist position is $30 per hour. MPC also provides a $35 transportation subsidy. 

This is a part-time position for up to 30 hours per week, which will run 4-6 months.

Key Responsibilities

• Enter constituent information and correspondence into Raiser’s Edge – NXT (constituent database management system) ensuring integrity of data through accurate data entry
• Add and update constituent records, identify, merge, and remove duplicate records
• Develop consistent standard reports and dashboards to help track and assess fundraising performance toward goals, utilizing Raiser’s Edge NXT 
• Conduct data mining as well as maintain/extract various lists for event mailings and prospecting 
• Data entry of special event registrants and sponsorship information into Raiser’s Edge NXT 
• Conduct prospect research and produce prospect profiles for cultivation and solicitation.
• Set up user interfaces in Airtable that support organizational reporting on program, operations, and development goals
• Set up template and data creation process for stakeholder contact lists that can be integrated with existing communications platforms 
• Support updating of MPC advisor/committee lists and conduct engagement surveys 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience in data management, nonprofit development/fundraising/communications
• Proficient in Raiser’s Edge-NXT and Airtable or other CRM system
• Donor Search or other prospect research system
• Microsoft Office 365 Suite
• Critical Thinking 
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or transferrable experience
• 2-3 years of experience in database management for a nonprofit organization is highly preferred

Working Environment

MPC is a collaborative organization. This is a hybrid position in which employees work at least twice a week from our Chicago Headquarters, with remote work offered up to three days a week.

EEOC/Diversity Statement: 

MPC is an equal-opportunity employer. We stay true to our mission by celebrating the differences among us. We are committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workplace and encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. We will not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or retaliation of any kind and we promote a climate of mutual respect for our employees.