Chief Development Officer

LAWNDALE EDUCATIONAL AND REGIONAL NETWORK CHARTER SCHOOL•Chicago, IL

5d•$200,000 - $210,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 2001, LEARN Charter School Network is a nationally recognized nonprofit transforming the lives of PreK–8th grade students by providing an exceptional education. Serving more than 4,100 students—75% low-income and 85% minority—across 11 campuses in Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C., LEARN is a college-prep program that empowers scholars for lifelong success. Our approach is grounded in five core values: high expectations, mutual respect, a safe and nurturing environment, family engagement, and whole child development. LEARN’s impact is proven—recognized by Stanford University as one of the nation’s top “Gap-Busting” school networks. LEARN scholars achieve proficiency rates that are 2-3x comparable schools and its alumni enroll in college at 3x the national average for their peers and graduate college at 2x the rate. LEARN does the ordinary extraordinarily well delivering an unparalleled academic experience each and every day for our students and their families. The Opportunity LEARN seeks a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and elevate our multi-million-dollar annual fundraising and communications efforts. Reporting to the President & CEO, the CDO will partner with a talented team, an engaged Board of Directors, and committed stakeholders to expand LEARN’s philanthropic reach and sustain its mission-driven growth. This is an opportunity for a visionary fundraiser and team leader to advance one of the country’s most effective models for educational equity

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
7+ years of professional fundraising experience, including 3+ years of department management experience. Campaign experience is a plus.
Proven track record of raising several million dollars annually with concrete examples of success with personally securing major gifts in excess of $1M.
Expertise across individual, corporate, foundation, and government giving.
Track record of building and empowering high-performing teams.
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

Design and execute a comprehensive, diversified fundraising strategy for LEARN IL and LEARN D.C.
Secure major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources.
Drive annual fundraising results of approximately $5 million.
Select, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Development and Marketing team including clearly defining performance expectations and providing targeted professional development.
Produce compelling marketing and communications materials that amplify LEARN’s story.
Support staff and student recruitment and strengthen internal and external communications.
Serve as a key member of LEARN’s executive team, collaborating with the CEO, Board, and fellow Chiefs to achieve network goals.
Partner with the Board Development Committee to drive engagement, communication and board reporting.
Achieve 100% board participation in annual giving, and leverage board networks for growth.
Oversee the development and marketing budget ensuring that the department is within budget for revenue and expenses.
Manage LEARN’s response to audit, reporting, and compliance requirements related to its individual, foundation, and government grants.
Ensure that EveryAction, LEARN’s donor database, is maintained and updated with all donor information including gifts, correspondence, grant agreements, and other contact.