ISTAT Foundation Senior Manager Association Management Chicago, IL Washington, D.C. Apply Description Smithbucklin , a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market, is looking for aFoundation Manager. At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven byoptimism, ambition, expertise,andthoughtfulness, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success. About the ISTAT Foundation: The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading Foundation (ISTAT Foundation), established in 1994, supports individuals and institutions dedicated to advancing commercial aviation and humanitarian efforts. With a mission to invest in learning, development, and social responsibility, the ISTAT Foundation has made a lasting impact by funding scholarships, internships, grants, and humanitarian programs. The Foundation donates approximately $750,000 annually to support these initiatives. As the Foundation celebrates 30 years of shaping the commercial aviation industry, it remains committed to its legacy of positive influence in aviation. Position Overview: T he ISTAT Foundation Manager will oversee the daily operations of the Foundation, ensuring the effective administration of its programs and grants. This role requires an individual with strong organizational and leadership skills who can manage a range of activities, including grant processes, program evaluations, and communication with stakeholders. While the role includes some fundraising activities, the focus is on ensuring operational efficiency and program excellence. The Manager will work closely with ISTAT Foundation’s Executive Director, the ISTAT Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders while directly overseeing one employee and supporting the Foundation’s goals. Key Responsibilities: Operational Oversight + Manage the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, including administrative tasks, scheduling, and stakeholder communication. + Ensure compliance with nonprofit regulations and best practices in operations and governance. + Work with Accounting on reconciliations, monthly reporting, and financial compliance. + Oversee the preparation of reports and materials for Board and committee meetings, ensuring accurate and timely updates. + Support the creation of an annual budget. Strategic Collaboration + Collaborate with the ISTAT Executive Director, ISTAT Board of Trustees, and ISTAT Foundation Committees to implement strategic initiatives. + Act as the primary point of contact for Foundation activities, ensuring clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders. Program Management + Oversee the Foundation’s grant processes, including development, humanitarian aid, and scholarship programs. + Develop and implement efficient workflows for applications, evaluations, and fund disbursement. + Monitor program outcomes to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s mission and strategic objectives. + Provide guidance on best practices in grant-making and nonprofit program management. Grant Process Expertise + Design transparent and fair grant application and evaluation processes. + Collaborate with committees to review grant applications and make recommendations for funding. + Provide regular updates to the Board and stakeholders on grant outcomes and impact. Fundraising Support + Assist in identifying potential funding sources to sustain and grow the Foundation’s programs. + Support donor stewardship and engagement activities, ensuring strong relationships with existing sponsors. + Collaborate with Marketing to align fundraising campaigns with broader communication strategies. Marketing and Outreach + Work with the ISTAT team to raise awareness of the Foundation’s mission and programs. + Promote the Foundation through events, campaigns, and communications within the global aviation community. Volunteer and Committee Coordination + Support the work of Foundation committees, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and following up on action items. + Coordinate volunteer efforts to enhance the Foundation’s programs and reach. Staff Oversight + Directly supervise one employee, providing mentorship and guidance to achieve program and operational goals. + Foster a collaborative and effective working environment. Qualifications: + Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field. + Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit management, program administration, or grant processes. + Knowledge and experience in grant-making and program evaluation best practices. + Exceptional project management and organizational skills. + Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to engage diverse audiences. + Flexibility to travel internationally as required. Key Attributes: + Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. + Detail-oriented and highly organized. + Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills. + Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders. + Adaptable to shifting priorities and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. + Commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values. Where Do You Fit? Whether you are just beginning your career or are a mid- or senior-level professional, working at Smithbucklin will offer you countless opportunities to develop transferable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace. By working collaboratively with smart, ambitious, multi-talented, genuine and hardworking colleagues, you will build meaningful, deep and enduring relationships that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of your chosen path. In addition, as a 100 percent employee-owned company, Smithbucklin offers all our people – regardless of position or compensation – an equal chance to experience the fulfillment and reap the benefits of ownership. As owners, our employees control the destiny of Smithbucklin and are unified in the goal of building a great, enduring company. Our hybrid environment offers you the option of working from home two days per week. Employees will work a standard 40-hour week, with the possibility of additional hours based on project deadlines. The salary for this role will be based on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. Additionally, successful candidates may qualify for a discretionary bonus. The expected pay for this role is: $110,000 to $130,000. Equal Employment OpportunityAt Smithbucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of reference and background investigation based on position. Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment, you must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.