View PDF of job description here.

The U.S. Green Building Council – Illinois Chapter seeks an energetic and skilled professional with a wide range of administrative and technical skills to assist the Manager of Membership and Outreach with membership development, membership analysis, membership-related projects, and other administrative duties to maintain and increase the organizational membership.    This position is estimated at 15-20 hours a week for 3-5 months.  There is some flexibility with both the number of hours and the length of stay but the Chapter has ambitious goals and would like to create projects to hand off to the interns over a period of time.

Major Responsibilities:

• Run monthly reports that reflect changes in Chapter membership
• Report on changes/trends in membership at appropriate intervals
• Research membership opportunities and benefits of like-minded organizations
• Generate monthly reports for Branches to use to attract new Chapter members
• Call or e-mail members welcoming them to the Chapter, thanking them for renewing, reminding them to renew, or inquiring why they lapsed
• Update member profiles in database
• Assist in drafting correspondence
• Assist with details of coordinating Chapter Networking events
• Organizing and obtaining materials for Chapter Networking events
• Network at member gatherings and events
• Identify and build on ways to reach out to build new member opportunities

Other Responsibilities (as time and skill permits):

• Understand the importance of networking
• Manage the information on the public website
• Encourage networking among members through the members only virtual online forum
• Identify and utilize free opportunities to profile the organization

• Assist Chapter staff in various administrative duties related to Chapter programs, events, and initiatives
• Answer phones, e-mail, and return messages as appropriate
• Other administrative duties

Prerequisite Skills:

• Enthusiasm and interest in sustainability
• Experience in the nonprofit industry
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Flexibility
• Ability to work independently

Optional Skills:

• Knowledge of Wild Apricot (event and membership management software)
• Knowledge of Word Press web editing tool

Other Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in accredited college or Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to lift objects up to 25 lbs.

Salary & Benefits:

• This is an unpaid internship position
• This position does not include health insurance
• Complimentary admission to most Chapter programs when/if available
• Travel to the Chapter office is reimbursed

Application Deadline:

• April 20, 2012

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to:

Joan Martin

Manager of Membership and Outreach
U.S. Green Building Council – Illinois Chapter
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 946
Chicago, IL  60654
jmartin@usgbc-illinois.org

No phone or in person inquiries, please.

The 2012 Event Planning Form (link below) is the single most important document in the event planning process. This form must be complete and submitted to Chapter Staff at least 30 days prior to event. Failure to submit on time may result in event cancellation due to insufficient time to properly promote and obtain credits.

The tools in the bullets below provide further guidance on how to complete the 2012 Event Planning Form as well as additional event planning assistance.

2012 Event Planning Form

• 2012 Event Planning Overview
• 2012 Event Checklist
• 2012 Event Volunteer Guidance Form
• 2012 Program Sponsor Brochure and Form
• Illinois Certified LEED Project Directory (February 2012)

Chapter staff are always available to assist you in planning your event, but we hope the tools above help to streamline communications and the event planning process. Feedback is always appreciated!

Happy Event Planning!

Doug, Katie, Pam, Joan and Cathy

• Regular – $95/year
  Available to individuals who are not affiliated with USGBC member companies/organizations
• National Member Employee – $70/year
  Available to individuals employed by or affiliated with USGBC member companies/organizations
• Student – $30/year
  Available to full-time students at an accredited college or university

In addition to the above membership levels, 3-year Chapter memberships are available.

• Regular – $260/3-year period
  Available to individuals who are not affiliated with USGBC member companies/organizations
• National Member Employee – $190/3-year period
  Available to individuals employed by or affiliated with USGBC member companies/organizations

New premium memberships with added benefits are now available!  Joining or renewing at one of the new premium levels below provides the Chapter with needed funding which will allow us to deepen our work as we strive for healthy, affordable, profitable, and sustainable homes, buildings, schools, and communities for all of Illinois and its citizens.

