The Evanston Community Foundation (ECF) mobilizes community resources to drive systemic social

change and build a thriving, resilient Evanston. We achieve this by:

• Investing in the community with a long-term and sustainable perspective

• Empowering leaders to foster innovation and collaboration

• Prioritizing community voice and choice

Established in 1986, the Foundation awards grants of $1.25 million annually to support a more

vibrant, just, an inclusive community. ECF has grown rapidly since 2001 and has become an ever more

effective catalyst for community change. Assets have grown from $3 million in 2001 to more than $44

million in 2025 and the current operating budget is $2 million. The staff includes fourteen employees

supported by a twenty-member board of community members.

At the end of 2021, the ECF Board approved a bold new strategic plan with three core goals:

1. Promote and advocate for systemic racial justice and equitable opportunity by uniting

partners across philanthropy, nonprofits, business, and government, to permanently strengthen our

community.

2. Inspire and galvanize community giving to respond to immediate and future needs, focus on

racial justice, a build future philanthropic leaders.

3. Harness community expertise of those most impacted by structural racism to identify and

invest in holistic solutions, resulting in a more equitable and interconnected community that works

for all.

About the Position

ECF’s Operations Manager has a broad range of responsibilities to support the office to run

smoothly. broad skillset is required, with responsibilities including leading IT support, human

resources administrative management, and office policies and procedure oversight. The individual in

this role oversees day-to-day operations and ensures all departments have what they need to run

most efficiently. They oversee an intern, and collaborate frequently with the Accounting Manager,

Database Associate, and report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). The position requires

initiative, growth mindedness, proficient organization and project management skills, and an

ability to manage a broad range of projects to support the furthering of ECF’s mission.

Reporting Responsibility: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Staffing Responsibility: Intern

Primary Responsibilities OPERATIONS

• Oversee and act as project manager for office move (Sept 2025) with the support of the COO

• Ensure smooth daily operations in the office

• Order supplies and create a streamlined system based on inventory projections

• Maintain vendor relationships to ensure smooth ordering and delivery process

TECHNOLOGY

• Act as organizational contact on information technology, with a primary focus on Microsoft

Teams and SharePoint

• Liaise with IT consultant for more advanced hardware troubleshooting support

• Maintain cybersecurity, with support of IT consultant; ensure all staff are trained annually in detecting cybersecurity breaches

• Maintain equipment inventory – project need for periodic upgrades on all devices, and

collaborate with COO for annual technology budgeting

• Serve as a resource for Community Suite (ECF’s CRM)

HUMAN RESOURCES

• Lead new staff onboarding and offboarding

• Explore an HR platform to address needs related to offboarding/onboarding, benefits, time

off, and performance management

• Support a thriving staff culture, including participating in the Joy Committee and supporting staff culture events as needed

• Support recruitment and new hire proceedings as needed

ADMINISTRATION

• Collaborate on weekly electronic check deposits process

• Oversee annual 501(c)3 administration, including state of IL annual report, supporting the

financial audit and 990 process, tax exemption renewal, and Council on Foundations National

Standards as needed

• Oversee and other organization-wide accounts; forward communications

to the appropriate employee

• Attend Board Committee meetings to take minutes and bring back action items for the Fin/Ops

team

• Provide general organizational administrative support as needed

Desired Characteristics

• 2-3 years previous experience in operations/administrative role, preferably for nonprofit

• Organized, detail- and process-oriented

• A self-starter able to operate both independently and on a team

• Comfortable navigating and learning a range of technology tools and databases

• Strong judgement and decision-making experience, with a drive to work autonomously

• Strong active listening skills

• Enthusiastic about and committed to the Evanston community

• Understands and/or has an eagerness to learn about the interworking of a community foundation

and how philanthropy can drive social change

• Flexible to work some evenings and weekends

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and fulfill your part to drive towards common goals

Desired Skills

• Proficiency in Basic Microsoft Office applications – Word, Outlook, and Excel

• Basic to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Teams or other cloud-based communication/web-

storage platforms

• Strong project management skills; with the ability to pivot priorities as needed while

keeping track of all ongoing projects

• Desire for individual growth and leadership, willingness to take the lead to support an

effective workplace

•Demonstrated commitment to ongoing anti-racist and/or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion learning

• Strong written and verbal skills

• Demonstrated ability to analyze, think critical

• Preference for bilingual candidates

Compensation and Other Details

The position is 40 hours/week, with a hybrid of remote and in-person work in Evanston, IL (currently, two days in office and three days work from home). The candidate must be available for occasional evening and weekend events to align with the Foundation’s work. This position is full-time and exempt. The salary range for the role is $60,000-$70,000 annually; the compensation package also includes a group health HMO/PPO, dental, and vision (paid for 80% by ECF for all employees and dependents); short- & long-term disability; life insurance; 403b retirement plan including a match; and a generous vacation & holiday schedule.

Our Search Process One of ECF’s core principles is our focus on equity. We believe in inclusion and the richness of ideas and perspectives and actively invite a diversity of candidates to consider our opportunity. Studies have shown that marginalized communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We would encourage you to still apply even if you don’t meet every single skill listed, or your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the role.

We also believe it is vitally important to provide a safe working environment for our employees, volunteers, and visitors to reduce the risk of exposure to, or spreading of the COVID-19 virus. It is a requirement of employment that every staff member will receive all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to schedules published from time to time by the Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC), except if a reasonable accommodation has been granted based upon disability or religion.

How to Apply

Please submit both a resume and cover letter to ECFsearch@evanstonforever.org. Your email subject line should state "Operations Manager - ECF".