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Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a leading national organization focusing on mood disorders including depression and bipolar disorder, which affects over 21 million Americans, accounts for over 50% of the nation’s suicides every year, and costs $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses.

Through our extensive online and print resources and our support groups and chapters, DBSA reaches millions of people each year with in-person and online peer support; current, readily understandable information about depression and bipolar disorder; and empowering tools focused on an integrated approach to wellness.

DBSA publishes in peer-reviewed medical journals and conducts surveys on issues of importance to individuals living with mood disorders and those treating these disorders.

DBSA’s prestigious 40-member Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders. SAB members review DBSA publications and programs for medical and scientific accuracy. In addition, SAB members present at DBSA conferences, author peer-reviewed manuscripts on behalf of the organization, and represent DBSA to the media.

DBSA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and depends upon public support to achieve its vital mission to empower and educate peers…and save lives. Roughly 85% of DBSA’s budget comes from charitable contributions, which include gifts and grants from corporations, foundations, individuals, and government agencies. The remaining 15% of DBSA’s budget comes from earned revenues, chapter affiliation and membership fees, program dues, contracted work in training and consultation, and event and publication fees.

DBSA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DBSA recognizes the unique ways identity, culture, and access affect people living with mood disorders. We strive to create safe and inclusive spaces for individuals to feel empowered on their own path to wellness. DBSA seeks to create equitable access to peer support services and mental health resources and advocate for all individuals with a lived experience with a mood disorder, regardless of cultural and social identity or systemic barriers.

Our Team Values

Integrity

  • Perform at the highest standards. We strive for best in class.
  • Be honest in our interactions and develop trusting relationships.
  • Take personal, and where appropriate, team responsibility for results.
  • Acknowledge what we don’t know.

Openness

  • Demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn, grow, and change.
  • Celebrate our differences.
  • Be present, curious, and receptive to new and different ideas and situations.

Mindfulness

  • Ask for help and reciprocate help when needed.
  • Respect each other’s perspectives, experiences, and sensitivities.
  • Be mindful of our individual impact on the work environment.
  • Speak with thoughtfulness. We think before we speak.

Collaboration

  • Show a willingness to give up personal ownership for the greater good/outcome.
  • Work together to foster individual and organizational growth.
  • Create an environment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
  • Have a holistic view of the work of the organization.
  • Remain flexible to achieve optimal outcomes.

Dedication to an Equitable Workplace

DBSA is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees, and to providing employees with a work environment free of any form of discrimination and harassment. DBSA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through our equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. At DBSA, we make a point to celebrate our differences and respect each other’s unique perspectives. In fact, it is core to the work we do.

Foundation and Corporate Relations Manager

DBSA is seeking candidates for a Foundation and Corporate Relations Manager with proven success in writing and securing foundation and corporate grants and sponsorships. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the Manager initiates, cultivates, and sustains relationships to secure funding from a diverse portfolio including foundation grants and corporate sponsorships. Success will be measured using metrics such as the number of 1) program officer contacts 2) LOIs and proposals submitted, 3) grants and sponsorships secured, 4) revenue secured, and 5) reports submitted on time.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Identifies and qualifies funding opportunities provided by public, private, and corporate foundations.
  • Works in collaboration with the Sr. Manager, Mental Health Equity & External Partnerships to submit sponsorship proposals to health care industry partners.
  • Independently initiates cultivation and solicitation strategies for new and previously identified foundation and corporate prospects that result in new and renewed revenue.
  • Writes letters of inquiry and full grant and sponsorship proposals, including budgets, program work plans, outputs, and outcomes in partnership with other departments, to ensure that the proposals align with the mission of DBSA.
  • Creates and maintains a grants calendar to keep track of funder information, deadlines and deliverables.
  • Works with Finance to ensure timely and complete release of restricted funds.
  • Assumes all reporting responsibilities as required by funders, including industry, corporate, foundation and government.
  • Monitors progress toward revenue goals and provides statistical reports on an ongoing basis.
  • Envisions and executes quarterly engagement activities showcasing DBSA priorities to existing and prospective foundations, corporations and high-capacity contributors.

Qualifications

These recommended qualifications and related work experience are suggestive in nature only. They are not intended to limit or restrict association employees or applicants in any way. They are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. The requirements of this position are subject to change with or without prior notice.