• Contributor – $250/year
  Annual membership available to all individuals and includes text listing in the Chapter’s weekly newsletter (distributed to 6,000 individuals)
• Benefactor – $500/year
  Annual membership available to all individuals and includes text listing in the Chapter’s weekly newsletter (distributed to 6,000 individuals) and one complimentary ticket to an exclusive Chapter VIP event
• Guardian – $1,000/year
  Annual membership available to all individuals and includes text listing in the Chapter’s weekly newsletter (distributed to 6,000 individuals), one complimentary ticket to an exclusive Chapter VIP event, and one complimentary ticket to the Chapter’s boat cruise or annual meeting
• Lifetime – $5,000
  A membership that lasts the lifetime of the member and does not need to be renewed.  Membership includes text listing in the Chapter’s weekly newsletter (distributed to 6,000 individuals), one complimentary ticket to an exclusive Chapter VIP event each year, one complimentary ticket to the Chapter’s boat cruise each year, and one complimentary ticket to the Chapter’s annual meeting each year.

Contest 1 – Members that join or renew during the month of February and select “None” in the LEED Professional Credential box in the application or the member profile are eligible to win a LEED Green Associate Study Guide with Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide.  Amy Mysz, a new Chapter member, was selected as the winner of this contest!

Contest 2- The Chapter Branch will the largest percentage growth during the month of February will win a $100 gift card.  Members are put in a specific Branch based on the zip code in their member profile.

Contest 3 – Members that join or renew during the month of May and enter “ID+C Contest” in the “Who/what encouraged you to join/renew?” field are eligible to win a LEED 2009 Green Interior Design and Construction Reference Guide or a complimentary registration to the July 22nd, ID+C 301: Implementing the Interior Design + Construction LEED Rating Systems in Chicago.  One winner will be selected for each prize from this group.

Contest 4 – Any Chapter member whose name is entered 10 times or more in the member profile field that asks “Who/what encouraged you to join/renew?” during the month of May will be eligible to win a LEED Green Associate Study Guide with Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide.  One winner will be selected from this group.

Contest 5 – The Chapter Branch will the largest percentage growth during the month of May will win a $100 gift card.  Members are put in a specific Branch based on the zip code in their member profile.

Contest 6 – Members that join or renew during the month of August and enter “ND Contest” in the “Who/what encouraged you to join/renew?” field are eligible to win a LEED 2009 Green Neighborhood Development Reference Guide.  One winner will be selected from this group.

Contest 7- Members that join or renew during the month of August and select “None” in the LEED Professional Credential box in the application or the member profile are eligible to win a LEED Green Associate Study Guide with Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide.  One winner will be selected from this group.

Contest 8- The Chapter Branch will the largest percentage growth during the month of August will win a $100 gift card.  Members are put in a specific Branch based on the zip code in their member profile.

Contest 9 – Members that join or renew during the month of November and enter “Homes Contest” in the “Who/what encouraged you to join/renew?” field are eligible to win a LEED for Homes Reference Guide.  One winner will be selected from this group.

Contest 10 – Any Chapter member whose name is entered 10 times or more in the member profile field that asks “Who/what encouraged you to join/renew?” during the month of November will be eligible to win a LEED Green Associate Study Guide with Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide.  One winner will be selected from this group.

Contest 11 – The Chapter Branch will the largest percentage growth during the month of November will win a $100 gift card.  Members are put in a specific Branch based on the zip code in their member profile.

Are dues prorated?
No, dues are paid annually on the anniversary date that you joined.

The memberships listed above seem higher than I remember.  Why was did USGBC – Illinois Chapter increase membership?
As a non-profit organization, USGBC-Illinois relies on both Chapter member dues and a portion of USGBC member dues for nearly a quarter of its revenue.  While the Chapter’s scope of services and programming to members has increased multifold since the Chapter’s inception in 2002, membership dues have never been increased. Given the state of the economy, the Chapter, like all non-profit organizations and businesses, has been affected by the recession.  In order to continue offering the same level of programming and services, a dues increase was necessary to maintain a balanced budget.

Why should I join USGBC – Illinois Chapter?

Individuals join the Illinois Chapter for a variety of reasons.  Some join to support the Chapter’s mission, others enjoy interacting with like-minded individuals, and some join to take advantage of the member benefits.  No matter the reason, join and become involved in the Illinois Chapter member community!

