Groundwork Inc.'s Notes

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On June 18th Groundwork was presented with the New York Times Award for Excellence in Management. Groundwork was by far the youngest organization represented out of the six finalists. Co-Founder & Executive Director Rich Buery and Board Chair Matt Klein participated in a Best Practices Workshop sharing tips and their experiences with the audience.

Congratulations to the Grand Prize winner New York Cares!

The seven areas of excellence that the award recognizes are:

- Overall management focus on results
- Governance structure that moves the organization forward
- Strong, transparent and accountable financial management
- Inclusive, diverse and responsive organizational practices
- Enlightened use of human resources and technology
- Regular and effective communications
- Effective, ethical fundraising and resource development

Along with the award, Groundwork received a $5,000 check and a scholarship to the Columbia Business School's Social Enterprise Program.
Join the Groundwork team by performing a year of service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA.

There are four VISTA positions currently available:
Program Assessment & Evaluation VISTA
Single Stop Community Organizing VISTA
Single Stop Workforce Development VISTA
Staff Satisfaction & Retention VISTA

Details at www.groundworkinc.org
Be a part of our team as we build powerful youth and powerful communities!

There are two new positions available at Groundwork:
Family Resource Center Summer Counselor
Success Coach, Groundwork for Success

Details at www.groundworkinc.org


Groundwork Inc. was named one of six finalists for the 2009 New York Times Company Nonprofit Excellence Awards. The award will be presented in June and up to four of the organizations will be featured in special section of The New York Times this summer. On June 18, the winners will be honored at an awards reception at The Times Center and will conduct a “best practices workshop” to share their winning management strategies with an invited audience.

Wish us luck!!

Other finalists are Citizens Advice Bureau, Legal Information for Families Today, Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project, New York Cares, and the Vera Institute of Justice.

http://www.nynp.biz/index.php/breaking-news/772-finalists-announced-for-nytimes-nonprofit-excellence-awards
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE (F/T)

Groundwork is a fast growing, entrepreneurial, seven year old, $6 million nonprofit organization serving thousands of children and families in the East New York section of Brooklyn, New York. We are looking for a highly motivated, organized and detail orientated individual to join the Development department. Groundwork expects to continue its significant growth in the coming years, and the Development and Communications Associate will play an integral part in sustaining this growth. The Development and Communications Associate reports to the Director of Development, and will work closely with the Development Manager, the Executive Director, the Associate Executive Director for Programs, and other management staff.

About Groundwork:
Groundwork builds powerful youth and powerful communities. We identify small neighborhoods, typically public housing developments and the blocks that surround them, and work with community members and institutions to provide high-quality educational programs and support services to the children and families who live there. Our after-school and summer programs for elementary and middle school children give youth the skills and confidence they need to become engaged, educated citizens. Our work experience and college preparation programs for teenagers teach youth to become leaders while guiding them to success in academics and in life. Our programs for adults offer parents and other community members the resources they need to support their families and build organized community power. We believe that this combination of education, support and empowerment helps families transform their lives and their communities.

Job Responsibilities:
Supporting the work of a busy development office, the Development and Communications Associate will play a key role in ensuring that short and long term development and communication goals are achieved. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, self-starter to learn about development and communications, and grow within a leading organization in the field of youth development. Job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Development Related Responsibilities
• Working with the Director of Development and an outside consulting firm to research, cultivate, and develop ongoing relationships with foundations, corporations, government sources and other funders. This includes drafting and submitting proposals to funders, setting up and coordinating site visits, and tracking and preparing grant reports.
• Reviewing foundation, corporate and government Requests for Proposals (RFPs) regularly to determine their alignment with Groundwork’s mission.
• Working with program staff and other senior level management to complete RFPs.
• Working with the Director of Development, Development Manager, Executive Director and Board of Directors to identify, cultivate and develop relationships with individual donors. This includes assisting with the production of the Annual Appeal, tracking gifts, generating acknowledgement letters in a timely fashion, and following up on unpaid pledges.
• Working with the Board of Directors to support their individual fundraising efforts.
• Working with the Director of Development and Development Manager to develop, oversee and implement special events including the Fall Benefit, Spring Fling and Groundwork for Success College Shower. The Associate will also be responsible for coordinating event follow up.
• Conducting prospect research.
• Assisting in the organization of corporate volunteer events.
• Attending development related workshops and seminars and acting as a spokesperson for Groundwork.
• Helping to devise short and long term strategies for expanding and diversifying Groundwork’s donor base.
• Database and file maintenance.
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Communications Related Responsibilities
• Assisting with the writing and production of Groundwork communications, such as brochures, annual reports, and event materials.
• Producing the monthly Groundwork e-newsletter.
• Acting as a Groundwork spokesperson at external events.
• Drafting press releases.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with press contacts.
• Maintaining the Groundwork website and ensuring that the site contains up to date and relevant content.
• Maintaining Groundwork’s Intranet and acting as the point person for internal staff inquires.
• Ensuring that Groundwork adheres to branding protocol.
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree is required. English, Journalism and Communications majors are encouraged to apply.
• Experience in the non-profit sector and an office setting is preferred.
• Superior writing, communication, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong commitment to Groundwork’s social mission.
• Strong PC, Microsoft Office, and Internet skills.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work independently and creatively.
• Ability to interact well with a high-performing, mission-driven staff.
• Ability to interact with external constituents in a wide range of situations with enthusiasm and diplomacy.
• Entrepreneurial attitude – the successful candidate will be willing to do whatever it takes to build a strong and effective department.
• Ability to maintain a high level of discretion.

Salary and Benefits:
• Up to $35,000 depending on experience. Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits. Four weeks annual vacation, 6 personal days and 10 paid holidays. 403(b) plan. Life insurance and short- and long-term disability (employer funded).

How to apply:

• Send cover letter and resume to donate@groundworkinc.org. Indicate “Development and Communications Associate” in the subject line. No phone or fax inquiries – we will respond if we require further information.


Groundwork is an equal opportunity employer.
Groundwork will be featured as the Charity of the Day on GoodSearch.com and GoodShop.com on Sunday, February 15!!

Remember to use GoodSearch.com, the Yahoo-powered search engine, for all of your web searches and we’ll receive a penny every time you do a search!!

And, please do all of your online shopping through GoodShop.com. A percentage of every purchase you make at more than 1000 stores including Amazon, Best Buy, Macy’s, Expedia and others will be donated to us! You’ll also find thousands of money saving coupons on the site!

You can use GoodSearch and GoodShop every day, but be sure to check us out on their homepages on Sunday, February 15!!

www.goodsearch.com

www.goodshop.com