Education and Professional Work Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work public health, social work, communications, or related field (preferred)
  • Minimum of three years of successful fundraising experience, specifically working with foundations and corporations
  • Demonstrated experience in securing grants and sponsorships ($100,000 or more preferred)
  • Ability to work in teams in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to multi-task and provide support to team members with diverse work styles

Knowledge and Skills

  • Excellent listening skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Familiarity with donor tracking CRMs such as Raiser’s Edge
  • Ability to relate to and establish trust with a diverse constituent base
  • Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required
  • Personal experience (self, family, or friend) with mental health is preferred

Benefits

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $65,000-$70,000 and generous benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K, and life insurance. The position will primarily work standard hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with flexible start/end times possible. Periodic evening or weekend hours may be required. Currently, this position will require 2 days (Monday & Wednesdays) in the office. The candidate may work the remaining days remotely. This policy may be reviewed and revised.

Please direct resumes and cover letter* to: DBSA, E-mail: (preferred) jobs@DBSAlliance.org.

Development Operations Coordinator

Reports to: Development Manager

SCOPE OF ROLE

This position oversees and ensures the integrity of DBSA’s donor database, including data analysis and reporting. It drives the successful execution of gift processing and stewardship tasks and provides department support through a combination of ongoing and special projects. The Development Operations Coordinator works quickly and accurately to provide donors with a high-quality giving experience.

The ideal candidate is a Raiser’s Edge champion who values attention to detail and understands the importance of healthy data and operations. They are self-motivated, eager to learn, and a team player with effective data management and analytical skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Data Management, Analysis, and Reporting

  • Actively manage and improve the quality of DBSA’s donor database to support the Development department’s revenue tactics and targets.
  • Maintain and enhance the integrity of donor and gift records in the Raiser’s Edge NXT constituent relationship management (CRM) system.
  • Determine the best use of Raiser’s Edge NXT features to achieve Development department goals.
  • Continually review and optimize data management processes to improve methods for engaging donors and constituents.
  • Develop reports for the Development team, Board of Directors, Finance, and other stakeholders as assigned.

Gift Entry & Donor Stewardship 

  • Manage the processing and acknowledgment of all gifts, including mail, credit card, online, planned gifts, and stock transfers, with a strong understanding of tax receipt protocols.
  • Manage pledge payment tracking, acknowledgments, reminders, and follow-up processes, aiming for at least a 95% fulfillment rate, with an expected increase in tracking during the campaign.
  • Work with the Senior Office Administrator to reconcile Raiser’s Edge gift records with accounting QuickBooks data on a monthly basis.
  • Execute donor stewardship tasks, such as managing handwritten cards, tribute cards, and updates for tribute families.
  • Establish a tribute process that ensures donors who have made a donation to the organization are integrated into the DBSA community, along with families of those honored or memorialized.
  • Manage matching gift portals and tracking, ensuring all donors are properly credited, and develop a solicitation strategy.

Department Support

  • Maintain development tracking tools, monitor progress toward revenue goals, and provide statistical reports on an ongoing basis.
  • Assist the department with revenue budget planning and tracking.
  • Respond to and handle donor inquiries or issues, record information, and escalate when necessary. Take the lead on non-escalated inquiries, enlisting others as needed.
  • Manage relationships with third-party vendors to ensure that all state filing information is up to date and submitted.
  • Support 40th anniversary and other event-related activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

These recommended qualifications and related work experience are suggestive in nature only. They are not intended to limit or restrict association employees or applicants in any way. They are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. The requirements of this position are subject to change with or without prior notice.

Education and Professional Work Experience

  • 2+ years of experience with CRM database management, including knowledge of Raiser’s Edge.
  • Experience in any of the following is preferred: data entry, database administration, project management, budgeting, and/or donor stewardship.

Knowledge and Skills

  • High level of computer literacy and competency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, and familiarity with project management tools and CRM platforms, including Raiser’s Edge.
  • Ability to successfully manage project deadlines and deliverables.
  • Some knowledge of budgeting processes and best practices.
  • Ability to multitask and provide support to team members with diverse work styles.
  • Commitment to problem-solving, continuous improvement, curiosity, and personal development.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
  • Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills.
  • Enthusiasm for nonprofit fundraising and a willingness to proactively seek best practices and new ideas.
  • Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
  • Personal experience (self, family, or friend) with mental health is preferred.

BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $53,000-$58,000 and generous benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K, and life insurance. The position will primarily work standard hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with flexible start/end times possible. Periodic evening or weekend hours may be required. Currently, this position will require 2 days (Monday & Wednesdays) in the office. The candidate may work the remaining days remotely. This policy may be reviewed and revised.

Please direct resumes and cover letter* to: DBSA, E-mail: (preferred) jobs@DBSAlliance.org.

