Application Guide

How to Apply for Illinois Ecosystem Manager

at Redefine Alliance

🏢 About Redefine Alliance

Redefine Alliance is a national leader in social enterprise investing, having backed over 360 social enterprises since 1997. Their unique focus on employing people overcoming barriers like homelessness or incarceration means you'll directly contribute to building an inclusive economy. The role offers the chance to shape policy and partnerships in Illinois, a key state for their mission.

About This Role

As the Illinois Ecosystem Manager, you'll be the linchpin connecting policymakers, funders, and social enterprises to advance employment social enterprise (ESE) policy. You'll lead the IL RESET coalition, identify investment opportunities, and track ecosystem growth. This role is impactful because you'll directly influence capital deployment and policy that creates jobs for underserved populations.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a morning call with the IL RESET coalition to align on upcoming policy events. Midday, you could meet with a potential funder to pitch an investment in a Chicago-based ESE. Afternoon tasks might include updating Salesforce with new partnership details and drafting a memo for the policy team on legislative developments.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Redefine Alliance Is Looking For

  • A seasoned professional with 5–7 years in community development, workforce development, or philanthropy, specifically within Illinois.
  • A relationship-builder who has worked with diverse partners including community leaders, funders, and policymakers in Illinois.
  • Someone familiar with public, philanthropic, and impact capital flows into workforce development.
  • An experienced convener who can facilitate alignment among coalition members with differing priorities.

📝 Tips for Applying to Redefine Alliance

1

Highlight specific Illinois-based partnerships or coalitions you've built, especially those involving funders or policymakers.

2

Quantify your impact in previous roles, e.g., 'Grew coalition membership by 30%' or 'Secured $500K in grant funding for workforce programs.'

3

Demonstrate familiarity with Redefine Alliance's portfolio by mentioning a specific ESE in Illinois you admire.

4

Show your data skills: mention experience with Salesforce CRM or tracking metrics for ecosystem growth.

5

Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your commitment to social justice and employment equity.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience in Illinois workforce development or related fields, with specific examples.', 'Your ability to convene diverse stakeholders and drive policy change.', "Alignment with Redefine's mission to support social entrepreneurs and people with employment barriers.", 'Your track record of identifying high-potential social enterprises for investment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Redefine Alliance's Impact Report and case studies of Illinois-based ESEs they've funded.
  • → Understand the current landscape of employment social enterprise policy in Illinois, including any active bills or coalitions.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the IL RESET coalition's recent activities and members.
  • → Learn about Redefine's capital deployment model: how they identify and support high-potential ESEs.
Visit Redefine Alliance's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you grow the IL RESET coalition and manage differing interests among members?
2 Describe a time you influenced policy at the state or local level in Illinois.
3 How do you prioritize investment opportunities among multiple ESEs?
4 What metrics would you use to track ecosystem health, and how would you report progress?
5 How would you engage with funders who are unfamiliar with employment social enterprises?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Illinois or specific policy experience.
  • Failing to demonstrate relationship-building with diverse stakeholders (e.g., only mentioning corporate partners).
  • Overlooking the data/CRM component—this role requires tracking metrics, so show comfort with Salesforce.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Redefine Alliance!

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