Position Type : Administration
Date Posted : 1 / 14 / 2025
Location : District-Wide
Job Summary : The Director of Advancement leads the school's strategic efforts in advocacy, partnership development, and funding concerns. This role oversees public relations for LILA, fostering all outward-facing relationships and driving enrollment and retention strategies through the supervision of the Enrollment and Marketing team.
Key Responsibilities :
Legislative Advocacy and Community Engagement :
- Educate and build relationships with state legislators to support equitable funding for charter schools.
- Host school visits for legislators, providing tours and education on the excellent opportunities for students at LILA as well as the funding gaps between district schools and charter schools, and the resulting inequities in staff salaries.
- Support the LILA Advocates, a team of parents, staff, and community members to campaign for charter school funding equity at the state legislature, including organizing events like "Charter School Day @ the Capitol."
- Direct the development of advocacy materials such as fact sheets, talking points, and legislative updates to inform stakeholders and advocates.
- Collaborate with the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools to track legislation and coordinate strategic recommendations on legislative positions.
International Students :
Continue to promote LILA's willingness to embrace international students, both those on J-1 visas and through the school's permission to offer F-1 visa support to international high school students wanting to attend LILA.Establish processes to integrate local and international students, highlighting the benefits of these relationships to both groups.Plan and implement a dual diploma program for international IB students.Partnership Development :
Establish and maintain relationships with international IB schools to attract students to LILA's dual diploma program.Establish and maintain relationships with Minnesota post-secondary institutions popular with LILA PSEO students, to establish a direct payment relationship that will allow LILA to receive lease aid dollars and compensatory aid funding for PSEO students.Build and maintain relationships with state organizations, such as the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools and the Minnesota International Educators.Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, such as Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Good Samaritans, Community Scholarship Foundation, and Lion's Club, to enhance support for advocacy efforts.Partner with local businesses and alumni to foster a network of support for LILA students.Fundraising and Donor Relations :
Manage donor projects that are underway : e.g., the Upper School outdoor classroom initiative and the Upper School atrium wall donor acknowledgment art.Assist with the creation of grant proposals as needed, as well as the follow-up reporting to grant organizations.Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications Supervision :
Lead and mentor the department's staff, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals of the school.Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure departmental goals align with the school's mission.Preferred Qualifications :
Bachelor's degree in education, public relations, marketing, or related field.5 years of experience in advocacy, public relations, or nonprofit leadership.Strong knowledge of charter school law and funding.Proven track record in successful legislative engagement.Salary : $60,000-$80,000 annually.
FTE : 1.0
Benefits :
Medical InsuranceNice HealthCare (The Clinic that Comes To You) provided with enrollment in Medical insuranceDental insuranceEmployer contribution of 7.5% of gross pay to individual's Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) accountFlexible Medical and Child Care Spending Accounts20 days of vacation leave per year12 days of sick leave per year12 holidays per yearNew Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr. DayGood FridayMemorial DayJuneteenthJuly 4 (or observed holiday)Labor DayThanksgivingThanksgiving FridayChristmas Day2 additional days during winter breakPhysical Requirements :
This position requires vocal communication, hearing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, long periods of sitting, pushing, pulling, use of hands to grasp and feel, and vision abilities including close, distance, and adjusting focus. Occasional lifting / moving required up to 25 pounds. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary : $60,000 - $80,000
