The Jimmie R.

Alford Internship at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago

The Jimmie R. Alford Internship at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) was established in 2013 to honor Jimmie R. Alfords extraordinary life dedicated to advancing the work of the nonprofit community and his passion for the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. Jimmie frequently referenced that two pillars of his formation were attending North Park University for his undergraduate education and working at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. He launched the highly successful nonprofit consulting firm that bears his name. In honor of his legacy, this internship will provide a special opportunity each year for a highly talented individual to gain robust experience in nonprofit fundraising and resource development. In partnership with the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management and School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago is seeking highly talented and mission-focused students to apply for this opportunity. This paid internship position will provide the selected candidate with substantial experience in nonprofit development and management, grant writing, events planning, donor prospect research, and solicitation strategy formulation. In addition, the selected candidate will gain valuable office experience working in one of Chicagos premier nonprofits while contributing to the organizations work in providing essential services to the Chicago community. Honoring Jimmies passion for teaching the art of philanthropy and nonprofit management, this internship will provide unique components including the following: Mentorship from Maree Bullock, Jimmies wife and partner, who currently serves as Vice President of the Alford Group and has over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Ms. Bullock is a highly regarded professional and deeply respected in the Chicago nonprofit community. Guidance and support from key BGCC leadership team members. Opportunities to meet with select BGCC Board Members to gain active experience in understanding the important role a Board plays in the success of a nonprofit Opportunities to attend relevant educational events, seminars, trainings, and seminars available through local partners and resources such as Donors Forum of Chicago Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Overview As a leading provider of expert after-school services in Chicago for over 110 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) offers a safe haven where youth may learn and grow during the most hazardous time of day. Our Clubs give children a vital alternative to the rampant dangers of crime, gangs and drugs that they face on a daily basis in neighborhoods lacking in true economic opportunity and development. In addition to being safer, children who have access to a quality after-school program go to school more, behave better, earn higher grades and have higher test scores than non-participating students. With 18 locations serving nearly 1,800 children per day, BGCC focuses its efforts on Chicagos most economically-challenged neighborhoods and most in-need families. We provide young people ages 6 to 18 with a stable, safe and stimulating environment and high quality age-appropriate and outcome driven programs. BGCC is a place where these young people receive the tools they need to have a great future. Our 112-year history in Chicago and our commitment to a physical presence in so many underserved communities means that we are able to reach one in twenty of the citys children living in poverty. Our Clubs are anchors in the communities they serve and an essential part of a movement that is gathering momentum in Chicago to address the hopelessness that is immobilizing communities, families and the next generation of civic leadership.

Jimmie R. Alford Jimmie R. Alford began his career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago while completing his degree at North Park University and advanced quickly in the organization, becoming the director of a Club program unit at the age of 24. He went on to obtain a Masters degree in Administration and Organizational Behavior from Aurora University while continuing to work with Boys & Girls Clubs for a total of 16 years. In 1979, Jimmie R. Alford founded The Alford Group, a national consulting firm serving the nonprofit community in organizational development, philanthropy, executive search and knowledge management. The mission of the firm was the core of Jimmies work and legacy, to strengthen the not-for-profit community. Throughout the firms 33 years, it has served over 3,000 clients, ranging from large multinational organizations to small start-ups, and has helped to sustain the rich, robust nonprofit community throughout the country. In 2006, Jimmie sold the firm but remained an active leader in client services as well as Chair of the Board. He also continued to volunteer his skills and expertise to benefit numerous organizations through board service, pro-bono consulting and various other avenues. He formalized his efforts to educate the next generation of leaders by teaching graduate courses at the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University as Executive-in-residence and by leading the Nonprofit Executive Education Certification at Notre Dame University. For Jimmie, teaching gave him yet another opportunity to sustain the sector he had worked for 50 years to strengthen. Jimmie had been a board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 1973, and in 2009 was recognized by his peers with the Chairs Award for Outstanding Service. He was a former chair of the American Association of Fundraising Council (AAFRC) (now the Giving Institute) and former board member of the Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy. He was also twice distinguished by The NonProfit Times as one of the 50 most influential people in the nonprofit sector. Most recently, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Better Government Association of Chicago and the 2012 Spirit of Youth award from the National Runaway Switchboard. In 2007, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws from North Park University and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Aurora University. Even more than Jimmies professional achievements, his profound ability to inspire and motivate remains his most celebrated quality. Over his lifetime, Jimmie has helped countless people realize their dreams through his leadership and guidance. General Internship Information The internship will be housed in the Development Department of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, operating out of the Club Support Center (550 W. Van Buren, Suite 350, Chicago, IL 60607). The internship pays $12.00 per hour and will run for a period of eight 35-hour work weeks, annually, starting no later than July 1, 2014. A stipend will be paid to the intern in installments throughout the completion of the internship. The intern will develop goals, timeline, and a basic plan of action with the intern supervisor at the beginning of his or her internship period. The intern will meet regularly with the intern supervisor to review goals, progress, questions, and ideas. Interns will be selected with preference for an undergraduate nonprofit student from North Park University, Jimmies beloved alma mater.

