Director of Development

Great Lakes Academy Director of Development
About Great Lakes Academy Great Lakes Academy (GLA) is a high-performing, single-site charter school located in South Chicago. Our mission is to prepare all of our students with the fundamental academic skills, critical thinking ability, and strength of character to excel in high school, college, and a career of their choice. We empower all of our students with the education today that they will need to change the world tomorrow.
Our staff work hard to close opportunity gaps for our scholars, and the data speaks for itself: In 2023, on the rigorous Illinois Assessment of Readiness, GLA had the highest percentage of students reaching proficiency in ELA and Math of all elementary schools in Hyde Park, Woodlawn, South Shore, and South Chicago.
We are proud of our growth and achievement, but we have our sights set even higher for the 2024-25 school year, and we need your help to reach our goals. We are seeking a high-capacity, experienced Director of Development to join our Leadership Team.
Job Description
The Director of Development works closely with the Executive Director and GLA Board to create an integrated development strategy that incorporates major gifts, foundation grants, and corporate giving including sponsorships. This includes:
\t Job Outputs

1. Maintain donor retention of at least 60%+ year over year.
2. Increase new donors by 10%+ year over year expanding the overall donor base.
3. Maintain at least a 10% reactivation rate year over year.
4. Raise $600,000+ towards general operating on an annual basis.
5. Potential in next 2 years: lead & run capital campaign for early childhood education expansion project.

Job Responsibilities

1. Oversees planning & execution of all annual fund revenue streams, including: special events, grants, foundation & corporate partnerships, and major gifts.
2. Responsible for managing the donor portfolio, CRM, and external communication channels..
3. Provides strategic support around marketing and most external communications.
4. Oversees donor identification & research, cultivation, solicitations, Board prospecting and external relations activities.
5. Identifies & secures large gifts for programmatic initiatives of GLA.
6. Participates in the strategic planning process with ED and Board
7. Maintain clear metrics to analyze and action plan to meet development goals.

Competencies

1. Ability to think broadly about the strengths, opportunities and challenges in setting stretch yet realistic goals and the action plans to achieve them.
2. Strong results-orientation: Ability to manage and thrive in a metric-based environment.
3. High energy leader: Known as a positive and energetic leader willing to lead by example through personal effort and initiative,
4. Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
5. Decisive problem solver & critical thinker who can analyze problems from multiple perspectives.

Qualifications

1. Five or more years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with an emphasis on individual major gifts. CFRE or other training and development is a plus.
2. Bachelor's degree.
3. Demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and seek assistance as appropriate
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills
5. Superior interpersonal skills
6. Local travel and availability to work certain evenings required