Rich Jacobs

Experience

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  Goodman Theatre

  May 1988 - Jul 1996

  Director of Individual Contributions

  Responsible for fundraising $525,000 annually from individual donors through face-to-face solicitation, direct mail and telemarketing. Supervised and coordinated the Discovery Board. Other positions held: Assistant Director of Individual Contributions, Development Coordinator, Development Assistant, Press Assistant and Public Relations Assistant.

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  Danny's Pizza Streamwood & Elgin, Inc.

  May 1996 - Jul 2007

  Owner/Operator

  Co-owned and operated a 42 year old family restaurant business at two locations. Developed an entrepreneurial spirit and then sold the business to other family members in 2007.Co-Managed Streamwood, IL location July 1998 to July 1999.

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  Prevent Child Abuse America

  Jul 1996 - Jul 1998

  Acting Director, Resource Development

  Responsible for overseeing the work of 8 annual fund staff members and 2 capital campaign staff members and successfully raising over $2.5 million. Taught classes in national workshops to colleagues from supporting agencies.

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  Feeding America (formerly America's Second Harvest)

  Jul 1999 - Jan 2002

  National Major Gifts Manager

  Participated in the growth of this national not-for-profit food collection and distribution organization by designing, planning and executing a national major individual giving campaign. Responsible for fundraising one million dollars annually from individual donors through face-to-face solicitations and direct mail. Traveled throughout the United States, meeting with donors and prospective donors. Taught fundraising classes in national workshops to colleagues from supporting agencies.

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  Neighborhood Housing Services of Elgin

  Sept 2002 - Feb 2006

  Executive Director

  Served as senior executive for this NeighborWorks America affiliate. Supervised 4 full time employees, and managed a $1.2 million dollar annual budget. Initially hired by the board of directors to work with State and Federal prosecutors investigating the former Executive Director and Lending Director accused of embezzlement of local and federal monies. Negotiated settlements regarding disputed assets with various local banks. Led organization to develop and implement a 5 year strategic plan. Attained Professional Certificate in Homeownership and Community Lending and taught classes in that subject. Responsibilities included: board development, fundraising, marketing/media/public relations, budgeting, staff development and program development, among others. Nominated for a national NeighborWorks America award. Show less

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  Kane County Democrats

  Jul 2006 - Mar 2022

  Various Political Campaigns (paid and volunteer)

  2019 to 2022: Elected Democratic Precinct Committeeman (Elgin 4). July 2006 to October 2015: staff, Citizens for Noland, State Senator Michael Noland's Political Campaign Committee.2011 to 2012: Chairman, Citizens for Dalton Campaign Committee, Successfully elected (Tuesday, November 6, 2012) John G. Dalton for Circuit Court Judge, Subcircuit 2, Illinois' 16th Judicial Circuit. (Democrat)2011: Campaign Chair, “Three For ECC,” Successfully elected on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 a slate of three candidates to Elgin Community College Board of Trustees (John G. Dalton, John Duffy & Eleanor MacKinney,) Nonpartisan Race.2010 to 2014: Elected Democratic Precinct Committeeman (Elgin 4).2010 to 2014: Secretary, Elgin Township Democrats.2010 to 2014: Member of the Kane County Democrats.2009 to 2010: Chairman of Citizens for Dalton, Candidate for Kane County Resident Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit.2006 to 2007: Elgin Office Director, Citizens for Noland, Candidate Michael Noland's Campaign for Illinois State Senate (22nd District). Show less

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  State Senator Michael Noland (D-IL 22nd)

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2017

  District Director

  Coordinate all legislative affairs for State Senator Michael Noland. Execute legislative strategies. Support the Senator in meeting his legislative goals (including service as primary gate keeper: keep his calendar, schedule all appointments, prioritize all events when there is a conflict to maximize his effectiveness, etc.). Collaborate with campaign and Springfield colleagues to win re-election and meet constituent needs. Responsible for administering the District Office (including budgeting, financial operations, supervising staff, etc.). Host Town Hall Meetings, Meet and Greets and other legislative activities. Keep the Senator informed of important developments in the District (including legislation, upcoming events, questions and concerns from the public, relationships with opinion leaders and other stakeholders, etc.). Respond to inquiries from constituents, the media and other elected officials. Make presentations to elected officials, municipal administrators, chambers of commerce, community groups and trade associations, among others. Initiate, cultivate and fortify strong relationships with a broad spectrum of municipal, county, state and federal elected officials and governmental employees, as well as business and community leaders of all types. Responsible for the Senator's Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program (2007 to 2012 program ended). Represent the Senator at a wide variety of events. Maintain information in Excel Spreadsheets, Microsoft Word and Illinois Senate VOICE constituent database. Report all activities to the Senator.Other duties as assigned. Show less

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  State Senator Cristina Castro (D - IL 22nd)

  Jan 2017 - Jan 2021

  Chief of Staff

  Promoted on March 3, 2018 from District Director (January 2017 to March 2018) to Chief of Staff.Coordinate all legislative affairs for State Senator Cristina Castro.Execute legislative strategies. Support the Senator in meeting her legislative goals (including service as primary gate keeper: keep her calendar, schedule all appointments, prioritize all events when there is a conflict to maximize his effectiveness, etc.). Collaborate with campaign and Springfield colleagues to win re-election and meet constituent needs. Responsible for administering the District Office (including budgeting, financial operations, supervising staff, etc.). Host Town Hall Meetings, Meet and Greets and other legislative outreach activities. Keep the Senator informed of important developments in the District (including legislation, upcoming events, questions and concerns from the public, relationships with opinion leaders and other stakeholders, etc.). Respond to inquiries from constituents, the media and other elected officials. Make presentations to elected officials, municipal administrators, chambers of commerce, community groups and trade associations, among others. Initiate, cultivate and fortify strong relationships with a broad spectrum of municipal, county, state and federal elected officials and governmental employees, as well as business and community leaders of all types. Represent the Senator at a wide variety of events. Maintain information in Excel Spreadsheets, Microsoft Word and Illinois Senate iConstituent database. Report all activities to the Senator.Other duties as assigned. Show less

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  City of Aurora

  Jan 2021 - now

  Chief Of Staff, Office of Aldermen

  Supporting the 12 Aldermen and Alderwomen for the City of Aurora, the State of Illinois’s 2nd largest city.Responsible for the day-to-day oversight, direction, and training of the four Aldermanic Aides in the Aldermen's Office.Serves as the liaison to the Mayor and Mayor's staff to ensure accurate and timely information is disseminated.Oversees day-to-day activities of the Aldermen's Office, including supervision of staff for planning of office activities, information dissemination, and ensuring proper documentation is provided for committee and council meetings and a variety of other meetings.Manages office operations to include preparation of departmental budgets, payroll reports, information management, maintenance of orientation and office procedures guide, filing systems, maintenance of public information guide, requisition of supplies, maintenance of equipment and other duties required to maintain and ensure proper operation of the office.Responsible for assisting in creation and distribution of policies for elected officials in conjunction with Rules, Administration and Procedures (RAP) Committee and Chief Financial Officer. Show less