Director, Peer Support Services

Reports to: CEO

Vision: DBSA Peer Support Services Team

The DBSA Peer Support Services team builds a community and workforce of peers who find unique paths to wellness while inspiring others to do the same.  The Peer Support Services team provides a platform for peers – with a lived experience of depression or bipolar disorder, substance disorders and/or trauma – on their wellness journey to foster hope and serve as valuable role models for those who are also walking their unique roads to wellness. To address the gap in mental health care access, the PSS team supports both the development and sustainability of peer-led support groups and creates and hosts training for support group facilitators and Peer Specialists at large and pursuing state peer credentials.

SCOPE OF ROLE

The Director, Peer Support Services (PSS), leads the PSS department and DBSA peer programs, including DBSA’s 80+ Chapter Network, 30+ National Online Support Groups, Peer Specialist Training and Workforce Development, and new projects and programs that fall under the scope of the PSS team.

The Director will be a member of DBSA’s management team and will lead the strategic plan for the Peer Support Services department in collaboration with the CEO and the management team. This role will work with the finance team to prepare annual budgets for these programs and therefore is responsible for understanding program costs. Additionally, the Director will work with the development team to identify new funding opportunities, including contracts and grants, to sustain and grow the PSS programs. DBSA continues to grow as we accept new projects as part of our work. The Director will oversee any new projects that fall within the scope of the Peer Services Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support Groups & Chapter Network 

  • Oversee the management and strategic plan for the Chapter Network and report on the program’s status to the CEO and board of directors.
  • Manage partner relationship with DBSA’s peer support and research partners. Support volunteer committees and councils.
  • Work with the development team to increase program funding by helping identify new opportunities, review grant applications, and write proposals for new projects.
  • Assist in answering chapter questions regarding their incorporation & 501(c)3 status. Assist with the formation and dissolution of chapters. Answer escalated support group and chapter services issues.
  • Create and enforce standard operating procedures for use of technology in the program, from Raisor’s Edge to Smartsheet’s.
  • Identify the needs of the audience to create intentional program expansion, prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities.  Develop marketing plans.
  • Travel to conferences and DBSA’s Chapter Network may be required.

Peer Specialist Training

  • Provide strategic direction and leadership to forecast and achieve quarterly and yearly goals.
  • Oversee the enrollment process for Public and Contract course attendees and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
  • Develop a further streamlined registration process to improve efficiency and enhance applicant’s understanding of the training program.
  • Collaborate with the Finance team to create and maintain revenue tracking and reporting and yearly budgets.
  • Strategize with the Development team to secure funding for course scholarships.
  • Strive to formulate organization wide operational systems which easily connect outward from PSS team.
  • Further create effective internal team Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Maintain and nurture DBSA’s long-standing history with the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to meet core competencies for DBSA’s Peer Specialist Training curriculum as set by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  • Understand SAMHSA’s call that the country needs 700,000 state certified Peer Specialists to meet the workforce gap that only has 23,000, to grow the Peer Specialist Training program to meet the gap in accessing mental healthcare nationwide.
  • Promote increasing public awareness and education on the role of Peer Specialists and the workforce through comprehensive marketing and outreach campaigns at state and community-based levels.
  • Work carefully with Senior Program Manager’s expertise to always enhance DBSA’s Peer Course curriculum – deferring to Senior Program Manager’s expertise as state of IL credentialed peer specialist – and discover new training opportunities for DBSA such as replacing Mental Health First Aid with a to be created DBSA proprietary offer as well as other options such as imbedding the DBSA Support Group facilitator training within the Public version of the DBSA Peer Course

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university or college
  • Commitment to DBSA’s mission, vision, and strategy.
  • 5-7 years managing teams and working in a non-profit/mission driven org at the director level; experience managing/mentoring teams. Mental health direct care experience in supporting peer support services preferred.
  • Experience working with individuals in crisis or handling crisis situations.
  • History of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving fundraising results.
  • Demonstrated excellent project management, organizational, analytical planning, and critical thinking skills.
  • Demonstrated advanced coaching, communication, and facilitating abilities with ability to operate comfortably in an asynchronous environment, primarily through electronic communications such as Teams and Microsoft 365 online (SharePoint, OneDrive, OneNote, etc.) is required.
  • Demonstrated experience planning events, leading volunteer committees and councils. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence others by interacting with a broad range of stakeholders with different interests and needs is required.
  • Experienced Component Relations Professional (CRP) working with chapters at a not-for-profits/mission-based organization, experience with separately incorporated components is preferred.
  • CRM tools experience, with Raisers Edge experience preferred.
  • Ability to think creatively and problem solve.
  • Experience working on projects that further DEI initiatives
  • Skilled in organizational and cultural team building initiatives.
  • Proficient in mentoring the professional development of team members.
  • Peer Specialist or Recovery Coach training certification preferred but not required.
  • Ability to role model and convey a message of hope and wellness for people living with trauma, mood and/or substance disorders
  • Ability to communicate/coordinate internally and externally in a professional, timely and constructive manner.  Familiar with and demonstrates a strengths-based positive perspective

Preferred

  • Experience with Smartsheet’s is a plus.
  • Experience and expertise with SharePoint is a plus.
  • Crisis response training is preferred.
  • Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification is highly desirable.
  • Master’s Degree is preferred.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K and life insurance. The salary range is $95,000 – $105,000, depending on qualifications. Position will primarily work standard hours of 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CST, flexible start/end times possible.

