The Organization
Corporation
About Arabella Advisors
Arabella Advisors helps foundations, philanthropists and investors who are serious about impact achieve the greatest good with their resources. We work on issues ranging from the social and economic advancement of women and girls, and conservation of our climate and planet, to reducing poverty and inequity in the United States and around the world. Our staff members are mission-driven and action-oriented, and have a unique combination of experience in philanthropy, business, nonprofits, government, finance, law, and other fields. We combine creative, strategic thinking with knowledge and networks developed through decades of hands-on experience. The fastest-growing philanthropic advisory firm in the nation, Arabella is also a certified B Corporation.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Advancing DEI within our firm and in our work with partners is critical to our mission. To be effective partners to philanthropists, nonprofits, and communities impacted by philanthropic dollars, we need to have a highly diverse staff, a workplace where individuals are encouraged to retain their uniqueness and can feel a sense of belonging, and a nuanced understanding of the racial, ethnic, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and other disparities that undergird the issues we engage in and the interactions we have with one another. For us, equity means that our staff members, our clients, and the people they serve can experience the same level of success, no matter their starting place. We expect all our employees to share this commitment, and always seek ways to improve how well we live these values. Click here to learn more about DEI at Arabella and read our official DEI statement.
Working with US
While this position is based in Chicago, IL, please note that due to COVID-19, all Arabella Advisors’ offices are closed, and we remain a remote-first organization until further notice. We have a strong firm culture rooted in collaboration and in-person interactions between colleagues. To that end, once our offices reopen it is our expectation that all staff will generally work from the office according to a schedule agreed upon with their supervisor.
We offer a competitive and holistic total rewards package that includes salary, bonus, and benefits. Our base salaries are based on a blend of similar sized organizations from different sectors, including nonprofits, foundations, and professional service firms. They are also based on local market rates and differentiated by geography. You’ll start with three weeks of vacation, 80 hours of personal time, and 20 hours of paid time to volunteer at an organization of your choice. In addition to seven federal holidays, you get to pick four more from a list of inclusive cultural and religious holidays and your birthday. Our competitive health package includes medical, vision, dental, and prescription insurance, and our retirement package includes a 401(k) plan that is fully vested from day one. We also provide funds for professional development, a fitness benefit, and cover part of your personal cell phone plan.
We are committed to having a passion-driven, inclusive, transparent, collaborative, healthy, and fun culture. We invite you to visit our careers page to learn more.
Position Overview
The Managing Director will represent Arabella throughout the Midwest, developing and pursuing growth opportunities in new and existing markets across the region. They will focus on engaging the philanthropic community in building a portfolio of clients, working to ensure high-quality service, and developing a multi-year book of business.
They will be a key leader on business development in the region and at the firm, managing client engagements, driving impact on key issues, and working collaboratively across teams to achieve the firm’s strategic priorities.
This position will be based in Chicago, preferably, but is open to other areas in the Midwest.
Specific responsibilities include:
Business Development (60%)
- Generating revenue through business development across multiple segments, including foundations, corporations, families, and individuals, leveraging existing networks and building new ones;
- Working toward identified firm, regional team, and individual annual revenue targets;
- Leading the development of proposals and presentations to secure new business and expand existing relationships;
- Developing relationships in the Midwest with wealth advisors and related partners, identifying and cultivating partnerships and serving as firmwide lead where appropriate;
- Representing Arabella as an ambassador in various settings; and
- Providing leadership and guidance for the growth of the firm’s presence in the Midwest.
Client Relationship Management (30%)
- Cultivating strong relationships with clients, donors, and philanthropic partners in the Midwest;
- Serving as a senior strategist on project teams for client relationships and their project engagements;
- Facilitating client meetings and producing high-quality deliverables for clients;
- Serving as primary relationship manager and trusted advisor for client and wealth advisors, ensuring client standards are met on engagements; and
- Negotiating contracts, identifying expansion opportunities, and troubleshooting engagements, as necessary.
Thought Leadership (10%)
- Develop Arabella’s voice, leading and partnering on content and representing the brand throughout the Midwest region
Candidate Profile
The Managing Director will have deep experience, market knowledge, and a strong understanding of strategic philanthropy, and bring experience at the nexus of philanthropy, business development, and professional services. They will also have an interest in helping high net worth individuals, institutions, and corporate and family foundations achieve their philanthropic goals.
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
An Expert Business Developer
The Managing Director will enjoy business development and will be skilled at cultivation and stewardship. They will have a proven track record of building a book of business, or cultivating relationships, across client segments in the Midwest. The Managing Director will be able to maintain existing client relationships and identify new opportunities, leveraging their colleagues within Arabella and their connections within the philanthropic sector. They will be able to continuously and creatively seek opportunities, be able to manage rejection, and maintain the goal of securing and growing further business.
A Collaborator and Key Partner
The Managing Director will be experienced in collaborating within a team and amongst key partners. They will have a proven track record of working with individuals, families, or other complex entities to help them achieve greater philanthropic impact. The Managing Director will have a consultative and participatory style, working in close partnership and leading clients to actualize goals. The Managing Director will have strong people skills, will be an incredible listener, and have deep empathy. To do this work well, you must be curious, perceptive, and demonstrate high levels of emotional intelligence.
A Strong Relationship Builder and Communicator
The Managing Director will bring a proven record of engagement to the role and be a natural ‘ambassador’ for Arabella Advisors. They will be innovative, ambitious, and experienced in establishing strong working relationships to further a client’s philanthropic goals. The Managing Director will have a sophisticated personal presence and outstanding communication abilities, both verbal and written. They will substantively contribute to the development of written content, articles, analytic reports and other thought leadership avenues. The Managing Director will exemplify leadership and will inspire trust and confidence across a diverse range of stakeholders. They will enthusiastically convey the importance of an organization’s work to existing and potential clients.
A Passion for the Mission
The Managing Director will have a demonstrated passion and commitment to working with individuals, families, and institutions of wealth in philanthropy. They will enjoy working in a nimble environment, while navigating the complexity of consulting with a wide variety of clients. The Managing Director will embrace the Arabella Advisors culture and will roll up their sleeves along with their colleagues to deliver the highest levels of quality client service. They will demonstrate fluency across a variety of issue areas and bring deep networks to the work. The Managing Director will have experience driving impact on key issues and the ability to inspire others to do the same. Moreover, the ideal candidate is an individual of unquestioned integrity, ethics, and operates in alignment with Arabella’s values; moreover, is someone who can be trusted without reservation.
How To Apply
Submit a resume and a one-page cover letter online here. The cover letter should address why you’re excited to work at Arabella and why you’re qualified for this specific job.
Arabella Advisors is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to racial equity. If we can make the application process easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know. We encourage you to read (or listen to) our DEI statement prior to applying. We make a particular effort to recruit people of color and members of marginalized groups to apply for open positions. Once you have applied, we welcome your feedback on how you have experienced our values around DEI in the recruitment process.
While Arabella is open to individuals from various locations applying to join our team, please note that we generally are unable to pay for relocation expenses.
We will review applications as they are received and look forward to hearing from you.