Director of Development

The mission of San Miguel School Chicago is to transform the lives of our students, their families and communities through education, by touching hearts and inspiring minds.

As a Catholic and Lasallian school, SMSC envisions an educational community that provides each student with emotional support, a sense of belonging, instills Gospel values, and is animated by and fosters a spirit of Faith and Zeal. San Miguel delivers a diverse, exceptional, high quality, and comprehensive educational program for our students and promotes and sustains a vibrant relationship between the school and society. San Miguel positions itself to achieve and steward a strong and sustainable financial foundation by building appropriate reserves and diverse revenue streams to ensure its future viability.

This Development Director role provides an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a variable tuition school, ensuring it continues to provide access to high-quality education for deserving students. If you are a passionate, strategic fundraiser with a deep commitment to educational equity and philanthropy, we encourage you to apply.

Job Title: Development Director

Location: San Miguel School Chicago, Chicago IL

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary:

• The Development Director will lead and manage all Donor relationships at San Miguel School Chicago, a variable tuition school located in the Back of the Yards dedicated to providing high-quality education to under-resourced 6th 8th grade students. This individual will be instrumental in securing the philanthropic support necessary to sustain and expand the school’s mission. The role involves cultivating relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporations, as well as developing a robust planned giving program. 80% of this role will be focused on managing a portfolio of mid-sized to major donors and 20% of the role will assist in the planning and execution of key fundraising events.

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Relations & Portfolio Management (80%):

• Major Gifts & Donor Cultivation: Establish and nurture relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporations to secure significant gifts that support the school’s mission. Develop strategies for donor engagement, recognition, and retention, with a focus on sustainable, long-term relationships.
• Planned Giving: Build and manage a planned giving program designed to encourage legacy gifts, such as bequests, charitable gift annuities, and other vehicles that support the school’s future. Work with prospective planned giving donors to understand their philanthropic goals and how these align with the school’s mission.
• Donor Stewardship: Oversee the school’s donor stewardship program to ensure donors feel appreciated and informed about the impact of their gifts. This includes personalized thank-you notes, recognition in school publications, and updates on how their contributions are helping to sustain the school’s tuition-free model.
• Donor Engagement Strategy: Develop and execute strategies that increase donor engagement, deepen relationships, and inspire continued support, including through personalized communications, meetings, and events.
• Board Engagement: Work closely with the Board of Directors and Development Committee to ensure alignment with the school’s mission and fundraising objectives. Engage board members in fundraising efforts, including identifying and cultivating prospective donors.
• Community Engagement: Act as a representative of the school in the broader community, engaging with potential donors, families, alumni, and local businesses to increase awareness and garner support for the school’s mission.

Fundraising Events (10%)

• Gala and Golf Outing: Work with the Board of Directors and school leadership team to manage the planning, promotion, and execution of the school’s fundraising events, the Annual Gala and the Golf Outing. This includes overseeing sponsorship solicitation, organizing registration and ticket sales, auction coordination, and event logistics to maximize revenue while ensuring an engaging and memorable experience for attendees.
• Event Communications: Develop and distribute all event-related materials, such as invitations, sponsorship packages, and thank-you messages, ensuring effective marketing and donor outreach.

Development Strategy & Management (10%)

• Annual Fund Appeals: Work with the leadership team to lead the school’s Annual Fund, which supports the general operations of the school and its expansive scholarship program. Set annual goals, create donor communications, and track progress to ensure fundraising targets are met.
• Donor Database Management: Work with the leadership team to maintain and update the school’s donor database, ensuring accurate records of all donations, pledges, and interactions with donors. Analyze giving patterns and trends to refine fundraising strategies and maximize support.
• Reporting & Analysis: Regularly assess fundraising progress and provide reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Analyze the effectiveness of fundraising efforts and make data-driven decisions to optimize future campaigns and initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum experience of 5-7 years of increasing responsibility in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts, corporations, planned giving, donor relations, and event planning.
• Proven success in securing major gifts and building strong, lasting donor relationships.
• Experience planning and executing fundraising events such as galas, golf outings, or auctions.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Familiarity with donor databases and CRM tools (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect), and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by variable tuition educational institutions and the ability to effectively communicate the school’s mission to potential donors.
• Capacity to work in a collaborative environment and to maintain strong attention to detail.
• A strong passion for education, equity, and the mission of providing an exceptional education in under-resourced communities.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary to attend donor meetings and fundraising events.
  • Must be able to travel locally and nationally for donor meetings and events.
  • Occasional lifting and carrying of event materials.

Compensation is competitive, offering salary and benefit package which includes comprehensive medical and dental plans with the opportunity to participate in 403(b) retirement.

To apply: Please upload resume, cover letter, and an original compelling writing sample outlining the value of our mission and work in the local community (not more than 500 words)