Please direct resumes and cover letter* to: DBSA, E-mail: (preferred) jobs@DBSAlliance.org.

Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

SCOPE OF ROLE

The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer (CFAO) serves as DBSA’s top financial officer, reports directly to the CEO, and performs strategic planning for, and leadership of, the core operational functions of the organization. The CFAO is responsible for all financial, accounting, facilities, human resources, information technology and other administrative functions in accordance with DBSA’s mission, policies and by-laws as established by the Board of Directors. Additionally, this individual serves as a member of the leadership team, supervises the Senior Office Administrator, provides staff support to the Finance & Audit committee, and manages relationships with staff and third parties involved in providing services in these areas.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management

  • Lead annual budget and planning process in coordination with senior management and the Board of Directors
  • Track budget on a monthly basis providing reports to the management team; monitor variances
  • Oversee the implementation and execution of sound fiscal policies, procedures, and controls, including the development of and adherence to internal control policies
  • Provide general oversight of all accounting functions, including the annual audit and relationship with the auditing firm
  • Prepares functional expenses and restricted income reports for the annual audit
  • Establish and oversee cash management and investment strategies; works closely with financial investment firm
  • Develop a strategy to strengthen management reporting systems and ensure that financial reporting is aligned across the organization
  • Prepares monthly reports such as KPI and narrative, statement of comparative activities and financial position and statement of cash flows
  • Works closely with CEO to provide guidance to senior management, staff, and the Board of Directors on the organization’s financial strategy and outlook, in order to support informed decision making and long-term thinking
  • Provides staff leadership to the Board’s Finance & Audit Committee and Investment Subcommittee
  • Track grants and contributions and provide assistance with financial reporting to development department
  • Supervise DBSA’s Senior Office Administrator

Human Resources

  • Works closely with CEO to build upon current culture, centered around DBSA’s mission, vision, and values
  • Ensure that employee compensation (salary, benefits, training) is competitive in a non-profit market
  • Oversee the establishment of, and organizational compliance with, human resource policies and procedures
  • Ensure smooth and consistent execution of human resources administrative practices

Legal

  • Negotiate, maintain and conclude all external contracts, outsourcing agreements, and leases related to finance and administration
  • Manage all contractual relationships with vendors providing services to the organization
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Manage relationships with legal counsel on matters pertaining to DBSA operations

Technology

  • Ensure systems integration and streamlined use of technology across the organization

Facilities

  • Oversee operational management of office, including the provision of sufficient administrative support
  • Oversee the office lease negotiations and needs, including physical space and layout, infrastructure, equipment, and timing and logistics

QUALIFICATIONS

  • The ideal candidate will be an experienced financial leader with a record of managing diverse operations. Demonstrated experience with detailed analysis and reporting is essential.
  • Knowledge of human resources; experience assessing and streamlining operations; developing, documenting, communicating; and evaluating and reinforcing operational processes and decisions is required. Demonstrated strategic, managerial and administrative capabilities in finance, planning, human resources, and operations with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, with the demonstrated ability to use technology to ensure efficient, timely and user-friendly processes and reports for internal stakeholders
  • Expert knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), particularly as they relate to non-profit entities
  • Experience working with non-profit board members and senior level volunteers
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work in a collaborative manner with project leads across the organization and skilled at exercising influence without direct authority
  • Demonstrated commitment to mission driven organizations
  • Flexible, team-oriented approach to work
  • Other desirable qualifications include knowledge of membership organizations and experience overseeing information technology function
  • Expert knowledge of QuickBooks, Excel and Office 365

SALARY & BENEFITS

$125,000 – $150,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

This is a full-time position with generous benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K and life insurance. Position will primarily work standard hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, flexible start/end times possible. Periodic evening or weekend hours may be required.

Currently, this position will require 2 days (Monday & Wednesdays) in office. The candidate may work the remaining days remotely.*

* This policy may be reviewed and revised.

HOW TO APPLY Please direct resumes and cover letter to jobs@dbsalliance.org.