Los Angeles

Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) 

Job Title: Financial Aid Specialist
Department: Financial Aid
Reports to: Financial Aid Manager
FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-exempt
Pay Scale: $25.00 to $28.00/hour
Schedule: Eligible for Hybrid Schedule after completing training period

Summary:
The Financial Aid Specialist is responsible for a wide range of duties in support of undergraduate and graduate students and their financial aid needs. Major responsibilities include processing of Financial Aid packages and assisting with the preparation and dissemination of financial aid information. This position involves a great deal of communication with students and parents, including coordinating financial aid and loan counseling workshops.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide information to students and families regarding the options for obtaining financial aid, the process for applying for aid, and the eligibility requirements for receiving and maintaining aid
• Assist students in completing required financial aid paperwork
• Review documents, package financial aid awards and complete verification when required on individual financial aid applicants
• Provide quality customer service to students and families, respond to inquiries in a timely manner
• Perform financial aid data entry using PowerFaids
• Maintain files and records, preserving confidentiality of all information and student records
• Update and monitor Federal Work-Study (FWS) award spreadsheet each pay period. Coordinate with Human
• Resources on eligible student hires. Timely communication to students and supervisors as work study budget approaches its limit
• Administer and update the SCI-Arc Federal Financial Aid forms and website/portal information as needed
• Coordinating communications between Admissions and Finance when tracking admissions and continuing student scholarships
• Provide support with preparation of annual Single Audit
• Assist in administration of CAL Grant program through Webgrant on-line processing
• Assist in administration of FSEOG Grant
• Department of Education (ED), California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) semester reconciliations and reimbursements
• Assist with student and parent workshops and producing educational videos
• Ensure critical deadlines are met
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 2 years’ experience of financial aid experience in college or university
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal communication skills to clearly convey financial aid information in person and over the phone
• Must be a self-starter and have a demonstrated ability to work independently in a dynamic environment and maintain a professional demeanor under pressure
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Knowledge in PowerFaids; a plus but not required

We offer a great benefits package with medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off.

To apply, please visit our online application system https://my.sciarc.edu/ICS/Employment_Info/
 

SCI-Arc is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Job Title: Director, Development
Department: Development
Reports to: Director/CEO
FLSA Status: Full-time, Exempt
Pay Scale: $120,000 – $130,000 annual
Schedule: Eligible for Hybrid Schedule after completing training period

Summary: 
The Director of Development must have a demonstrated ability to build and cultivate philanthropic relationships with foundations, corporations, individual prospects, and government agencies in support of the needs of the SCI-Arc mission. The Director will engage in careful and innovative prospect research, effective cultivation and stewardship of prospective and existing funders, strategic development of proposals and preparing goal oriented annual development and communications plans.  Campaign experience is desired, but not required.

The Director will bring genuine passion for education, architecture, and design and for the institution’s uninhibited mission, coupled with proven experience in driving fundraising growth and achieving goals. The Director will guide and mentor the Development department in its various duties and responsibilities, while working closely with the departments of Communications, Research, and other branches of the Institute as needed and to develop and refine advancement strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build and manage a portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation prospects for national, regional, and local funders and conduct written and face-to-face solicitations with prospective donors
• Actively identify and research new and existing corporate and foundation prospects for priority projects and programs and determine the best cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Communicate effectively and develop collaborative relationships with the academic community around funding prospects and opportunities
• Work with members of the leadership team, faculty, and administrators to develop and submit institutional proposals
• Manage proposal initiatives, develop solicitation strategies and compelling proposals that align with the funding organization’s mission and purpose
• Ensure stewardship of donor and funder expectations regarding programmatic and fund reporting
• Ensure compliance with the institution’s fundraising policies, procedures and donor management
• Establish strong working relationships across the SCI-Arc community, including with the Director/CEO, Vice Director/ Chief Academic Officer, Academic Programs Chairs, Coordinator of Sponsored Research, and senior leadership
• Stay informed of trends in philanthropy, particularly corporate and foundation funding
• Work as a key member of the development team in the planning and implementation of short- and long-term goals.
• Broker meetings and discussions between SCI-Arc faculty and external constituents to produce innovative partnerships and bold agendas at the forefront of architecture, design and urban planning
• Work collaboratively with faculty, academic leadership, and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion office, and the board of trustees to create and implement strategies to build corporate relationships to further the mission
• Be an integral member of the SCI-Arc community, staying abreast of general trends in the fields of study offered at the Institute and in the major areas of industry where alumni are employed
• Oversee Development staff engaged in alumni services, grant writing, event planning, database management, and other activities related to the department.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred
• Minimum 5 years of progressive, successful experience in corporate and foundation fundraising and closing major gifts for a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and cutting-edge institution—education, arts, architecture, and other relevant fields
• Experience managing an engaged portfolio of individual, corporate and foundation prospects, preferably within a higher education setting
• Experience identifying and researching corporate and foundation prospects and designing effective cultivation and solicitation strategies to secure resources
• Familiar with fundraising software and Microsoft Office Suite conversant with the digital marketing and social media of a tech-oriented, highly international educational institution, and willing to become familiar with the areas of software and technology integral to curriculum and research at the Institute
• Collaborative team player; a mentor and motivator of staff
• Sound financial acumen and knowledge of budget preparation, monitoring, and administration
• Proven experience in the full spectrum of development including gift policies, solicitations, stewardship, donor recognition and administration
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationships across the institution, including board members, and donors, with an emphasis on tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism and discretion
• Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Effective written and oral communication skills with emphasis on public speaking and presenting information about programs to potential donors and audiences in a relatable and compelling fashion
• Knowledge of trends, legislation, and key issues impacting higher education advancement
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills, strong customer service, interpersonal, and team building skills
• Willingness to work occasional evening, weekend hours, and travel as needed
• Knowledge and experience using research resources to identify individual prospects and institutional funders

We offer a great benefits package with medical, dental, vision, 401(k) and paid time off.

To apply, please visit our online application system: https://my.sciarc.edu/ICS/Employment_Info/ 
 

SCI-Arc is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (ICA LA)

Advancement Officer, Individual Giving

Reports to: Director of Development

Status: Full-time / Exempt

Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000

Benefits: Healthcare (including vision and dental), vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, following a probation period

Overview

As a key member of the fundraising team at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, the Advancement Officer helps to lead the design, management, and execution of the museum’s annual fundraising program, with a strong focus on direct cultivation and solicitation of individual donors and members at all levels. They work closely with the Executive Director and Director of Development to set annual targets and strategic long-term priorities for the development department, in support of ICA LA’s mission, vision, goals, and objectives.

The Advancement Officer for Individual Giving must have extensive knowledge of museum Development operations and systems. This position administrates the museum’s two major donor groups—Curator’s Council and Fieldwork Council—and the two upper-level membership circles—Angeleno Collective and 7th Street Collective. This position also manages a personal portfolio of individual supporters and proactively identifies and engages new prospective donors for ICA LA. Additional duties include being a core member of the team for the planning and execution of ICA LA’s fundraising events, member events, opening celebrations, all cultivation events, and supporting with patron travel program. The Advancement Officer for Individual Giving is also a key member of the fundraising team for ICA LA’s capital campaign, which raises funds in addition to the annual operating expenses in support of priorities outlined in a strategic plan adopted in 2022.

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, with at least two professional references, and writing samples to opportunities@theicala.org, including the name of the position in the subject line. Please no calls or in-person unscheduled visits.

For a complete list of responsibilities and requirements, please visit theicala.org/en/opportunities.