Internship Duties and Responsibilities Internship duties and responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following: Participate in various aspects of fundraising program planning and follow-through to support the Development Departments accomplishment of fundraising goals and activities Assist with preparation of materials for meetings and programs (e.g., special events, committee meetings, etc.) Assist in updating and maintaining donor database records Minor writing and editing to contribute to proposals and reports for corporations, foundations, and individual donors Research available grants and foundations to assess fit with BGCC mission and goals; prepare basic background content for individual asks and foundation applications Engage in donor support and stewardship activities Conduct basic research on potential donors, current donors, and major donors Participate in drafting, refining, and disseminating individual donor appeals and solicitations Provide assistance at key donor/supporter events and corporate partnership events Internship Benefits Internship benefits for the selected candidate include (but are not limited to) the following: A stipend paid in installments throughout the completion of the internship. Mentorship from Marie Bullock, Jimmies wife and partner, who currently serves as Vice President of the Alford Group and has over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Ms. Bullock is a highly regarded professional and deeply respected in the Chicago nonprofit community. Guidance and support from key BGCC leadership team members, working directly with Development Department staff at Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and building professional relationships for referrals and recommendations. Opportunities to meet with select BGCC Board Members to gain active experience in understanding the important role a Board plays in the success of a nonprofit Opportunities to attend relevant educational events, seminars, trainings, and seminars available through local partners and resources such as Donors Forum of Chicago Obtaining experience with the inner workings of a development program in the nonprofit setting and becoming familiar with the fundamental framework and best practices of a successful development program. Gaining a deeper understanding and familiarity with Chicagos philanthropic community. Gaining basic experience utilizing Raisers Edge fundraising software. Candidate Qualifications The successful candidate will possess the following qualities: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as ability to operate standard office equipment (fax, photocopier, etc.). Ability and desire to work sensitively and respectfully with people (volunteers, Board members, supporters, and staff) from a range of social, educational, ethnic, and financial backgrounds Passion for contributing to the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and to the Chicago nonprofit community overall, including a desire to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector; prior experience in fundraising (either volunteering with or working for a nonprofit organization) is a plus but not mandatory Highly organized with attention to detail Ability to work well in a collaborative environment as part of a team, as well as motivated and able to work independently when needed

Adept at multitasking and managing a variety of tasks and priorities Excellent written and verbal communication skills Able to clear a criminal history background check

How to Apply Interested candidates must submit a completed application packet (see contents below) by mail or by email. Applications must be postmarked or emailed to Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago no later than Wednesday, May 7, 2014. Application Packet: cover letter current resume or curriculum vitae Essay 1 (250 words or less): What do you hope to contribute to the work of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago through this internship? Essay 2 (250 words or less): What are your career goals in the nonprofit sector? Completed application packets may be mailed or emailed to the following: Janet Soto, Development Assistant Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Club Support Center 550 W. Van Buren Street, Suite 350 Chicago, IL 60607 jsoto@bgcc.org Candidates will be emailed to confirm receipt of completed application packets. Candidates will be notified by email no later than 12:00 PM on Tuesday, May 13 if selected to interview for the internship position. For further questions, contact Janet Soto at 312-235-8032.