Join Our Team!

Why Big Shoulders Fund

Since 1986, Big Shoulders Fund has helped Chicago’s children in historically underserved neighborhoods achieve their dreams through access to a high-quality education. In 2019 we began working with schools in Northwest Indiana, as well.  

We accomplish our goal by investing more than $40 million annually in scholarship support and enrichment programs for students; operational improvements for schools; cultivation of talent pipelines for school personnel from new teachers through veteran principals; and professional development and support for educators and leaders – all with the goal of not just strengthening schools, but whole communities, while preparing students for life-long success. 

Big Shoulders Fund has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for 18 consecutive years, a distinction held by less than one percent of nonprofit organizations nationally. 

Director, Corporate Partnerships and Engagement
(Development Team)

The Director, Corporate Partnerships and Engagement creates and manages substantive opportunities for our supporters to engage with students as stock market teachers, mentors, coaches, instructors, tutors, school board members, and more. The Director ensures these volunteer experiences are well‐structured, positive, and rewarding for supporters and schools alike. In addition, the Director, Corporate Partnerships and Engagement is responsible for growing the annual financial support from corporate donors, through program and event sponsorships and unrestricted annual fund donations. This position works in partnership with the grants team and the Chief Advancement and Development Officer to identify and secure grants from corporate foundations.

Assistant Director, Scholarship Program
(Scholarship Team)

The Assistant Director, Scholarships will lead the planning and implementation of the Big Shoulders Fund Scholarship Program. Big Shoulders Fund scholarship programming provides support and enrichment to scholarship recipients throughout our 92-school network. The ideal candidate for this role believes passionately in the importance of ensuring that all children, regardless of income, deserve access to a quality, values-based education which will prepare them holistically to be
contributors to their family, community, and nation. The candidate will be skilled at building connections and relationships with Big Shoulders Fund supporters, educators, families, and students. They will have proven leadership, program management, and communication skills to ensure programmatic success.

Manager, Scholarship Program
(Scholarship Team)

The Manager, Scholarships will support in leading the planning and implementation of the Big Shoulders Fund Scholarship Program. Big Shoulders Fund scholarship programming provides support and enrichment to scholarship recipients throughout our 92 school network.
The ideal candidate for this role believes passionately in the importance of ensuring that all children, regardless of income, deserve access to a quality, values-based education which will prepare them holistically to be contributors to their family, community, and nation. The candidate is one who possesses not only the experience and skills necessary to organize and execute programs, but also one who holds a deep commitment to excellence, and a conviction to unlocking potential in students, schools, and communities by strengthening and augmenting scholarship opportunities.