Primary Responsibilities

INDIVIDUAL GIVING MANAGEMENT

• Identify, assess, analyze, and conceive appropriate strategies for approaching prospects including matching prospect/donor’s interest with program, exhibitions, educational initiatives, and longer-term capital improvements and new programmatic opportunities.
• Organize and participate in regular meetings of staff and board members designed to develop strategies and identify prospective individual donors, as well as foundations and corporate partners for support.
• Create prospect pipeline for major gifts and maintain active awareness of prospect pool at various stages of identification, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Establish a broad-based constituency (local, national, and international) through membership and donor and Board groups.
• Arrange appropriate opportunities for the Executive Director, Director of Development, and other key stakeholders to meet with donors and prospective donors in forums designed to engender increased interest in, and support of, the museum.
• Help conceptualize and oversee production of donor and prospect events, such as lunches, dinners, fundraisers, and receptions for continued awareness on the part of donors of current needs and objectives in order to encourage continued giving.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential individual donors to generate annual revenue for both exhibitions and Learning & Engagement programs.
• Oversee annual giving gift acknowledgment processes for individuals and high level members of the museum, ensuring that timely and appropriate pledge agreements, reminders, and letters of thanks are sent to donors.
• In partnership with museum leadership, formulate strategy, set priorities, and implement plans to ensure that ICA LA’s institutional positioning and donor experience creates meaningful pathways for involvement that are fresh, meaningful, and compelling.
• Develops and directs strategies driving integrated mail, on-line, and telephone campaigns to acquire, upgrade, and renew annual donors and members. Maintains schedule of solicitations and cultivations, including timely delivery of strategy, creative, and data files.
• Be one of the key spokespersons for ICA LA at community and cultivation events, conducting yourself with the highest professional standards and demonstrating integrity and authenticity.
• Lend support to ICA LA’s annual fundraisers—Spring Benefit and Incognito (bi-annual)— including ticket sales, donor cultivation, ticket sales processing, as well as event production.
• Assist in the department’s annual budgetary planning by providing individual contribution and expense projections, as well as work with accounting consultants to provide individual contribution related financial information for ICA LA’s 990 and Audit filings.
• Execute all administrative duties related to individual contributions including invoicing, correspondence, gift processing, and acknowledgements.
• Work extensively in ICA LA’s donor database Bloomerang to carry out gift processing, maintain up to date donor records, ratings, and reports. Maintain and revise constituent and transaction fields as needed, as well as website integrations, such as donation and membership forms. Be proactive about optimizing database functionality and assist with future system integrations.
• Integrate with current strategic planning process, specifically with the Development & Finance group.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge and experience with development and fundraising in the non-profit sector, ideally specifically in museums.
• A successful record of demonstrable accomplishments in envisioning, implementing, and managing a bold advancement strategy within a competitive philanthropic environment.
• Demonstrated success in aligning institutional positioning and communications with ambitious fundraising goals and in meeting those goals.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and implement individual cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• At least three years of management experience in an art museum, arts related organization, philanthropic organization, or institution of higher learning.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating professionally and effectively with all levels of staff to respond to needs, determine priorities, and manage expectations.
• Ability to delegate combined with willingness to work in a “hands on” manner as part of a small team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to write effective correspondence and funding proposals for major gifts and creative solicitation materials.
• Interpersonal skill in negotiating, exchanging ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policies and programs and/or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, or solutions.
• Demonstrated skill in management and supervision of administrative personnel.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and adjust heavy workload, manage a variety of tasks, and meet various deadlines with changing priorities, frequent interruptions, and competing deadlines..
• Proven fluency in budget preparation, management, reporting, and cost control.
• Background and passion for contemporary art, museums, culture, and social change.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Proven skill and experience using a PC and Microsoft Office Suite to execute daily tasks, and effectively communicate with staff, including but not limited to optimizing all aspects of Microsoft Outlook and using Excel to manage, organize, analyze, and calculate financial information and numbers.
• Prior experience using and managing a donor database. Knowledge of Bloomerang CRM a plus.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends, as necessary.