We are seeking an experienced development professional to join us in making a meaningful impact in the Little Village neighborhood through Grace Christian Academy. For more information about the school, please visit www.gcachicago.org.

Job Description

Title: Development Director

Reports to: Principal

Start Date: Immediate

Status:  Full-Time

Position Summary:

The Development Director is responsible for creating, directing, and implementing effective fundraising strategies and initiatives to engage supporters of the GCA mission in meaningful ways and ensure the health of the school’s community. Primary functions include: annual fund; identifying major donor prospects and cultivating relationships with all levels of donors; and estate planning/planned giving.

The Development Director is a proven effective leader and a manager, a successful relationship-builder, and an enthusiastic ambassador for Christian private education and the GCA mission.

Essential Functions:

· Together with the Principal, develop goals, objectives, and timelines that are based on current and future

needs/priorities.

· Direct all aspects of fund development including annual, major, and planned giving, capital projects, database

management, and the administration and reporting of department activities.

· Create and implement a donor identification and cultivation plan that will primarily focus on major, qualified

prospects; actively schedule and participate in donor visits; and coordinate all stewardship.

· Effectively involve/engage school leadership, board members, families, grandparents, church leaders, and other

community members in the major gift identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process.

· Promote development efforts to the internal and external constituencies.

· Work with the Principal and Director of Admissions and Outreach to ensure a positive school image in the

community.

· Identify potential strategic collaborations and outreach initiatives that align with the school’s mission.

· Develop and manage the department annual budget.

· Provide timely reports to school leadership, the board of directors, and key constituencies.

Position Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in applicable field.

· Five (5) or more years of broad nonprofit experience in fund development with a proven track record of

fundraising success.

· Organized and articulate leader with the ability to create and implement innovative programs and strategies to

educate, motivate, inform, and inspire support for GCA needs.

· Experience and ability in passionately communicating the mission, vision, and values through a compelling

Case for Support to multiple audiences.

· Demonstrated ability to think strategically, with a thorough understanding of management techniques, and

knowledge of religious/faith-based fundraising and culture.

· Hands-on experience with direct mail, major gifts, estate planning/planned giving, fundraising software

database, integration of marketing/communications in development activities, and grant writing/grant

management. Ability to multi-task is essential.

· Imaginative, dynamic, development professional with a passion for the GCA mission.

· Spanish-speaking preferred.

· Able to successfully undergo background check.

Schedule/Travel:

At times, this position requires working evenings and weekends, and the ability to travel within the area to meet with existing and potential donors.

Compensation and Benefits:

Attractive compensation and Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits (e.g., health, disability, and retirement pension plan). Opportunity to participate in a Christian school community based on collaboration, mutual care, and a commitment to the greater good.

For consideration, please email Carlo Giannotta, Principal, at cgiannotta@gcachicago.org. Please include cover letter, resume, and (3) professional references.