Director of Advancement

Calvin Christian School•South Holland, IL

12d•$65,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Advancement provides visionary leadership for all fundraising, engagement, and institutional advancement efforts at Calvin Christian School. This senior leadership role is responsible for developing, overseeing, and administering comprehensive strategies that cultivate generosity, strengthen relationships, and advance the mission of Calvin among alumni, grandparents, current parents, staff, churches, and new donors. Working in close partnership with the Head of School, the Director of Advancement leads a coordinated Advancement team and ensures that development, marketing, communications, and engagement efforts are aligned with Calvin’s mission, values, and long-term strategic goals.

Requirements

A vibrant Christian faith and commitment to the lordship of Jesus Christ, evidenced by irreproachable Christian character and active membership in a local Christian church.
A deep commitment to Christian education and to the mission, vision, and values of Calvin Christian School.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate vision, inspire generosity, and tell compelling stories of impact.
Strong interpersonal and relational skills; approachable, professional, tactful, and confident with diverse constituencies.
Proven leadership ability, including strategic thinking, team development, and cross-department collaboration.
High standards of integrity and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously.
Proficiency with donor databases/CRMs, data systems (preferrably Bloomerang), and modern communication tools, with a willingness to learn new technologies.
Bachelor’s degree required
5+ years of advancement, development, or fundraising leadership experience
Experience in Christian education, nonprofit, or faith-based organizations
Demonstrated success in major gifts, annual giving, or campaigns
Experience leading cross-functional teams.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong storytelling ability across multiple formats and platforms.
Comfortable juggling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
Experience with Word, Excel, and Google Workspace preferred.
Ability to speak clearly, hear, see, read, and move throughout campus.
Regular use of hands for typing, photography, and handling materials.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred (in nonprofit management, business, marketing, communications, or related field)
Working proficiency with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, and video editing software.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive Advancement strategy integrating fundraising, enrollment collaboration, communications, and community engagement.
Establish annual and long-term goals for giving, participation, donor retention, and relationship growth.
Ensure all advancement efforts align with Calvin’s mission, strategic plan, and Christ-centered culture of stewardship.
Partner closely with the Head of School in donor cultivation, major gift solicitation, and strategic messaging.
Lead engagement strategies for key constituencies including alumni, grandparents, current parents, staff, churches, and prospective donors.
Builds and stewards meaningful relationships through intentional one-on-one, face-to-face meetings, complemented by events, personal outreach, consistent communication, and disciplined follow-up, engaging a broad and diverse network of community partners in South Holland and the surrounding area.
Foster a school-wide culture of generosity, partnership, and gratitude.
Oversee all fundraising initiatives including annual giving, major gifts, special appeals, and campaigns.
Collaborate with the Head of School and board leadership to identify, cultivate, and steward major donors.
Ensure effective systems for donor tracking, acknowledgment, reporting, and stewardship.
Provide leadership for legacy and planned-giving initiatives to support long-term sustainability.
Provide strategic oversight for major Advancement events, which may include the annual gala, auction, and golf outing.
Ensure events support fundraising goals, donor engagement, and mission-centered storytelling.
Provide critical input and collaboration for key school-wide events such as Grandparents Day, concerts, and graduation.
Provide alignment and leadership across marketing, communications, and enrollment functions.
Collaborate with the Head of School, faculty, and staff to tell compelling stories that demonstrate the transformational impact of a Calvin education.
Ensure consistent, mission-centered messaging across all platforms and audiences.
Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment to support recruitment, retention, and long-term engagement of families.
Lead, support, and evaluate Advancement team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
Ensure effective use of data systems and reporting tools to inform strategy and measure progress.
Establish clear processes, timelines, and accountability for advancement initiatives.
Support the Head of School in working with board members on advancement-related initiatives.
Prepare reports and updates on fundraising and engagement progress as requested.
Represent Calvin Christian School with professionalism, warmth, and integrity in donor and community settings.
Attend staff, committee, and special meetings as assigned.
Maintain accurate documentation and records related to advancement activities.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Head of School.