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Employment Opportunities

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Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

Please click here to see our full Position Profile.

Role Summary
The Chief Development Officer role will be the strategic architect of the school's
fundraising pillar, which is vital to operations. As the school embarks upon a new vision
for its future and strategic plan, this presents a rare and exceptional opportunity to
transform fundraising at a key stage in the school's lifecycle. This role will serve as a
catalyst for innovation and be responsible for re-envisioning and reshaping how Old
Town School engages with donors, inspires giving and builds new and enduring
relationships.

Fundraising currently represents 22% of the school's revenue at approximately $3.5M
annually. In addition to the CDO, the Development team is composed of a Director of
Major Gifts, Institutional Giving Manager, Development Manager, and a Development
Operations Associate.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
The following describes the key responsibilities of the person assigned to this position.
This list is not intended as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities.

Leadership and Management

  • Lead with a sophisticated understanding of the school: its mission, culture,
    policies, values, history, key stakeholders, programs, and finances.
  • Foster an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes open communication
    and collaboration.
  • Ensure strategic management of all fundraising activities.
  • Model effective strategy, approaches, and techniques, as well as transparency
    and collaboration.
  • Prepare regular reports and presentations on fundraising activities for the CEO,
    Board of Directors and senior management team.
  • Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the school's mission and programs in
    the funding community.
  • Spearhead initiatives that streamline operational processes and reach new
    audiences and potential donors.
  • Ensure that efficient processes and data-informed decision-making guide the
    work of the Development department.
  • Oversee preparation and administration of departmental budget.
  • Ensure the school is employing best philanthropic practices.
  • Evaluate current Development department staffing needs and oversee
    recruitment, retention, training, management, mentoring, professional
    development, and evaluation of an efficient and highly professional team.
  • Support the existing team with training and professional development, and
    ensure collegiality and common vision within the department.
  • Utilize appropriate metrics on a team and individual basis to ensure
    accountability and results.

    Planning
    In partnership with the CEO and Board of Directors:

  • Establish a strategic vision and operational plan for the school's fundraising
    strategy and initiatives.
  • Develop and implement plans for fundraising in alignment with school priorities,
    setting measurable goals and objectives for annually increasing and diversifying
    income sources and cultivating new donors.
  • Identify and refine fundraising priorities.
  • Identify and recruit new Board members, educate members about their role in
    advancing a culture of philanthropy, cultivate and solicit financial support, and
    leverage networks to expand the donor base.

    Fundraising and External Relations

  • Increase and diversify the school's support from individuals, corporations,
    foundations, and government sources.
  • Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, including individual and
    institutional sources.
  • Identify and cultivate new major gift prospects.
  • Lead and oversee donor cultivation and solicitation opportunities that involve the
    CEO and the Board of Directors.
  • Ensure effective, ongoing, and productive communication with current and prospective donors.
  • Ensure ongoing prospect discovery and engagement at all levels of giving.
  • Maintain current knowledge of important developments across regional and
    national funding environments.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing department to ensure integrated, consistent, and
    effective marketing and communications in support of fundraising or stewardship initiatives.
  • Strategically leverage a variety of communication channels and platforms to
    support fundraising goals.

    To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity

    Old Town School is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. Old Town School strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community focused organization.