Director of Leadership Giving

Latin School Of Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•$110,000 - $110,000•Onsite

About The Position

Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas . Latin inspires its students to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for working in an outstanding academic environment. The Director of Leadership Giving will secure significant new and increased support from individuals, family foundations, corporations, and professional foundations to advance the mission of Latin School. This position will manage and develop a personal prospect portfolio of approximately 150 donors, identify new prospects with capacity for the development team to review on a monthly basis, manage and deepen relationships with all corporate and foundation donors, identify and execute matching gift and/or challenge giving opportunities, create leadership sponsorship opportunities and materials, and develop strategies for securing annual fund, gala, campaign, and planned gifts. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and partnering with both the Development and Alumni Relations teams, the Director of Leadership Giving will work to foster and sustain a robust culture of philanthropy at Latin. The Director of Leadership Giving will manage relationships and secure support from parent/guardian donors who are capable of making gifts of $10,000+, alumni donors capable of making donations of $5,000+, and maintain giving amongst Parents of Alumni. In addition, this person will manage the School’s Senior Advisory Council–a group of esteemed former Trustees and leaders. The Director of Leadership Giving will track regular contact with donors and prospects in Raiser’s Edge and will be expected to achieve no less than 400 contacts per year with major donors and prospects. This is a full-time in-person role that requires working some evenings and weekends during the school year as well as occasional local travel and 1-2 regional trips each year.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; CFRE certification a plus
6+ years of experience in fundraising, preferably, but not limited to, work in development at an independent school or in higher education
A demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of more than 75-100 donors
A demonstrated success in closing gifts of $10,000 or greater as well as experience securing planned gift agreements
Relationship-oriented person who is able to build rapport with individual donors or families as well as in group settings and at events.
Understanding of major gift fundraising, moves management, solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship
Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently as well as collaborate effectively with the Development team leadership and members
Proficient computer skills and experience using Raiser’s Edge, Google Workspace, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
Local travel 5 days per month. Overnight travel may be required but is expected to be infrequent.

Nice To Haves

Experience in capital campaign planning and soliciting 6 and 7 figure gifts preferred

Responsibilities

Directly manage a portfolio of 150 existing and prospective donors composed of the following audiences: Current Parents/Guardians 70-80%
Alumni 10-15%
Senior Advisory Council 5-7%
Parents of Alumni 3-5%
Actively engage donors and prospects, achieving at least 400 contact points per year.
Track and regularly report on donor contact activity in Raiser’s Edge Database.
Articulate the case for support verbally and in writing so that individuals can authentically connect with and feel inspired by the vision, mission, and goals of Latin School of Chicago.
Develop and propose strategies for solicitation of major and planned gifts, including: identifying prospects based upon available data in department database and external research; determining steps for strengthening relationships with prospects/donors; recommending specific purpose and level of gift; and identifying leaders in the Latin community to be involved in cultivation and subsequent solicitation (and coordinating their efforts).
Understand funding priorities and new school initiatives where donors can designate their support.
Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) initiate contacts with potential major donors; (2) develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers; (3) move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; (4) make solicitations when appropriate; (5) maintain stewardship contacts with donors.
Prepare formal written and designed materials – letters, proposals, endowment reports, sponsorship and leadership giving one-sheeters, and briefing documents – associated with major gift donor/funder relationships.
In partnership with the Chief Development Officer and Director of Philanthropic Strategy, develop gift tables and KPIs to plan and track giving strategy for new major and planned gifts.
Manage the Latin School Senior Advisory Council, which includes creating engagement opportunities, planning an annual working meeting with the Head of School, soliciting gifts from each member, and creating a thoughtful stewardship plan.
Work collaboratively and in partnership with Chief Development Officer, Director of Philanthropic Strategy, and Director of Alumni Engagement to coordinate outreach efforts and support a seamless donor journey through various engagement touchpoints.
In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, create opportunities to engage the Head of School in donor solicitations.
Collaborate with team members to ensure major gift donors are properly recognized, engaged and stewarded
Attend, and provide support as needed, all donor cultivation/stewardship events.
In collaboration with the Development Operations Manager, develop detailed profiles on major and planned gifts prospects.
Participate, as required, in development team efforts, including solicitation strategy for key prospects, internal planning efforts, and representing the department at various school-related events and activities.
Support future capital and endowment campaigns, as needed and as directed by the Chief Development Officer, Assistant Head of School and Head of School.