Development & Communications Consultant

 The Scitopia Foundation is soliciting applications for a Development & Communications Consultant to lead fund-raising and media initiatives key to the launch, construction and opening of a novel science center, Scitopia Chicago, located in the heart of Chicago’s Washington Park neighborhood. Join a dynamic team and play a crucial role in advancing this high-profile science education initiative.

Scitopia Chicago (SC), the flagship enterprise overseen by the nonprofit Scitopia Foundation, is a STEAM-themed learning hub and free public destination promoting teen self-realization and beneficial community opportunities. Fusing in synergy library, conservatory, museum and neighborhood history, SC promotes self-realization and career pathways for southside teens and offers opportunities for visitors of all ages spaces to connect, learn, meet or revel in a unique southside conservatory-vivarium. By fostering key 20^th and 21^st Century skills (e.g., creativity, innovation, collaboration, civic engagement), SC aims to function as a neighborhood anchor to an emerging eTOD zone centered on the adjacent Garfield Green Line Station.

Development & Communications Consultant

This position has two key areas of responsibility:

1—To seek, establish and deepen relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations and neighborhood, city and state representatives to meet fundraising benchmarks for SC development

2—To collaborate with other staff and the foundation in developing a robust media strategy to effectively communicate the novelty, opportunity, aims and impact of SC to key supportive parties and agencies and the public at large.

Responsibilities

• Grant Support: Assist with grant strategy, development of a portfolio of funding opportunities, and proposal writing, submission and any needed reporting.
• Donor Relations: Support the cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors including drafting personalized communication, maintaining donor records, and assisting with donor-focused events.
• Special Events: Provide planning, oversight and management of fundraising and cultivation events.
• Communications & Marketing: Develop a media and communications strategy in collaboration with the Scitiopia team. Create and collaborate on compelling content for newsletters and email appeals, website and social media, press releases, annual reports and event advertisement and invitations.
• Administrative Support: Manage and organize as needed development and communications records and tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Non Profit Management, Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or a related field.
• 2 years of professional experience in development and/or communications roles, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Experience with content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to its realization.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with fundraising software or donor relationship management databases (e.g., Salesforce).
• Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canvas, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Basic photography and video editing skills.
• Experience with email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact).

Contracted Consultant Compensation 

• Hourly rate $40-60/hrs commensurate with experience 
• Contract reviewable and renewable after 6 months
• Potential for growth, SC intends for this position to transition into a full-time benefits eligible position

The Scitopia Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials to Jessica Roeder at jroeder.scitopiachicago@gmail.com by September 26 2025:

• A brief cover letter explaining your interest in this position and alignment of your skills and experience
• Resume or CV
• Two references from previous clients or employers