Current Job Openings

Director of Finance and Administration
Senior Manager of Annual Giving
Website and Information Coordinator

Partner Opportunities – Education Specialist at Sie Center for Down Syndrome
Partner Opportunities – Postdoctoral Fellow at Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome

Director of Finance and Administration

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Overview

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) is a non-profit organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.

Established in 2009, Global’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The Crnic Institute is the first organization in the US with the mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome through basic and clinical research and through clinical care. The Linda Crnic Institute incorporates scientific partners both locally and globally and includes the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Administration will be responsible for the strategic deliverables and the day-to-day oversight of administrative and financial systems including finance, business planning and budgeting, accounting, information technology, human resources, recruiting, and physical infrastructure.

Reporting into the Senior Director of Operations and Government Affairs, this position will play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as the Global Down Syndrome Foundation continues to enhance programs and fundraising for life-changing research and medical care for individuals with Down syndrome – in the United States and eventually globally.

The Director of Finance and Administration will provide strategic leadership in terms of establishing a finance committee, providing investment options, and working closely with the committee to strengthen the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s financial position. This position will continually evaluate best industry practices in comparison to internal systems and needed resources, with an eye toward both future needs and budget realities.

This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance and operations leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization. As part of a small team, the Director of Finance and Administration’s role will be very hands on and require close communication staff and management.

Job Responsibilities

Financial Management

  • Create, analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all donor segments, and oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting.
  • Develop and maintain KPI reports as well as manage reforecast and accrual process
  • Responsible for ensuring a strong internal control environment.
  • Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the senior management team; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status in a timely manner.
  • Create and manage the publication of the organizations’ annual reports in conjunction with the senior leadership team.
  • Analyze and present results of research associated with legacy investments for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the benefits, timeline, and plan for establishing a finance committee.
  • Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors; assess any changes necessary.
  • Responsible for coordinating with outside tax professional the preparation of the Fed and State tax returns and complying with all related reporting requirements.
  • Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
  • Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
  • Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices; improve the organizations overall financial policy and procedures.
  • Manage all accounts payable and receivable.
  • Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to the senior management and if requested to the board of directors.
  • The ideal candidate will not only be able to reconcile financial activities but should also be skilled at capturing key data and processes in order to demonstrate the relationship between Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s goals and resulting fundraising needs.
  • This executive will have direct management responsibility for a full-time bookkeeper.

Human Resources, Technology and Administration

  • Manage the finalization and oversight of Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s employee handbook.
  • Establish and manage a comprehensive training program to educate employees regarding staff tools, policies and procedures.
  • Manage recruitment of staff. This will include marketing, operations and management of this process. Ensure that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined.
  • Further develop Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s human resources and administration, managing professional development, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, training and recruiting.
  • Evaluate and improve Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s information technology infrastructure, implementing new technologies to support key capabilities as required for future growth, and to support and drive key human resource initiatives.
  • Contract with IT vendors, license or build systems, and/or hire IT personnel that meet Global’s current and future technology needs. Create an IT steering committee to assist in the evaluation process of vendors. Manage accurate and timely department financials by effectively collaborating with programmatic, public relations, website and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds.
  • Work closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors and consultants.
  • Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales with a goal of continuously developing and improving systems.

Job Qualifications / Requirements

The Director of Finance and Administration will have between 7 to 10 years of experience, with at least four years managing the finance and administration of a $5 million to $10 million organization or business unit. The successful candidate will have experience leading planning efforts and running operationally effective organizations that have multiple functional areas. The Director of Finance and Administration must harness technology solutions in order to more quickly and efficiently communicate resources needed for key activities and performance against plans. Working knowledge of Abila MIP (formerly Sage MIP) would be helpful, but not mandatory. Nonprofit experience is a plus, with a strong preference for someone who has operated in a fast growing environment that has limited budgets and resources.

Other Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required, MBA and/or CPA preferred
  • Demonstrated experience in financial management and accounting
  • Experience with audit, legal compliance, and budget development
  • Organization development, human resources management experience
  • General management skills
  • Proven effectiveness managing others, empowering them to make decisions
  • Technologically savvy, with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with information technology staff and/or vendors
  • Experience effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, the Board or other outside partners/influencers/clients
  • A track record in grants management
  • Success seeing beyond the numbers, identifying trends and new possibilities

Personal Characteristics

  • Excellent team and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, extremely collegial
  • Outstanding communications skills, written and oral
  • Demonstrated resourcefulness and good judgment
  • Hands-on, leads by example
  • Values diversity of thought, backgrounds and perspectives
  • Ability to multi-task and wear many hats in a fast-paced environment while maintaining vigilant attention to details
  • Integrity/ethics beyond reproach
  • Constantly looking to apply best practices
  • Predisposition to mentor and subsequently increase responsibilities as team develops
  • Dedication to Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s mission

Compensation

Commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity in full compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. The foundation’s policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment and provides equal employment opportunity regarding race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, height, weight, or military status and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

To Apply

Please send cover letter, resume and salary history to mlivingston@ajsfoundation.org

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Senior Manager of Annual Giving

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Overview

Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) is a public not for profit 501(c)3 providing funding, outreach and advocacy in support of the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome (Crnic Institute) and the Anna and John J. Sie Center for Down Syndrome (Sie Center). Global’s mission is to significantly improve the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education and Advocacy.

