Announcing a New Collaborative Role: Program and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator
As the nonprofit sector evolves, organizations find innovative ways to maximize resources and deepen their impact. One of the most promising trends is the concept of shared employment, where nonprofits collaborate to hire and manage talent, allowing them to operate more efficiently while strengthening their collective mission. Nonprofit Support Network and Muncie BY5 are leading this charge by creating a new, shared role: the Program and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator.
This innovative partnership brings together the strengths of both organizations to deliver vital community services while reducing operational costs. The Program and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator will serve both organizations, supporting programs, coordinating events, and driving strategic initiatives that will benefit nonprofits and early childhood programs across the community.
Nonprofit Support Network and Muncie BY5 are no strangers to collaboration and shared services, as the two organizations have been sharing office space, technology, and resources since June 2022. By a stroke of perfect timing, both organizations needed a part-time staff person, and the opportunity to combine these roles into a shared position aligned seamlessly with each organization's goals. The partnership enables both organizations to build deeper connections with stakeholders and continue strengthening the nonprofit and childcare community.
Ellie Parkison is Nonprofit Support Network's second, permanent employee serving as the Program and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator.
This new shared position will be vital in maintaining and expanding the programs and services of both organizations. With the addition of this role, Nonprofit Support Network’s Relationship & Resource Director will have the capacity to focus outward—building relationships with stakeholders, identifying new opportunities for programs and services, and offering more one-on-one support for nonprofits through coaching, mentoring, and resource discovery. This partnership also supports Muncie BY5’s Executive Director and Assistant Director of Childcare Resources to focus on strengthening their Professional Learning Institute—expanding access to high-quality training and development opportunities for early childhood professionals. This shared position will play a crucial role in supporting the coordination of these learning opportunities, helping to ensure that educators and caregivers have the resources they need to enhance their skills and better serve young children in the community.
The Coordinator will support initiatives such as BY5’s Little Free Libraries, Little Learner Passports, and community book donations while helping Nonprofit Support Network with broader nonprofit initiatives. This role represents a significant step toward aligning our efforts to deepen our impact within the Muncie community and beyond. By supporting these initiatives, the Coordinator will play a crucial role in enhancing our community and fostering a sense of pride among us all.
Meet Ellie Parkison
We are thrilled to announce that Ellie Parkison is stepping into this role. From her hands-on experience as a childcare professional to her work in nonprofit advocacy, Ellie brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this position. Her proven skills in program coordination, event management, and communications strategy will be instrumental in expanding the reach and effectiveness of both organizations.
A proud Muncie native and Ball State University graduate, Ellie has actively contributed to her community through various initiatives that align with Nonprofit Support Network’s mission of supporting and strengthening nonprofits. Her dedication to our community and desire to build collaboration and partnership will ensure this new role’s success.