How can I join or renew my membership with the USGBC-Illinois Chapter?
Visit our Join or Renew Membership page.

How can I update the information reflected in my Chapter member profile?
Visit our Update Member Profile page, and follow the instructions.  Please note: changes to member profiles on the USGBC web site will not be reflected in your Illinois Chapter membership.  You must make these changes separately.

As an Illinois Chapter member, do I receive discounted pricing on LEED Reference Guides, LEED AP exam registration or Workshops/Technical Reviews?
Discounted pricing on these items are only available to National USGBC members.

How can I learn more about membership with National USGBC?
National USGBC membership is for companies or organizations, not individuals.  For additional information, visit the USGBC Membership section of this web site.

I work for a USGBC member company/organization.  How can I receive the discounted Chapter member rate and other member benefit discounts?
Each USGBC member is assigned a Corporate Access ID.  You will need this number.  To access this number, follow the steps below:

1. Visit www.usgbc.org
2. Click on “Membership”
3. Click on “Member Directory”
4. Find the company/organization that you work for
5. Click on “Request Corporate Access ID”

For any additional questions about membership with USGBC – Illinois Chapter or USGBC, please contact Joan Martin, Manager of Membership and Outreach (312-245-8300 x205).

Members: To find out how to receive the discounts listed below, please visit the Member-Only Forum.

Companies: If you are interested in offering USGBC – Illinois Chapter members a discount on your company’s product or service, please complete the Affinity Program Application or contact Joan Martin at 312-245-8300.  For a copy of the USGBC – Illinois Chapter Affinity Program policy, click the following link - Affinity Program Policy.

BuildingGreen

• Member Discount - Members will receive a 25% discount off regular annual subscription prices for BuildingGreen Suite^TM and LEEDuser.
• About BuildingGreen - BuildingGreen is an independent publishing company committed to bringing their members accurate, unbiased, and timely green design information.

Eco Achievers

• Member Discount – Members will receive a 20% discount off online education through Eco Achievers.
• About Eco Achievers – Eco Achievers is an Education Provider with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  The Eco Achievers courses listed here are approved with GBCI for the LEED Credential Maintenance Program.

Engineered Tax Services

• Member Discount – Members will receive a 3% discount off their original fee.  Upon project completion, Engineered Tax Services will donate 7% of the original project fee to the Chapter.
• About Engineered Tax Services - Engineered Tax Services helps commercial property owners, architects, designers, and energy consultants capture federal tax incentives available through the Energy Policy act of 2005 (EPAct).  EPAct provides the opportunity for qualifying buildings/renovations to generate tax incentives up to $1.80 sq/ft. for owners of private buildings or designers of public buildings placed in service after 2005.  These federal incentives help generate tax refunds or create an additional funding mechanism to promote green design.

I-GO Car Sharing

• Member Discount – Members will receive a waived sign-up fee and renewal fee, special discounts on hourly and day rates, and access to our 7am-6pm business day rate.
• About I-GO Car Sharing- I-GO Car Sharing, Chicago’s only local, non-profit, mission driven, car sharing company, provides thousands of individuals and hundreds of businesses with hourly and daily access to a fleet of over 200 low-emission cars, pickup trucks, minivans, and compact SUV’s in over 35 neighborhoods and 4 suburbs all over the Chicago region.

Phillip’s Interior Plants & Displays

• Member Discount – Members will receive 2 months free with a 12 month program agreement.  This offer is only valid with a minimum $100 per month rental or maintenance program.
• About Phillip’s Interior Plants & Displays – Phillip’s Interior Plants & Displays provides plant and flower programs to commercial businesses, residences, hotels, and hospitals.  Research has shown that indoor plants increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, increase occupancy and retention, make buildings more welcoming, and improve the overall air quality of an environment.  Phillip’s Interior Plants & Displays is a local, family-owned business since 1923, they are Green Earth Green Plants certified, and their employees have over 100 years of interior-scape experience.