Global’s key areas of work are:
1. Development including strategic initiatives, fundraising and friend-raising
2. Advocacy including government advocacy and general awareness
3. Communication, Public Relations & Marketing
4. Event Management including the Be Beautiful Be Yourself fashion shows
5. Community Outreach including health and fitness programs

Global’s primary activity is in Colorado and the DC-area. Future plans include having an affiliated national and international presence.

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Senior Manager of Annual Giving’s primary responsibility is the strategic execution and management of a comprehensive annual giving program across a series of existing and future programs, campaigns and events. In each case this position will be responsible for identifying, researching, cultivating and soliciting annual fund level gifts and building a pipeline of new, renewing and upgrading donors.

The Senior Manager of Annual Giving will develop a coordinated matrix of communication and solicitation strategies involving email, direct mail, phone, personal visitation and social media – all focused on shaping a sustainable tradition of annual support.

This position will provide strategic direction and long-range/short-range planning for all these areas in the context of growing the annual giving program while supporting the greater development goals of Global.

Job Responsibilities

Annual Campaigns
Provides direct oversight and management to the following national annual programs: Down Syndrome World Magazine, Global’s monthly e-newsletter, CO Gives Day, foundations/grants, Global’s annual Health & Wellness programs, Global’s annual fundraising events. Responsible for managing all aspects of a comprehensive annual development program including membership, campaigns and special events.

This position will assist to design a market segmentation and tracking process that will be used to evaluate all of Global’s appeals and newsletters then help plan and execute future mailings and cultivation activities based upon the results of these analyses.

Will manage a portfolio of donors assigned by the Director of Development from Global’s current donor base where renewal and upgrade are targeted, and will also be responsible for identifying and involving new annual giving donors.

The position will assist with the development of budgets and monitor expenses related to all annual campaigns.

Donor Materials
Responsible for planning and implementing multiple appeals and newsletters in coordination with the Director of Development and Director of Website and Information.

Annual Events
This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of annual sponsorship requests and follow-up related to Global’s annual events including Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, Global Research & Medical Care Roundtable, Courage Classic, World Down Syndrome Day, “I Love You” Dance Parties, Hollywood Ball, Redskins Cheerleader Game, and Down Syndrome & Alzheimer’s Disease Conferences.

Annual Programs
This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of annual sponsorships requests and follow-up related to Global’s Health and Wellness Programs including the Dare to Play Football Camp, the Dare to Cheer Camps, the Dare to Play Soccer Camp, the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Dance Class and the Global Down Syndrome Educational Series.

Knowledge & Teamwork
Remains current with events and trends in local, national and international Down syndrome communities. Acquires and maintains current knowledge of public activities and internal projects, policies and procedures of Global. Collaborates with other staff to achieve Global’s goals. Provides leads to the Director of Development for major gifts. Performs other marketing and sponsorship duties as assigned by the Director of Development and/or the Executive Director.

Other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications / Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of previous development experience required.
  • Knowledge of principles, methods and practices of the development profession in general and as it relates to Global.
  • Knowledge of research techniques and resources in the fields of philanthropy and business. Proven experience in applying this knowledge to develop and carry out research projects such as analysis and evaluation of marketing and financial information concerning an individual, an industry or corporation.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and prospects.
  • Extremely strong interpersonal skills, particularly regarding discretion, confidentiality, patience and understanding necessary for dealing effectively with a diverse group of co-workers, volunteers, donors and families.
  • Intuitive communication and listening skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience in providing a high level of customer service to both external and internal constituency.
  • Positive and friendly disposition.
  • PC literacy with strong competency in all Microsoft Office Suite programs (Work, Excel, PowerPoint) Outlook and donor database software (Raiser’s Edge).
  • Proven comfort working with high-net-worth individuals and dedicated philanthropists.
  • Critical thinking skills, organizational and time management skills.
  • Experience in data collection and understanding importance of maintaining accurate and up to date information for historic and reporting purposes.
  • Highly motivated, self-directed, reliable and accurate in executing duties.
  • Ability to work effectively with ethnic, cultural and ability diverse populations.
  • Passion for working in the community serving the differently-abled.
  • Collaborative team player with proven ability to work effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
  • Knowledge of the Denver philanthropic community strongly preferred.
  • Ability to work calmly under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to travel for events, donor meetings and related business.
  • Flexibility to work extended hours to meet deadlines and attend Global-related events which may occur on evenings and weekends.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience.

