Full time, remote position – Preference for Chicago or Seattle regions
Position Description
As an integral member of Alford Group’s consulting team, the Consultant works across service lines to function as a primary analyst; a contributor of actionable, data-driven recommendations; a developer of engaging presentations; and a key project manager on projects serving all segments of the social sector, including not-for-profits, foundations and impact-driven corporations. As such, the Consultant is a valued member of every project team on which they serve.
Position Details and Key Responsibilities
Key Performance Indicators / Responsibilities
Consultants are responsible for managing a portfolio of an anticipated 5 to 7 clients simultaneously and a fulfillment benchmark of up to 16 days per month for client project delivery (due to staffing needs, project requirements and duration, the number of clients in a portfolio at any given time may fluctuate). Successful client service management is critical to producing quality deliverables on time and on budget for our clients. In many instances, the Consultant serves as a primary analyst of the research that forms the basis for much of the consultancy’s client work. Consultants contribute to consultancy sales and marketing opportunities and are expected to author two or more blog posts.
In this capacity the Consultant will be expected to deliver on the following expectations.
Project Management
- Work closely with Project Leads, project team members and other colleagues to design, plan, coordinate and contribute to the completion of high-quality client work within service timeline.
- Maintain and proactively orchestrate day-to-day workflow of project tasks and deliverables in accordance with timelines and competing priorities.
- Advance action items, deliverables and/or requests within two business days or by established deadline (respond to requests that are ‘urgent’ within one business day) or negotiate deadline.
- Manage internal and external stakeholder scheduling.
- Manage client materials review, organize client files, identify critical materials.
- Uses Basecamp, BQE, Client Load and Projections documentation and other tools to support effective project and time management.
Written and/or Verbal Communication & Customer Service
- Manage and contribute to the writing and review process of reports by creating and/or contributing to the first draft.
- Communicate consistently on project deliverables and timeline; Proactively notify Project Lead when roadblocks or problems arise; and/or asks for help when needed or anticipated.
- Write and design in accordance with Alford Group style guide. Proofread to ensure no mistakes.
- Consistently answer client questions (orally and written) independently or convey response to client after soliciting team’s perspective.
- Capture notes and next steps accurately, check for understanding.
- Present inclusive and accessible introductions.
Research, Analysis and Presentation
- Manage primary and secondary research to capture accurate information and/or identify sources of information, both qualitative and quantitative, and apply to project deliverables.
- Synthesize and distill qualitative and quantitative data, identifying themes and translating them into visuals for materials.
- Draft recommendations after internal project team discussion, resolving ideas, comments and questions and finalizing content and format of document to final version.
- Stay up to date on trends relevant to clients/sectors as evident in content marketing and/or client material creation.
- Co-present findings and analysis to client.
Sales and Marketing
- Articulate Alford Group’s services and specifically their role in all appropriate settings.
- Participate in sales calls and presentations with an understanding of the proposal, project budget worksheet and other related material.
- Represent Alford Group externally at networking events, conferences and/or opportunities, as requested.
Teamwork
- Work proactively and in mutual coordination with all team members in a timely manner that allows other team members to complete their responsibilities as predetermined by service timeline and deliverables.
- Cross-collaborate across teams and all communication and project management platforms, specifically Basecamp.
- Coordinate and support internal and client team collaboration.
- Proactively schedule internal huddles.
- Share lived experiences/learnings and best practices across project teams, with team members and/or at all-staff meetings.
- Play an active role in team member onboarding.
Independent Action, Responsiveness & Dependability
- Respond to internal and external emails within one business day, and/or proactively communicate need for help, assistance, changing deadlines or other.
- Consistently prepared for meetings.
- Consistently submit projects ahead of or on time, providing at least one full business day, or according to team agreements, for internal review.
- Work independently on projects with decreasing levels of support and counsel, tracking project scope, outreach and outcomes.
- Independently follow up with colleagues and clients for outstanding action items and outstanding communications in between check-in meetings, tracking and following up, as needed.
- Hold self and team members accountable for deliverables.
Leadership/Management and Decision Making
- Build a positive relationship with supervisor and work with them to get the best outcome for the organization, team and self.
- Participate in and contribute to monthly team, All Alford and other consultancy specific meetings.
- Volunteer to support CS&E annual or task-focused projects/ initiatives.
- Take initiative to respond to and manage day-to-day client requests with decreasing levels of oversight; offer solutions, problem solve for how to move forward when obstacles arise and/or how to improve processes/deliverables for the client/CS&E team.
- Take action per the team’s decision-making structure.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Advanced degree preferred in business, nonprofit management, public policy, organizational development, or other relevant field of study.
- 5 to 7 years relevant experience in the nonprofit sector including both paid and volunteer, or as a consultant to the nonprofit sector; management position preferred.
- Verbal and written communication
- Managing relationships with diverse people – both staff and volunteers
- Managing a variety of projects and assignments to completion
- Interacting with and engaging client toward action
- Effective meeting planning and management for all meetings, including virtual and hybrid meetings
- Demonstrating commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
- Creative thinking and problem solving
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel nationally, as needed.
Desired:
- Background in fundraising, marketing or communications, strategy and organizational development and public speaking.
- A motivated and energetic individual.
- Experience serving on a Board of Directors or volunteer committee for a not-for-profit organization.
Equity-centered hiring practices:
Alford Group is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace culture that fosters a sense of belonging where you can bring all of your true and best self. We desire candidates who are excited about this role, open to advancing our commitment to partnering with diverse team members and clients, align with the behaviors that elevate our values and seek to grow personally and professionally. Alford Group will not discriminate against team members with respect to any term or condition. If you are looking to be a change maker, then we are eager to talk with you about careers at Alford Group.
About Alford Group
Alford Group is a national, full-service consultancy serving nonprofits in nearly every state in the country. Since our founding 45 years ago, we have partnered with over 3,000 nonprofits to accelerate their impact and advance social change.
Alford Group expects each employee and associate of the consultancy to reflect and promote our vision, mission and values.
Vision: A world where possibilities are endless and reflect the best of who we are as humans.
Mission: We accelerate the nonprofit community’s impact and advance social change.
We Value:
- Honest Partnerships
- Equity-Centered Practices
- Continued Learning
- Joyful Connections
All employees are expected to assist in fulfilling our consultancy-wide goals and innovation objectives, participate in meetings and contribute to the consultancy’s thought leadership.
Confidential Data
Our team members have access to sensitive, confidential information and are trusted to maintain these files and documents properly.
Physical Demands
The position requires sitting and working on a computer for long periods of time as well as occasional lifting and carrying of presentation materials and supplies. Consultants must be able to interact seamlessly with clients through visual, aural, physical and written communications.
Work Environment
We are currently maintaining a hybrid work environment, with flexibility to work remotely or make use of our office location in Chicago, IL.
Reports to
Chief Client Experience Officer
Compensation and Benefits
This is a tiered, salaried position with a range of $50,000 to $95,000 based on experience and a full benefits package, including a 401K plan, health insurance and a generous paid time off and holiday time policy.
Application and Interview Process
To apply, please complete the form below and attach your resume, cover letter and two relevant writing samples (e.g. stewardship or impact report, donor communications, grant reports, business proposal).
Based on an initial phone interview, applicants can anticipate an additional 2-3 virtual interviews, including a work project to demonstrate data analysis and presentation skills. The entire interview process typically occurs over the course of four weeks.