Thorn & Associates LLC

• Member Discount – Members will receive a free initial consultation ($150 value) and 15% off legal services.
• About Thorn & Associates LLC – Thorn & Associates LLC is an environmental law firm whose work focuses on representing companies in environmental enforcement and litigation and helping companies obtain environmental permits, comply with environmental laws and regulations, and position products to take advantage of environmental laws.

Zipcar

• Member Discount - Members will receive a waived application fee, a discounted annual fee, reduced hourly and daily Monday through Friday rates, and a special 7am to 7pm rate.
• About Zipcar - Zipcar offers self-service, on-demand cars by the hour or day with locations throughout the Chicagoland area.  Zipcar allows for easy online reservations of a wide range of vehicles within walking distance of their home or office to save both time and money.

VK Sustainable Concepts

• Member Discount – Members will receive substantial discounts on a wide array of marketing services, event planning and interior design services while helping the Chapter earn rewards from each project.  Click here for VK Sustainable Concepts portfolio of services and discounts for chapter members.
• About VK Sustainable Concepts - VK Sustainable Concepts was founded with one goal in mind: to build value and strength to communities with sustainable solutions. By adopting a more holistic approach, we became the only full service interior design firm in Illinois able to offer sustainable solutions for business owners and local municipalities through marketing and interior design services. Determined to provide superior results tailored to meet specific and ever-changing individuals and businesses needs, VK Sustainable Concepts is committed to the restoration, conservation and preservation of our natural and built environment through time-tested and innovative sustainable practices. We are enhancing stewardship through envenvironmentally responsible design for today and for future generations.

Cadreas…coming soon!

• Member Discount - Members will receive a 50% discount on their Professional Showcase Listing Subscription Fees.  Cadreas will donate 5% of gross revenue from various pay per click’s and referrals to the Chapter.
• About Cadreas - Cadreas will feature the largest online collection of image rich showcases and product showrooms in the industry.

GAPScore, Inc….coming soon!

• Member Discount – Members will receive a free registration, online training, and listing of their own home for free (a $149 value).
• About GAPScore, Inc.- GAPScore, Green Assessment Potential Score, is a tool for existing home owners and real estate pros that educations and rates a home’s level of green attributes and potential for green aspects to be implemented.

CHAIR:  Paige Finnegan, LEED AP O+M, Franklin Energy
VICE CHAIR:  Anthony Janowski, LEED AP , Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters
TREASURER:  Joel Freehling, Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Group
SECRETARY:  Ben Bischmann, RPA, LEED AP O+M, Colliers International
EX-OFFICIO CHAIR:  George K. Tuhowski III, LEED AP BD+C, Leopardo Companies

DIRECTORS:
Abigail Corso, PE, Delta Institute
Anthony Corso, LEED AP, Illinois Central College
Kevork Derderian, Continental Offices, Ltd.
Michael Dudek, RA, LEED AP, Larson & Darby Group
Anne Evens, MS, Center for Neighborhood Technology
Helen J. Kessler, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, HJKessler Associates, Inc
Sharon Krohn, Sharon Krohn Consulting
Jon Levey, LEED AP, GREEN, GreenChoice Bank
Paul Matthews, MPM, Roosevelt University

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Doug Widener, LEED AP O+M, USGBC – Illinois Chapter

Many companies are currently budgeting for 2012. We encourage you to remember USGBC-Illinois in your 2012 budgets. As a 501(c)3 not for profit, charitable organization, USGBC-Illinois relies on contributions from companies, foundations, and individuals to accomplish our mission.  An overview of our sponsorship program and sponsor benefits is described here. As a special offer, annual sustaining sponsors of $5,000 or more will receive 10% off of national USGBC member dues.  Companies must commit as a USGBC-Illinois sponsor before November 30, 2011 to qualify.  All eligible sponsors will receive a discount code to use when joining national USGBC or renewing their USGBC membership.  For more information on USGBC-Illinois sponsorship, contact, Doug Widener.

Commissioning – Making Your Sustainable Investment Pay HJK   
Presentation 2- Making Your Sustainable Investment Pay MH