Hours

Mondays through Fridays from 9:00am – 6:00pm. Requires travel, work on evenings/weekends for programs/events

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity in full compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. The foundation’s policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment and provides equal employment opportunity regarding race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, height, weight, or military status and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

To Apply

Please send cover letter, resume and salary history to jobs@globaldownsyndrome.org

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Website and Information Coordinator

Global Down Syndrome Foundation Overview

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) is a non-profit organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.

Established in 2009, Global’s primary focus is to support the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. The Crnic Institute is the first organization in the US with the mission to eradicate the medical and cognitive ill effects associated with Down syndrome through basic and clinical research and through clinical care. The Linda Crnic Institute incorporates scientific partners both locally and globally and includes the Sie Center for Down Syndrome at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Job Description

The website and information coordinator position is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to use your content management, graphic design and writing skills to further the mission of an exciting, new organization. The main responsibility of this position will be to manage Global’s online presence and assist with marketing communications.

Global has a wide variety of events and programs, and the website and information coordinator will be expected to attend and prepare information about these events and programs for use on website, newsletter, and social media.

The position will be full time, with occasional work on evenings and weekends.

Job Responsibilities

Website

  • Support the Director of Website and Information to create and update content; post new pages to website via WordPress content management system
  • Research medical and research publications as appropriate to ensure the accuracy of information posted on the website
  • Ensure timely uploading of program and event information, including sponsor updates
  • Ensure quality of website; check for broken links, outdated information, etc.
  • Coordinate & assist with social media presence (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google+, blog, other)
  • Assist with email campaigns, including advocacy, news and event-related emails
  • Create and maintain event registration pages
  • Help create online market research surveys using research websites, e.g., Survey Monkey
  • Monitor and update affiliated/partner/event websites
  • Help create Global’s weekly website usage reports as well as perform ad hoc traffic analyses and track KPIs for Global’s websites
  • Assist with creation of marketing collateral in conjunction with Global

Newsletter/Magazine

  • Assist the Director of Website and Information in creating and managing the monthly newsletter and quarterly magazine as directed, including researching content, writing articles, and providing information as needed to freelance contractors

Events

  • Attend and participate in Global’s annual marquee fundraiser, the Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show, and the associated pre- and post-events (Model Auditions, Kick-Off Party)
  • Attend Global’s smaller events and programs including but not limited to community social events, fundraising events, and health and wellness programs, and to provide:
    • Photography and content for website, newsletter, and social media stories
    • General assistance as directed by Event Manager

Administrative

  • Assist the Director of Website and Information with administrative duties such as copying, filing, compiling weekly website analytics reports
  • Create 12 month rolling calendars for the website, newsletter, print material, and PR & marketing
  • Other duties as directed

Job Qualifications

Required

  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (including Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
  • Experience using WordPress and other popular online publicity and marketing websites
  • Knowledge of HTML
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Must have excellent editing/proofreading skills
  • High ethical standards, maintain high level of confidentiality
  • Act in a professional manner, including during pressurized situations
  • Excellent work ethic and positive disposition; excellent ability to multi-task
  • Excellent judgment in terms of problem solving and knowing when to ask for direction versus when to work independently; ability to think “outside of the box”
  • Ability to work effectively with ethnic, cultural and diverse populations
  • Work effectively with individuals at all levels in organizations
  • Flexible with changing priorities and diversity within responsibilities
  • Attention to detail and rigorous follow-through
  • Strong ability to finalize deliverables on time and correctly
  • Ability to safely lift items of up to 20lbs

Preferred

  • Experience with Google Analytics, Search Engine Optimization, Accessibility, and Usability
  • Knowledge of CSS, PHP and Javascript

Compensation

This is an exempt position and salary is commensurate with experience and salary history.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity in full compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. The foundation’s policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment and provides equal employment opportunity regarding race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, height, weight, or military status and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

To apply

To apply for this position, email a resume and cover letter to mlivingston@ajsfoundation.com. No calls please.

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Partner Opportunities

Educational Specialist, Sie Center for Down Syndrome

Global is excited to announce that the Sie Center for Down Syndrome is hiring an education specialist. We are pleased to be supporting the continued growth and outreach of this amazing organization.

A significant need for children with Down syndrome and their families is an Educational Specialist to improve educational performance, self-esteem, socialization, quality of life and long term outcome. Many of these schools are not organized to support children with Down syndrome. These schools would also benefit from an Educational Specialist who has expertise in the educational needs of children with Down syndrome.

Learn more about the Educational Specialist position.


Postdoctoral Fellow, Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome

The Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Katheleen Gardiner on the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Anschutz Medical Campus. Responsibilities will include use of peer-reviewed literature and curated public databases to identify, collect, integrate and maintain comprehensive information on chromosome 21 genes.

Learn more about the Postdoctoral Fellow position.

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