Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Manager (Fundraising Role)
at Evanston Now LLC
🏢 About Evanston Now LLC
Evanston Now is an independent, locally-owned news organization that has been a trusted civic institution in Evanston, Illinois for 20 years. It's a small, mission-driven team with a strong community presence, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of local journalism. Working here means being part of a dedicated group that values civic engagement and independent reporting.
About This Role
This is a pivotal first revenue hire for Evanston Now, tasked with building and growing fundraising and sponsorship revenue. You'll work directly with the publisher to cultivate donors, secure corporate sponsorships, and lead events, with the potential to evolve into a broader revenue leadership role. Your work will directly sustain local journalism and help define the organization's next two decades.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start by checking emails and following up with donors or corporate sponsors. You might spend the morning researching potential funders or drafting a sponsorship proposal, then have a virtual meeting with the publisher to strategize. Afternoons could involve planning an upcoming donor event or meeting with a local business owner to discuss underwriting. It's a dynamic role where you'll wear many hats and directly see the impact of your work in sustaining local journalism.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Evanston Now LLC Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to Evanston Now LLC
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific fundraising results (e.g., dollars raised, donor growth, event success) rather than just listing responsibilities.
Mention your familiarity with Evanston or the Chicago North Shore community, and why local journalism matters to you.
Since it's a small team, show how you're comfortable working independently and can take initiative from day one.
Research Evanston Now's recent coverage and community events to demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission.
Highlight any experience with corporate underwriting or sponsorship in a news or nonprofit context, as this is a key part of the role.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Express enthusiasm for independent local journalism and Evanston Now's mission. - Emphasize your fundraising expertise, especially in building revenue from scratch or growing it significantly. - Show your collaborative spirit and ability to work closely with a publisher and small team. - Convey your understanding of the Evanston community and your ideas for engaging local donors and businesses.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read several recent articles on Evanston Now to understand their editorial focus and community impact.
- → Look into their fiscal sponsor, Report Local, and their membership in LION to understand their organizational model.
- → Research Evanston's philanthropic landscape, including local foundations and businesses that might support journalism.
- → Review any public financial information or annual reports to gauge their fundraising history and goals.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Evanston Now or the local news context. - Avoid overemphasizing experience with large organizations; highlight adaptability and resourcefulness. - Don't neglect to mention your interest in the mission – they want a passionate advocate, not just a fundraiser.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Evanston Now LLC!