Wednesday, April 13, 2011

11:30 a.m.

Union League Club of Chicago

65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL

Back by popular demand! Get connected with other professional women during this fast-paced and exciting program, which features a three-course meal during which attendees switch tables after each course. It is structured so that each participant will have an opportunity to introduce themselves, describe their business or work situation, and make a request of the group - either personally or professionally.

$40 Regular Members/$55 Guests

This fun and lively event is a great way to meet new people and make new business contacts. Don't forget to bring at least 40 business cards to pass out.

A sell-out crowd is expected so reserve your spot early!

Due to the nature of this event, walk-in registrations will not be accepted.

For more information, click here.

Friday, April 22, 2011

6:00 p.m.

Apollo's 2000 Banquet Hall

2875 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, IL

The DREAM Gala Committee would be honored by your presence at the 2nd Annual DREAM Gala in support of college students who struggle financially in order to obtain a higher education because of their ineligibility for federal and state financial aid.

With the theme "Celebrating the Past, Living the Present, Fighting for our Future," our program will include the announcement of the first DREAM scholarship recipients, dinner, guest speakers, silent auction, live music, dance performances and much more.

All proceeds will support the Dream scholarship fund.

For questions, e-mail: galaforadream@gmail.com or call (773) 609-GALA.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

5:30 p.m.

Galleria Marchetti

825 W. Erie St., Chicago, IL

Please join us as the International Volunteer Network of Chicago hosts its third Business Professionals and Diplomats Reception. This event will highlight volunteer organizations focused on “Enabling the Disabled” and feature some fun, hands-on physical challenges.

Several members of Chicago's diplomatic corps as well as business, educational and civic leaders will be in attendance. All non-profit organizations highlighted at the event have their focus on improving the quality of life for disabled individuals.

• The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association works with physically or visually impaired individuals to help them participate and compete in athletics.
• Diveheart is an organization committed that every person, regardless of disability, as the opportunity to experience the wonder and accomplishment of diving and snorkeling.
• Best Buddies is an international organization focused on enriching the lives of mentally disabled individuals by supporting them in forming relationships outside of the caregiver community.
• The Special Olympics uses athletic competition to recognize and nurture individuals with intellectual disabilities, helping them to develop self-esteem and confidence.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

11:30 a.m.

Plaza Tenochtitlán

18^th St. and Blue Island Ave., Chicago IL

The Chicago Día de los Niños/ Celebrating Young Americans Parade has become an annual celebration. This year's theme will focus on A Gift for the Mind, A Gift from the Heart: Education and Organ Donation. Our guiding principle has always been EDUCATION – shaping our future. Education is the key to our children's future. By supporting the Chicago Día de los Niños Parade and its activities, you will contribute to the future of our society. Please help give a voice to the most important citizens, our children, with a special day to call their own.

The parade will culminate at a "Fiesta" at Harrison Park (1824 S. Wood) where children can continue to participate in fun activities from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. In addition to the great entertainment, activities for youth and young children, we will present scholarship awards to outstanding students. The Chicago Public Schools and over 50 community and corporate organizations, along with various governmental agencies, and museums are involved to help make Chicago Día de los Niños/Children's Day a memorable time for everyone. More than 5,000 children and their families are expected to participate in this free event.

Contact: Luz Maria Solis at (773) 553-2019 for information. If you would like to help sponsor the parade: chicagodiadelosninos@yahoo.com. Visit us at www.chicagodiadelosninos.com.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

6:00 p.m.

Little Village Academy School

2620 S. Lawndale, Chicago IL

We are looking for professional role models who will be able to talk to our primary and intermediate Mexican-American students. Due to the fact that 99.9 % of our students come from low income homes, this event is necessary for the advancement of our students. If you would like to participate, please contact Oralia Villanueva at ovillanueva@cps.edu by April 29, 2011. Please include your name, title, phone number and email address.

