Description
This position will start July 8, 2024.
At Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, we ignite our students’ Jewish souls, educate them to their highest potential, and empower them to use their knowledge, skills, and creativity to enrich our world.
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is responsible for leading and supervising the advancement team, guiding strategic decisions, coordinating collaborative work, and overseeing project management for the entire team. This position reports to the Head of School and is a member of Schechter’s senior leadership team.
The overarching goals of the advancement team are to engage current and new supporters, increase financial investment in the school, and build a strong network of stakeholders. The responsibilities of the team include fundraising, communications, marketing and brand management, recruitment, and community engagement.
The CAO is responsible for guiding the team to increase the school’s donor base and total development funds received, increase enrollment throughout the grades, and ensure a positive image of the school in the wider community.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
Co-create, and oversee the implementation of, key annual advancement plans, including:
A Development Plan - with a focus on increasing large gifts and grants - in coordination with the Director of Major Gifts and Grants as well as the Development and Events Manager
A Marketing and Communications Plan - with a focus on value proposition and brand identity - in coordination with the Marketing, Communications and Alumni Relations Manager
A Recruitment Plan - with a focus on increased enrollment - in coordination with the Director of Admissions and Enrollment
- Create and oversee systems and strategies to formalize collaboration and documentation among members of the advancement team.
- Create and oversee systems of tracking Customer Relationship Management (CRM) for both donors and prospective families.
- Articulate SMART goals and project management strategies for all events, across the different domains of advancement.
- Community Engagement
- Serve as a strategic partner and liaison with the Parent Organization and Educational Leadership Team, maximizing the impact of these collaborations.
- Build relationships with key stakeholders, including top donors, PO leadership, ambassadors, area mission-aligned organizations and more.
- Co-create and oversee family engagement calendar and events.
Identify and create opportunities to increase the visibility of Schechter through strategic partnerships, events, and special initiatives as schedule and budget permit.
Management
Coach, supervise, and evaluate advancement team members to ensure the team is as effective and efficient as possible. Team members include:
- Director of Major Gifts and Grants
- Director of Admissions and Enrollment
- Development and Events Manager
- Marketing, Communications and Alumni Relations Manager
- Database Specialist (currently reports to Development and Events Manager)
Provide guidance and accountability for project management, systems for documentation, and tracking performance against all advancement plans.
Coordinate collaborative efforts of members of the advancement team.
Leadership Team and BoardParticipate actively in leadership team meetings to strategize and position the organization for the future.
Collaborate with Board members around strategic advancement plans.
Serve as the primary Advancement Team liaison with the Board, in partnership with other members of the team as appropriate.
This position reports to the Head of School.
Tangible and Intangible Benefits Include:
- Competitive pay based on education and experience
- Medical Insurance and other benefits offered including vacation and paid sick time
- Opportunities and funding for ongoing professional development
- Supportive leadership and a welcoming community
- Culture of caring
- Culture of collaboration and reflective practice
Solomon Schechter is an incredible place to work and part of an amazing community. Join us!