June 2010 - TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Seattle Job Opportunity - Bike Works' Development & Office Coordinator
by Lexi Keeler 03 Jun '10

03 Jun '10

Development & Office Coordinator Role Overview The Bike Works Development & Office Coordinator assists Bike Works in its development of sustainable fundraising efforts through donor research and relationship building, data analysis and information management, donor communications, strategy development, and creating supporting materials to achieve the agency's annual and long-range development and fundraising goals. The Bike Works Development & Office Coordinator also supports office operations. This position reports directly to the Development Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong multi-tasker with substantive administrative and writing skills, excellent attention to detail, computer skills (some database experience preferred), and enthusiasm for working as part of a team. Essential Job Functions * Manage donor and email databases to ensure accurate donor records. * Provide logistical support for the Bike Works Annual Auction and other fundraising events. * Process incoming donations, including preparing acknowledgement letters, donor listings, and other donor recognition activities. * Manage Bike Works' web presence, including web site, Twitter, Facebook and the Bike Works Blog. * Coordinate our donor email newsletter, mailing appeals, and other donor communication and cultivation. * Maintain accurate and organized development files and electronic records. * Participate with Development Manager and other staff in developing strategies for effective fundraising. * Manage administrative volunteers. * Coordinate all aspects of the administrative systems and facilities operations within the office, including maintaining an organized work environment, purchasing office equipment and supplies, and responding to general requests for information. * Maintain phone and voicemail systems, including answering phones when available. * Oversee information systems, including website, computer networks, and other major office communications systems. * Support accounting activities, including receiving and copying checks, making weekly deposits, and mailing payments to vendors. * Work in partnership with Development Manager, Executive Director, Board of Directors, other staff, and Key Stakeholders to contribute to the organization's vision, participate in organization-wide programs, and help create a sustainable organizational culture. Qualifications & Experience Required: * Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. * 2 years professional work experience; nonprofit experience desirable. * Excellent verbal communication skills and strong writing and editing capabilities. * Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities and deadlines. * Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. * Advanced skills with Microsoft Office and the Windows environment; proficiency in relational databases. * Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team; work well with diverse styles and personalities. * Willingness to work outside of office hours on occasion to support events. * Strong commitment to promoting bicycling, supporting youth and to advancing social change. Preferred: * Prior development experience. * Experience with event logistics, planning, and management. * Some experience with volunteer management and public relations a plus. * Familiarity with fundraising strategies. Compensation $25,000-28,000 (starting salary depends on experience), plus benefits, including medical, vacation, sick leave, and flexible work schedule/environment. How to Apply Please visit our website at www.bikeworks.org for more information about Bike Works. Email your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to development(a)bikeworks.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Position open until filled; applications received by June 23rd will receive priority consideration. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Bike Works is an Equal Opportunity and queer-friendly employer. Lexi Keeler Development Manager Bike Works 3709 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-9408 ext. 1 <http://www.bikeworks.org> http://www.bikeworks.org Follow us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bike-Works/139782759674?ref=ts> and Twitter <http://twitter.com/bikeworks206> "Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling."

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Federal Funding - Sibley Bike Depot Bike Library
by Jason Tanzman 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

Sibley Bike Depot in St. Paul, MN (www.sibleybikedepot.org) recently received a $193,000 federal grant as part of the Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program, which provided roughly $25 million each to 4 communities (Minneapolis, MN; Sheboygan, WI; Columbia, MO; Davis, CA) to promote biking and walking. The funding - allocated as part or the 2005 federal transportation bill - mostly went to large infrastructure projects like bike lanes, racks, and government programs, but in their last round of funding they gave out a few "small" grants for education/programming. The funding we got was to implement a Bike Library program - we're building a fleet of 220 bikes, equipped for transportation purposes with rack, fenders, lights, lock, helmet, and bike map to lend out to low-income communities for 6-month loan periods. In addition to bikes, we provide classes in safe cycling, bike maintenance, group rides, and really whatever programming the participants want. We are specifically focusing on making reliable bikes available to communities traditionally marginalized in the bike and transportation world, including women, immigrants, and people of color. We're lending all bikes out through partner agencies - organizations such as affordable housing agencies, job placement centers, community organizations, and more. To see a bit of press coverage we've received for the program, check out http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/89886292.html . The current federal Transportation Bill is expired (it keeps getting short extensions until they pass a new bill) - hopefully Obama and Ray LaHood will pass something that creates more opportunities to support grassroots educational programs as well as infrastructure to promote biking, walking, and transit. Maybe something will happen after the midterm elections...but I definitely see possibility in seeking federal dollars for community education programs. The only caveat - getting a federal contract is a bit of a nightmare. All federal awards are done on a reimbursement basis - i.e. you spend $20,000 then they write you a check 3 months later - which can be hard for small non-profits (we had to get a $25,000 line of credit from a local non-profit bank). There are a number of other hoops that can make it a challenge - but I think there are a lot of potential benefits. The jury is still out as to whether this program was good for Sibley to get involved with... Jason Tanzman -- Sibley Bike Depot Volunteer Coordinator 612-232-2737 (cell) 651-222-2080 (shop) www.sibleybikedepot.org Sibley Bike Depot's mission is to be an open, accessible space to educate and empower people to use bicycles as transportation, helping to build a sustainable environment and community. Volunteer with us to help build a bicycling movement in the Twin Cities!

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TE money
by Sarah Green 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

Has anyone received Transportation Enhancement money for educational programs... in this scenario obviously regarding bicycles? I am proposing a program here in Delaware and the guys at DelDOT want to hear from another organization who's received a TE grant for something similar. If you have gotten a TE grant or know an organization who has, please let me know! Thanks, Sarah Urban Bike Project

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volunteer hours
by Sarah Green 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

sorry if this is a double post but- this goes out to any organization who does work trade... ie, people can buy things in the shop in exchange for volunteering. -how do you delegate jobs to volunteers who don't know how to work on bikes? -what jobs do you have for that kind of volunteer (drop-in) to do? -is there a space separate from functioning Open Shop space where they work? We have thought about this idea as both a good way to compensate volunteers and also a good incentive to recruit volunteer hours, but we have found that the delegation of tasks, the increased volume in the shop, and the lack of bicycle related knowledge in volunteers has made this more work for us than it is worth. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed! Sarah Urban Bike Project

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by Sarah Green 02 Jun '10

02 Jun '10

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