Chicago Transit Authority

Salary Range: $59,200 - $70,000

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Position Summary
Leads and executes projects, initiatives and programs from concept through culmination as designated by the Manager, Strategic Planning, ensuring input and participation from appropriate divisions and departments. Responsible for the successful execution and completion of projects, on time and within budget.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develops, designs, coordinates and executes projects and programs at high levels within the Authority. Designs presentations that conveys project and program content and facilitates action by senior management and the Chicago Transit Board.
• Performs strategic analysis and develops scope, project plan and budget for project and programs in conjunction with internal and external departments, including coordination with City, County, State and community organizations as appropriate. Acts as liaison to City of Chicago agencies and other governmental organizations and works to prioritize projects.
• Leads project team meetings to review, track and coordinate project activities. Drives effective team operations to ensure projects remain and are executed within defined scope, time and cost constraints. Takes primary responsibility to provide timely and accurate communication of key project issues and events to project team and management at CTA.
• Reports project-status, identifies and defines project issues, assigns actions and follows-up on issues and tasks. Responsible for dashboard development, coordination and monitoring.
• Researches best practices and trends in the mass transit industry for use of tools or processes to improve development, efficiency and reliability of products or projects.
• Ensures consistency of data and messaging for large scale projects, including support material as needed or desired.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in transportation, logistics or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• 3+ years experience in transit planning may substitute for a degree.
• Thorough knowledge of common computer software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be creative since projects tend to be unique.
• Excellent written and communication skills are required.
• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills are necessary.
• Must be adept at project management and able to manage projects from conception through implementation/completion. Must be able to execute action items.
• Solid interpersonal skills, ability to organize and focus people and build teams.
• Knowledge of public transportation industry is desirable.

Chicago Transit Authority

Salary Range: $85,000 - $100,000

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time Permanent

Position Summary
Manages and is responsible for all activities within assigned areas of the Purchasing Department that procures the goods and services necessary for the daily operations of the CTA, the maintenance of its rolling stock and the physical plant and the design and construction of CTA's capital projects. Also manages and is responsible for Oracle Purchasing and Inventory Management modules and Microsoft functional support staff in the maintenance of systems that support all procurement functions. Implements the initiatives, directions and policies of the department and overall CTA by day-to-day management of procurements and supporting staff. Responsible for managing and executing the day-to-day procurement operations that permits the Vice President and General Managers to direct and oversee upper management initiatives, policies and procedures.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs Purchasing staff in the preparation of bid documents and the public solicitation of all procurements (including: Invitations for Bids, Requests for Proposals and Letters of Interest and Qualifications) to ensure compliance with all CTA regulations and applicable laws.
• Directs Purchasing staff in the Commodity Buying Section in the preparation and the solicitation of informal bid documents to ensure compliance with all CTA regulations and applicable laws. Directs the coordination of procurements between the informal and formal (public) bidding processes to ensure that all CTA regulations and applicable laws are followed.
• Directs Purchasing staff in the review of bid proposals and negotiates, as necessary, with contractors in the preparation of contract recommendations, annual service orders, task orders, change orders, amendments, etc. for execution.
• Reviews and makes recommends to the General Manager regarding: contracts, change orders, amendments, ordinances, intergovernmental agreements, indemnifications, etc. for consideration by appropriate management, the President or the CTA Board.
• Reviews all purchasing related documents for accuracy and revises and edit documents as necessary to ensure all documents submitted to the General Manager and Vice President are free of errors and are fully accurate.
• Coordinates setting priorities for procurements with the General Manager and other senior CTA management. Directs and assigns responsibility for specific projects to Purchasing staff in accordance with established priorities; monitors and evaluates work performance.
• Investigates, analyzes and recommends resolutions to procurement issues such as bid protests, contractor defaults, claims and disputes.
• Secures concurrence and approval from funding agencies for the execution of contracts, change orders, options, amendments and other required contractual activity.
• Directs staff in research of the marketplace to identify new products, services and technologies in order to formulate recommendations to the General Manager regarding their applicability to new and ongoing procurements.
• Directs functional staff in the support of the Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning System Purchasing, Inventory Management and Order Management modules. Directs the creation of forms, reports, etc. in support of various Purchasing initiatives.
• Directs functional staff in the creation, maintenance and support of Microsoft Office Suite applications, including the development of forms, relational databases, etc. in support of various Purchasing initiatives.
• Consults with the Vice President of Purchasing and the Budget Department in the preparation, analysis and monitoring of the Operating and Capital budgets of Purchasing and other departments as directed by the Vice President.
• As required, recommends and initiates all personnel actions of subordinates including performance reviews, hires, promotions, transfers, terminations and other personnel changes. Acts as the General Manager of Purchasing in the General Manager's absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering or Management or a combination of education and experience related to this position is required. A Master's Degree in Business Administration or a Juris Doctor is preferred.
• Possess progressively responsible management experience in the purchasing field and 7+ years of increasingly responsible experience in procurement, purchasing and/or contracting and negotiations.
• Demonstrated management and leadership skills and strategic ability to formulate and drive a high-profile and company-wide program.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to edit and create a clear and concise work product.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State and Regional procurement regulations and guidelines.
• Possess a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of formal and informal bidding procedures and the legal implications and requirements of both.
• Possess strong organizational and management skills necessary to define, develop and evaluate goals, objectives, standards and performance levels for assigned personnel.
• Possess a working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite and the applications of these products in support of Purchasing activities. Possess a working knowledge of Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning Purchasing and Inventory Management modules.

Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking an energetic and creative individual to carry the vision of philanthropy and university advancement programs at our unique and exciting university. The Vice President for Advancement will oversee fundraising and development activities as well as the areas of alumni affairs, marketing and public relations. The individual will also serve as the executive director of the Northeastern Illinois University Foundation.

This position reports to the University President and requires an individual who is a leader and team builder. The successful candidate will recognize the importance of advancement to support the University's mission and strategic priorities and will have demonstrated skills in attracting new sources of giving; promoting the involvement of alumni, friends and the community in University activities; and the role of the University in promoting the academic, economic and social vitality of the region, the state and the nation. The successful candidate will embrace and enhance the mission and role of an urban institution and be a person of the highest ethical standards.

Northeastern Illinois University is a comprehensive state university serving more than 12,000 commuter students. Located on 67 acres in an attractive residential setting on the northwest side of Chicago, the university offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors. It is a highly diverse university and prides itself on excellent classroom instruction by highly qualified faculty and preparing graduates to function effectively in a global society.

The position requires an appropriate Baccalaureate degree with 10 or more years as an advancement professional (fundraising, communications, and/or alumni relations) with a minimum of five years leading, managing and supervising development and advancement staff. A demonstrated ability to plan, execute and close a significant campaign is essential. The position also requires documented successes in soliciting and closing major gifts of over $500,000.

In addition, preference will be given to candidates with 10 years of leadership experience in successful development organizations and a comprehensive knowledge of all major advancement functions. Additional preferences include an advanced degree, experience in academic setting and knowledge of Chicago metropolitan region.

Salary for the position will be commensurate with experience. Screening of applications begins March 21, 2011. Submit a letter of interest; a complete resume; and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references to:

Dr. Amy B. Hietapelto, Chair
Search and Screen Committee
Email: VPAdvancementSearch@neiu.edu
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625-4699

A position announcement can be found at: http://www.neiu.edu.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women and minorities are encouraged.

Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) is seeking an energetic, self-motivated intern to work on and manage communications, public relations, marketing and outreach activities at IHCC's office in Chicago, IL.

Internship Details
The Marketing and Communications Intern position will work with IHCC staff including Senior Management on projects including development of materials for e-blast campaigns, website updates, advocacy letters, event invitations, press releases and others. The role is ideal for a self-motivated and entrepreneurial individual interested in building a strong portfolio as a manager of a prominent non-profit's communications strategy.

Student Qualifications:
Junior or Senior Undergraduate level business, marketing, or communications students from diverse disciplines with a focus in business marketing and communications are encouraged to apply. Students with experience in website/brochure layout and design, Internet marketing, and/or non-profit event management is preferred (not required), along with strong written, verbal, and editorial capabilities, including precise spelling and grammar.

Start date: As Soon As Possible
Hours per week: 15-20
Compensation: Unpaid or For College Credit.

Please submit letters of interest and resumes via email to Roberto Cornelio at rcornelio@ihccbusiness.net.

National Council of La Raza

BACKGROUND
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) - the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States - works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations, NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas-assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families.

Founded in 1968, NCLR is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCLR serves all Hispanic subgroups in all areas of the country and has regional offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, and San Antonio. For more information, please visit www.nclr.org.

SUMMARY
The Office Administrator provides support to the Midwest Regional Office, which consists of seven staff charged with strengthening NCLR's relationships with its Midwest Affiliates. The position serves as a first point of contact for Affiliates, partners, funders, clients, and media, and it manages the flow of information throughout the office and, as appropriate, between Chicago and the Washington, DC headquarters. This is a professional support position that must handle multiple projects simultaneously and manage fast-paced schedules with professionalism, maturity, poise, and confidence.

The Office Administrator is charged with managing all office operations including front desk and reception, management of equipment leases, phone and IT system troubleshooting, financial procedures and processing, office scheduling, and staff calendars.

