Director of Development

Celebrating 25 years as an anchor institution in the North Lawndale Community, North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) is doubling down on its mission to not only empower students with the tools needed to successfully make it to and through college but to also become transformational leaders.

NLCP is a co-ed charter network serving approximately 600 students in grades 9-12. Our scholars - the majority of whom are low income - choose NLCP for its culturally responsive and rigorous academic model. Students know when they enroll at NLCP they are entering into a robust web of support and an uplifting community.

At the heart of NLCP's strong community is our commitment to five core employee values that guide the work we do and prepare us to serve students in transformational ways: trustworthiness, timeliness, teamwork, transparency, and trauma-informed. We believe that centering these values and continually growing and improving how they are practiced helps staff members build a safe and supportive environment for both students and fellow staff.

BENEFITS AND PERKS

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• $50K Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (Employer Paid)
• Long-Term Disability (Employer Paid)
• Accident Insurance (Employer Paid)
• Voluntary LifeLock Identity Theft Protection
• Additional Voluntary Benefits (Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Time Off

Position Summary:

North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP), a cornerstone institution in the North Lawndale community for the past 25 years, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Development to spearhead its capital campaign in alignment with the organization's strategic plan and manage annual fundraising efforts.

NLCP's mission is to empower students with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond, while also fostering the development of transformational leaders. The Director of Development will play a critical role in advancing this mission through strategic fundraising initiatives and relationship-building with a wide range of stakeholders.

This position is ideal for a dynamic, results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment. The Director will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, leadership team, and other organizational leaders to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to raise $1.3 million annually and aggressively complete a 3-year campaign of $25 million for capital projects. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about education and social justice to contribute to NLCP's legacy of excellence and community impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Fundraising Campaigns: Design and implement the capital campaign, ensuring it aligns with NLCP's long-term strategic goals. Take the lead in the development, execution, and tracking of fundraising strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets.
• Donor Portfolio Management: Actively manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors, cultivating meaningful relationships and providing excellent stewardship to ensure sustained financial support. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions and giving histories.
• Serve as a senior leadership team member to create alignment and ensure organizational outcomes.
• Supervise Manager of Development who writes and manages grants and supports the gift cycle
• Strategic Planning and Reporting: Regularly assess the effectiveness of fundraising strategies, analyze donor trends, and provide feedback and recommendations for adjustments as needed. Prepare and present reports on fundraising progress to internal stakeholders, including the President and Board of Directors.
• Oversee Gift Cycle: Guide prospective donors through the entire gift cycle, from initial contact through to solicitation, stewardship, and closure. Work strategically to move major gift prospects toward timely solicitations.
• Engagement and Cultivation: Develop and implement targeted engagement strategies for current and potential donors, including campus tours, student mentoring opportunities, and other personalized experiences that strengthen donor commitment to NLCP's mission. Facilitate regular communication to ensure donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their contributions.
• Create Donor Communications: Develop and produce high-quality donor materials, such as acknowledgments, proposals, fundraising reports, and other cultivation materials that effectively communicate NLCP's goals and impact.
• Plan and Execute Fundraising Events: Coordinate key fundraising events, including donor appreciation gatherings, capital campaign launches, and other special events. Collaborate with Board members, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders to ensure the success of these events and maximize revenue.
• Collaborate with Internal Teams: Work in close partnership with NLCP's leadership team, including the Board of Directors, development team, and other departments, to ensure fundraising goals align with the organization's broader objectives and strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Leverage relationships with parents, students, community partners, and alumni to increase involvement in NLCP's fundraising initiatives. Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring their engagement is meaningful and productive.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Fundraising Expertise: Deep understanding of various fundraising strategies, including major gifts, annual giving, capital campaigns, and planned giving. Proven track record of securing large donations and meeting/exceeding fundraising goals.
• Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a team of development professionals. Experience working collaboratively across departments and with diverse stakeholders, including Board members, senior leadership, and external partners.
• Relationship Building: Exceptional ability to build, maintain, and leverage relationships with donors, prospects, and stakeholders. Adept at cultivating long-term relationships that result in sustained financial support.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate NLCP's mission and vision in a compelling way. Comfortable preparing donor proposals, presentations, and reports. Strong public speaking and interpersonal communication skills.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Proficient in analyzing fundraising data and donor trends to inform strategy. Experience with fundraising analytics tools and donor management systems, such as Salesforce or Raiser's Edge.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt strategies in response to changing conditions, donor needs, and organizational priorities.

Education & Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience in fundraising or development, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership or management role.
• Bachelor's degree (required).
• Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA), Nonprofit Management (MNM), or Business Administration (MBA) (preferred).
• Certifications such as CFRE or CNP (optional but valuable).

As a condition of employment with North Lawndale College Prep, candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.