Impact Lead

About Vivo Foundation 

Founded in 2021, Vivo Foundation is a new family foundation focused on education in Chicago and Lake County, IL. Our work spans the education continuum, from early childhood education and care though college and career success, and includes critical supports such as experiential learning, violence reduction, and mental health and wellbeing.

As an organization, we are designed to balance speed and flexibility with thoughtful decision-making. We aim to foster deep and engaging relationships internally and externally to unlock human potential, imagine new possibilities, and pursue bold approaches that allow all youth to learn, achieve, and thrive.

Position Description

Vivo Foundation is excited to expand our team with the addition of our first Impact Lead. This position will have a significant role in identifying, recommending, and supporting partner organizations and grants, including portfolio analysis and research. The Impact Lead will report to the Executive Director and will work alongside the Partnerships Lead (note: the search for this role is currently active). Individuals with expertise in data analysis and a keen sense of curiosity are particularly encouraged to apply for this position.

Key Responsibilities 

Identify, Recommend, and Support Grants and Partner Organizations (approximately 65% of time)

-Review grant proposals, including assessing goals and outcomes, organizational capacity, and financial health. Conduct site visits across Chicago and Lake Counties. Prepare detailed recommendations, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, for grant funding.
-Review interim and final grantee reports to assess outcomes and capture organizational learning.
-Nurture and maintain strong, supportive relationships with nonprofit organizations and other stakeholders in the education ecosystem. Engage in relevant meetings, forums, workshops, boards, commissions, and networks on behalf of the organization.
-Maintain a wide breadth and depth of knowledge of current trends, practices, and developing policies related to the Foundation’s mission.

Portfolio Analysis and Research (approximately 20% of time)

-Partner with the Grants Associate to develop and implement structures and systems for routine and ad-hoc data collection, analysis, and presentation.
-Explore and analyze trends, practices, and policies related to the Foundation’s mission.

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement (approximately 15% of time)

-Contribute to internal initiatives, including meetings, process improvements, and projects.
-Work toward personal goals for professional development.
-Provide training and guidance for Foundation interns.

Work Environment

-We are a small team and value a hybrid work environment, which includes two-three days a week in our Chicago office. Site visits and other required meetings will frequently occur throughout Chicago and Lake County, Illinois.
-The COVID-19 vaccination is required.
-Vivo Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in a harassment-free environment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Qualifications

-A strong commitment to the Foundation’s mission of educational equity.
-A minimum of seven years in the education or social service ecosystem, with experience in practice, research, and/or public policy/administration.
-A track record of operating with excellence, integrity, and discretion.
-Excellent oral and written communication and collaboration skills.
-Comfort with a fast-paced, ‘start-up’ work environment.
-Demonstrated capacity to prioritize and manage multiple diverse projects simultaneously.
-Robust data-analysis, reporting, and presentation expertise.
-Candidates who identify as persons of color, first generation college students, and/or individuals with lived experience that is applicable to this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation

-Competitive salary commensurate with experience and an annual merit-based bonus. Compensation will be discussed in the candidate’s first interview.
-Comprehensive benefits including Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, and Vision), Basic Term Life/AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Paid Parental Leave, 401k, Employee Giving Program, and Flexible Paid Time Off.

Application Information

If you are interested in both the Impact Lead and Partnerships Lead opportunities, please review both job descriptions and apply only for the role that best fits your experience and interests.