This position reports to the Midwest Regional Director; however, specific work may be assigned and supervised by other staff members in the Midwest Office. As such, experience and comfort with reporting to multiple supervisors is necessary.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative Support to Midwest Regional Director and Office Team

• Provide excellent customer service as the front office lead by welcoming visitors, receiving and routing incoming calls, providing information and referrals to callers, maintaining a professional-looking office environment, and managing the conference room schedule.
• Provide timely and professional clerical support to the office, including drafting/editing letters, fact sheets, flyers, general web copy, meeting minutes, and reports; scheduling meetings; maintaining/coordinating calendars and the conference call schedule; photocopying, faxing, managing shipping and deliveries, and providing general office and supplies management.
• Support the regional team with coordination of routine administrative paperwork, including time sheets, quarterly reports, simple fact sheets, and office information packets.
• Support the team on logistics related to meetings, trainings, and event planning as needed; specific duties to be assigned depending on meeting/event.
• Support the team by coordinating travel and lodging for Midwest office activities.
• Support the team in communications and outreach efforts to ensure that the Affiliate Network is informed of NCLR opportunities and initiatives.

• Maintain office records, specifically vendor/consultant files, Affiliate files, and documentation for the Midwest Regional Office work and operations.
• Maintain office equipment and leases by serving as the primary contact for vendors, troubleshooting, and resolving equipment issues.
• Serve as a primary point of contact on all finance-related activities, including adhering to NCLR fiscal policies and procedures; preparing invoices and processing requests for proposals, credit card statements, travel expense reports, and petty cash; maintaining accurate vendor files; researching consultant/vendor contracts and ensuring timely payment; coordinating with appropriate program/office staff on contract deliverables prior to vendor/consultant payment; researching collections and ensuring timely payment to/from NCLR, as appropriate.
• Provide support related to Human Resources, including coordinating new hire orientations and other communications with the Washington, DC headquarters; assisting in recruiting and supervising interns and temporary staff; ensuring compliance with NCLR's Human Resources policies and procedures; and providing support to the Midwest Regional Director in the communication of such to the regional team.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for IT, including submitting requests for training/technical assistance and, with guidance from the IT team, installing new software/hardware, maintaining technical equipment, and troubleshooting all office computers as needed.
• Generally, ensure that the team adheres to overall NCLR policies and procedures.

• Maintain, enhance, and/or update the office filing system as appropriate, including vendor files, Affiliate files, documentation of office activity, history files, and archives.
• Maintain and manage databases that support office activities such as external partners, NCLR alumni (staff, Board members), and other friends of NCLR.
• Serve as the administrative point of contact for the coordination and/or dissemination of information to appropriate groups or lists of interested parties.

• Coordinate office events and meetings, including NCLR Midwest Affiliate meetings; Midwest regional team travel, logistics, and special meetings; and regional networking events, luncheons, etc. This work includes handling hotel reservations and room setup; ensuring that appropriate technologies are secured for presentations; scheduling meetings and other logistics; preparing agendas and handouts; sending reminders; working with NCLR staff and external parties; securing catering, signage, and guest transportation; and taking, disseminating, maintaining a record of minutes when needed.
• Ensure proper and timely payments to vendors that provide services for meetings and provide the necessary travel reimbursements.

• Develop and enforce systems that enhance a smooth flow of work and communication among the regional team, and a smooth flow of information and resources between the Washington, DC and Midwest offices.
• Coordinate closely with the AMS Regional Coordinator and Midwest Regional Director as needed.
• Provide assistance with other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree and three or more years of professional work experience as administrative support staff or in the clerical field.
• Ability to manage compliance and procedures related to Finance, Human Resources, and data management.
• Ability to manage office operations including vendor relationships, equipment leases, and IT support.
• Strong meeting and event planning experience including basic accounting and budget experience.
• Ability to create systems, establish protocols, and recommend efficiencies for higher productivity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), strong word processing skills, and familiarity with the Internet.

• High degree of personal initiative to address organizational issues and the ability to work independently.
• Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to managing the workload.
• Ability to perform for a multiperson office and manage multiple tasks and goals, problem-solve, and prioritize among assignments.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, maintain attention to deadlines, and function effectively under pressure.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A strong sense of responsibility and self-motivation
• Ability to be efficient, results-oriented, and have a positive attitude.

• Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills and professional attitude in representing NCLR to different audiences (e.g., Affiliates, funders, partners).
• Strong writing skills for preparing letters and other documents on behalf of the Office Director and office staff.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency preferred.

• Highly trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Commitment to NCLR's values and principles of ethical standards.

• Promptness and reliable job attendance essential.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional and sometimes unexpected overtime with advance notice provided.
• Ability to travel within Midwest Region and possibly to Washington, DC and other NCLR events as needed.

No phone calls please!

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.