Director of Development

LAWNDALE EDUCATIONAL AND REGIONAL NETWORK CHARTER SCHOOL•Chicago, IL

1d•$130,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 2001, LEARN is a nationally recognized non-profit network of PreK-8th grade elementary charter schools that is creating measurable, transformational change in the lives of its students. We currently educate 4,400 scholars across 11 campuses, most of which are in Chicago, IL. LEARN also serves families in Waukegan and North Chicago, IL, including children of service members stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Academy and Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling (JBAB) in Washington, D.C. LEARN provides a rigorous college-prep education grounded in an understanding of each student’s individual learning style and academic needs. We are guided by five core values: high expectations for achievement, mutual respect, a safe and nurturing environment, active family involvement, and the holistic development of every child. 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, enroll in college at 3x the national average for their peers, and graduate college at twice the rate. LEARN seeks a Director of Development to partner closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in executing LEARN’s ambitious fundraising strategy, growing the Development team, and personally cultivating major gifts. This is a hands-on, strategic, and results-driven role for a well-connected fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing high-value gifts and grants across multiple channels. The Director of Development will serve as a strategic right-hand to the CDO, providing leadership, oversight, and mentorship for the Development team, while directly driving major fundraising initiatives and cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree a plus
5–7 years of professional fundraising experience with a proven record of securing significant gifts ($100K+), and an existing network of donors and funding sources
Proven leadership in building and developing a high-performing fundraising team, with the ability to mentor, inspire, and drive results
Hands-on experience across individual, corporate, foundation, and planned giving channels, with a track record of personally securing significant gifts
Executive presence with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, able to persuasively convey LEARN’s mission to diverse stakeholders and influence key partners
Strategic and results-oriented thinker, able to proactively identify revenue opportunities, implement creative solutions, and achieve ambitious fundraising goals
Strong operational and analytical skills, including budgeting, financial oversight, and data management to drive effective development operations
High initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, with a collaborative and solution-focused mindset
Passion for LEARN’s mission and alignment with the school’s values and strategic objectives

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the CDO to develop and execute comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategies for individual, institutional, and government giving.
Actively cultivate, solicit, and personally secure major gifts, leveraging a strong existing network of high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
Lead and grow operational fundraising program, securing YOY revenue growth
Drive fundraising results, tracking performance against goals, and using data to refine strategy.
Proactively identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities to support network growth and long-term strategic goals.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to the Development team, including the Development Coordinator and future hires
Foster a high-performing team culture and support professional growth and accountability through goal-setting, performance management, and coaching
Ensure efficient development operations, including donor database management (EveryAction), grant tracking, and reporting
Support the CDO and CEO for high-value portfolio cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and reporting
Partner with the Board Development Committee to strengthen board giving and engagement initiatives
Collaborate with school leadership, staff, and other network teams to align fundraising and communication priorities
Represent LEARN externally at events, donor meetings, and community engagements as needed
Oversee development operations and support budgeting, revenue forecasting, and analytical reporting
Ensure compliance with all grant, audit, and reporting requirements
Track, analyze, and report on fundraising metrics to guide strategy and provide visibility to the CDO and executive team
Support the creation of compelling solicitations and stewardship materials that amplify LEARN’s story and donor impact