Director of Development

Position Highlights:

• Full-time, On-site position
• Opportunity to support foundation giving for high school with a legacy of advancing equity and academic excellence
• Location: Evanston, IL
• Compensation package includes salary of $100-120k plus generous benefits

Company Overview:

Our client, The ETHS Foundation, was created more than 15 years ago to raise and distribute funds to Evanston Township High School. In an era of tax caps and limited funds for Capital Improvements, the Foundation was created to complement, enhance, and enrich beyond the means of conventional public funding opportunities that further the educational mission of Evanston Township High School.

The Foundation has grown from 1 or 2 limited projects a year with several hundred thousand dollars in annual support to multi-million dollar support of multiple areas at ETHS. These areas have expanded to include programmatic support as well as physical spaces. Throughout the past 15 years, the Foundation has been able to provide close to $15,000,000 of financial support directly to these projects.

The growth of the Foundation, the fundraising capacity of the Foundation, and the needs of ETHS present the Foundation with a unique opportunity to raise its impact to the next level.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development (DoD) is responsible for significant fundraising activities on behalf of the ETHS Foundation. To support the successful outcomes of the work of the Director of Development, the focus of activities will be primarily on a portfolio of approximately 50-80 major gift donors who have the capacity to give at least $100,000 to the current Capital Campaign. The DoD reports directly to the CAO and will collaborate with the Superintendent and other leaders, who will also support and participate in the major gift process. The DoD assumes the essential functions of the CAO in the CAO’s absence.

What You Will Be Responsible For:

Major Gift Fundraising:

• Working with the CAO, annually agrees to a portfolio of selected donors who have major gift potential.
• Develops strategies and research to identify, prioritize, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward approximately 50-80 donors and prospects a year.
• Annually adjusts that portfolio composition in coordination with the CAO.
• Annually identifies an additional 10% of the portfolio to be added as gifts increase each year.
• Develops and maintains, at the direction of the CAO, a portfolio of internal and external partnerships for the growth and development of the Foundation.
• Secures major gifts toward the Centennial Campaign and the Foundation Board’s annual goals.
• Develops and manages the stewardship plan for all major gifts.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Individual Giving Pipeline Development:

• Designs and executes a comprehensive individual giving program that encompasses all levels of donors, from annual to major gifts.
• Implements a moves management system to effectively cultivate donors and increase their level of support over time.
• Develops strategies to upgrade mid-level donors to major gift prospects.
• Partners with Foundation and Alumni Relations staff to develop annual, leadership, and major giving communications tactics and strategies.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Communications:

• Works with appropriate and relevant District staff on required follow-up reports to grantors, as appropriate.
• Provides regular reports to the CAO and the Foundation Board (and committees) on progress and stewardship of an assigned portfolio.
• Partners with Foundation and Alumni Relations staff in support of building the individual giving and alumni pipeline.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Role:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred.
• 10 years of experience in charitable fund development with at least 5 years in leadership positions.
• Demonstrated success in securing major and annual gifts from foundations and corporations, and individuals.
• Demonstrated leadership success in the management of capital campaigns.
• Demonstrated success in working as a member of a team and developing effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and donors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated track record with respect to detail orientation and accuracy.
• Computer literacy and competency with electronic donor tracking systems.
• Commitment to ETHS District 202 Foundation’s & the District’s mission and goals.
• Knowledge of the Evanston/Skokie, Chicagoland, and national philanthropic communities.
• Understanding of and appreciation for leading-edge educational programs across the country.
• Sound organizational ability, a high degree of energy, creativity, and initiative; the ability to project the unique aims and values of ETHS to its donors and alumni.
• Proven success in large gift closure.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment.
• Ability to work closely with District administration, the Alumni Association, and the Foundation Board.
• Forthright and transparent communication with District administration, the Alumni Association, District 202 Board, Foundation Board, and office staff.

Compensation and Benefits:

The role includes a competitive salary of $100-120K based on experience plus a generous benefits package, including pension contributions.

Job Structure:

The position requires approximately 25% travel nationwide to meet with donors, cultivate gifts, and maintain donor relationships. In addition, the role involves participating in periodic donor stewardship and alumni events held across the country. The term of employment is 12 months (260 working days)

Work Environment:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting (10 pounds frequently; 20-30 pounds occasionally), carrying (10 pounds frequently; 20-30 pounds occasionally), pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, squating, bending, reaching, crouching and/or crawling and significant finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 25% sitting, 30% walking, and 45% standing. The job is performed under exposure to inclement weather and possibly in extreme cold weather and extreme hot weather at times. The job is performed in a generally hazard-free environment.

ETHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability.