Title:  Assistant Development Director, Engagement & Events

Classification:  Exempt

Department:  Institutional Advancement      

Status:  Full-Time

Reports to:  Development Director

Hired by:  Head of Schools  

Company Description

Founded in Chicago in 1876, Sacred Heart Schools at Sheridan Road (Hardey Preparatory for Boys and Academy of the Sacred Heart for Girls) are independent, Catholic, single-gender elementary schools committed to academic excellence within the context of a Christian, faith-based community.  The educational mission is deeply rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart and shared with the Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in 30 countries; including 25 schools in the United States and Canada.  The essence of this tradition is the total development of each child: spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Our girls and boys are taught in single-gender classrooms, but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities.  With a total enrollment of approximately 600 students, the Schools are organized into three academic divisions each led by a division head.

Position Description

The Development Office, along with the offices of Admissions and Communications, make up Sacred Heart Schools’ Department of Institutional Advancement.  The Institutional Advancement team works collaboratively to build understanding and support of the Schools’ mission and programs and to secure resources to enhance the Schools and ensure its future. Collectively and individually, the team strives to model the values expressed in the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart education.

The Development Office advances Sacred Heart’s mission by creating opportunities that invite philanthropic investment in the Schools’ on-going programs and strategic priorities.  Reporting to the Development Director, the Assistant Development Director, Engagement & Events manages the Parents of the Heart organization and implements and executes the Schools’ special events.  

Essential Job Functions:

Parent Engagement
Serve as chief liaison to Parents of the Heart, the Schools’ primary parent volunteer organization, developing and sustaining programs that best serve Sacred Heart Schools and effectively meet the needs of the schools’ parents. 
• Meet annual expectations of Parents of the Heart fundraising budget
• Organize general Parents of the Heart membership meetings and other major Parents of the Heart committee meetings
• Work to expand and broaden membership base by communicating plans and activities to the wider community in an effective and timely way
• Assist Parents of the Heart president and volunteers with roles and tasks

Events
Provide efficient leadership and project management for all Parents of the Heart fundraising initiatives and outreach activities for the parent and Sacred Heart Schools community in order to ensure their financial success and on-going viability.  
• Management of the Schools’ largest biennial fundraising event L’Esprit de Sacré Coeur, in addition to a smaller biennial fundraising event
• Oversight of annual outreach events, including but not limited to Faculty/Staff Appreciation, Fall Gathering, and activities associated with Parents of the Heart
• Assist in identifying and securing effective parent leadership, resources and vendors to accomplish goals
• Reconcile revenue and expenses with the Finance Office 
• Manage chairpersons and volunteers, helping them to successfully engage in their responsibilities

Development
Successfully work as an integral part of the Development Office, assisting the Head of Schools, Development, and Institutional Advancement colleagues whenever necessary and possible.
• Provide reports to the Development Director regarding important decisions, changes, new opportunities and challenges for Parents of the Heart
• Based on expectations and reports regarding expenditures, also present forecasts of event fundraising results and recommendations for future fundraising goals
• Identify and cultivate parents for the Annual Fund in coordination with the Development Office

Additional duties may be assigned when required.

Qualities and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 5-7 years working within a Development environment; previous fundraising experience desired, preferably within a school. 
• Must work occasional evenings and weekends
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Finalsite School Website software
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or other enterprise software preferred

Characteristics of Success:
• Excellent professional verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to Catholic education and comfortability in expressing its value
• Ability to move projects forward according to timeline and budget
• Attention to details a must
• Polished customer service skills
• Ability to effectively multitask projects
• Collegiality, positivity and maturity
• Ability to work independently and within a team

To Apply

Apply directly at the School's website (www.shschicago.org) in the Career Opportunities section, submitting a cover letter and resume.