Senior Development Officer

The posted salary range includes both the base salary and bonus potential

All candidates must submit a resume AND cover letter to complete an application for this role

Students who attend Chicago Jesuit Academy (CJA) will be the next generation of leaders in the City of Chicago. Talented people who wish to be employed by Chicago Jesuit Academy must demonstrate a past and continued commitment to educational equity, professional development and the Jesuit ideal of being people for others. Strong candidates are disciplined workers, compassionate listeners and tireless advocates for the children they serve.

Most importantly, they recognize that Chicago Jesuit Academy will ask them to approach their work as a vocation and make substantial contributions of their time and talents in the service of the students, alumni and families of CJA.

Our ideal Senior Development Officer will play a crucial role in implementing fundraising strategies, cultivating donor relationships, writing grants and supporting various efforts to ensure the smooth functioning of our Development department. They will become an integral part of the team’s success as a trusted leader who exercises sound judgment, manages increasingly complex fundraising initiatives and contributes to the team s strategic direction.

Their sincere commitment to educational equity, exceptional communication, strength in building relationships, meticulous attention to detail and innovative thinking will be essential to our team’s ability to achieve our goals and further the mission of our larger school community. We believe in learning through action, so there will be close collaboration with colleagues as this role learns to authentically master their contributions to the work of our team.

Our ideal Senior Development Officer will:

Fundraising and Stewardship

• Fundraise between $1-1.5 million annually through strategic consideration and invitation of renewals, increases in support or new financial asks to support team in meeting a $15-$16M collective fundraising goal
• Serve as a primary writer for grant proposals and foundations’ annual reporting, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with funder priorities.
• Actively research new prospects, identify new connections and engage in new introductions to our work, both for individuals and foundations
• Directly steward financial and other contributions from major donors to achieve the annual fundraising goals of the Development team
• Master an understanding of the programs, framework, mission and outcomes of our student, alumni and partner-school relationships to effectively share our work with donors
• Solicit and coordinate on-campus visits for the President and fellow team members
• Manage all aspects of your portfolio including oversight and maintenance of donor data and processes
• Work with donors to coordinate small events to introduce our work to their networks
• Model the highest standards of donor stewardship, collaboration and professional practice for the team

Communication

• Consistently engage with donors through clear and compelling communication about how their investment is making a difference in the lives of the students, alumni, families and communities we serve
• Manage major donor renewal cycles, including drafting communications and engaging Board and Committee members
• Oversee and execute various donor communications projects per deadlines outlined in the team s annual calendar

Events

• Supporting planning and managing annual school or fundraising events, including logistics, outreach and overall management in partnership with donors or fellow staff

Strategic Planning/Other

• Collaborates with manager and fellow Senior-level team members to make strategic, programming and support decisions aligned with fiscal year budget, team goals and guiding principles
• Provide input and insights to further develop the team’s fundraising strategies
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned by manager

The ideal candidate should:

• Have a sincere commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion with a belief that all children deserve equitable access to a high-quality education
• Possess impeccable attention to detail and accuracy and…