Associate, Fairmount Ventures

Posted by Fairmount Ventures on March 14, 2016

Position Available: Associate

About Fairmount Ventures: Fairmount Ventures (http://fairmountinc.com) is a social impact business launched to help create the world we all want to live in. Core services to nonprofits include: strategic and business planning, resource [fundraising] and board development, program design and assessment, mergers and affiliations, and communications strategy. Clients benefit from our expertise in: early childhood, K-12 and higher education; community healthcare; youth development; housing and community development; human services; arts, culture, and historic preservation; food access and sustainable communities; and workforce development. Fairmount has been a thought partner to over 350 organizations and is sought for our deep understanding of the Philadelphia region and rich set of connections that we bring to benefit every client.

Position Overview: This entry-level position works closely with senior staff and project managers to help meet the planning and resource development needs of Fairmount’s nonprofit clients. Associates are responsible for research- and writing-intensive activities focused on both planning and execution, spanning Fairmount’s full range of services. The position is an ideal opportunity for someone who is intellectually curious, energized by conducting research to answer complex questions, and interested in exploring a career in nonprofit consulting and management. S/he enjoys being part of a diverse, multi-disciplinary team and excels at communicating with a diverse array of audiences and at meeting multiple deadlines and demands simultaneously. Core responsibilities include:

RESEARCH & ANALYZE—Research best practices, demographic data, market data, budget and fundraising data, foundations, and individual donor and board prospects; conduct key stakeholder interviews; synthesize research and identify themes and implications from research and interviews to support strategy development and execution.

WRITE—Develop proposals and collateral materials for foundations, corporations, and government funding sources through a mix of original writing and adaptation of existing proposals for resubmission; draft or adapt sections of findings, plan documents, needs assessments, concept papers, case statements, individual donor letters, and other client deliverables.

COMMUNICATE & MANAGE—Balance a diverse portfolio of 5-8 clients, with multiple internal and external deadlines; represent Fairmount to clients and stakeholders; proactively report findings, challenges, progress, etc., to team members; track work activities, data, and research.

Qualifications: Candidates will have a minimum bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Urban Studies, Communications, Economics) and at least one year of relevant paid work experience. The successful candidate will possess: excellent writing and editing skills; strong research, synthesis, and analytic skills; precise attention to detail; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously; ability to work independently and as part of a team; and will be energized by an opportunity to serve Fairmount’s nonprofit clients.

Process: Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, relevant professional writing sample, three professional references, and responses to the questions below to [email protected]. Please write “Associate” in the subject line. Writing samples and references from the applicant’s paid work experience are strongly preferred. Please limit written responses to these questions to two pages, total.
1. What is your understanding of nonprofit consulting, and what aspects of it interest you most?
2. What is an example from your recent work experience that illustrates why you are an especially good fit for this specific position?
3. Why would taking a position at Fairmount be the right next step in your career?
4. What unique skills and attributes would you bring to complement and expand our team?
5. What’s something that’s not on your resume that is important to know about you?

Compensation: Starting salary $33,000; health benefits; 401(k) plan starting at 1-year anniversary
Start Date: April-May 2016

Fairmount Ventures is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing a diverse staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.