Director of Individual Giving

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School•Chicago, IL

10h

About The Position

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School seeks a mission-driven and relationship-oriented Director of Individual Giving to serve as a front-line fundraiser and key member of the Advancement team. This role is responsible for the identification, cultivation, personal solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with a focus on growing annual and leadership-level annual giving. The Director of Individual Giving manages a dynamic donor portfolio, builds meaningful relationships, and works collaboratively across the school to align philanthropic interests with institutional priorities. The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraiser who is comfortable personally asking for gifts, enjoys relationship-based work, and is energized by the opportunity to help grow Cristo Rey’s individual giving program during a period of continued momentum and impact. As the school approaches its 30th anniversary, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to build authentic donor relationships, contribute to a growing culture of philanthropy, and directly impact students’ lives through the power of generosity.

Requirements

5+ years of active fundraising solicitation experience
Demonstrated success personally soliciting and closing gifts from individual donors
Proven experience managing a donor portfolio and moving donors toward increased engagement and giving
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent relationship-building, organizational, and time-management skills
Ability to work independently while maintaining consistent communication with colleagues and leadership
Commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
Bachelor’s degree
Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Exposure to leadership-level annual giving or early-stage major gifts
Experience in education or other mission-driven organizations
Experience working with board members or volunteer leaders
Experience using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of approximately 125–150 individual donors, including annual and leadership-level annual giving prospects.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, conducting face-to-face meetings and tailored outreach to build strong, lasting relationships.
Develop and execute individualized strategies to retain donors, increase giving levels, and strengthen long-term engagement.
Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Vice President of Advancement in shaping individual giving strategies and priorities.
Collaborate with Advancement colleagues, school leadership, and board members to advance fundraising goals and philanthropic participation.
Work across departments to align donor interests with Cristo Rey’s programs, priorities, and funding needs.
Advance the mission of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School by cultivating relationships and serving as a visible community ambassador.
Actively participate in the planning and execution of Advancement events and donor engagement opportunities, including alumni activities, cultivation events, and the VIVA! Gala.
Support efforts to grow alumni engagement and alumni giving in collaboration with Advancement and Communications colleagues.
Ensure timely, thoughtful, and consistent donor stewardship that reflects Cristo Rey’s mission and values.
Accurately track donor interactions, solicitations, and stewardship activities in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT.
Apply current trends and best practices in philanthropy while maintaining strong fundraising fundamentals.