Assistant Development Director, Engagement & Events - Sacred Heart Schools

Title: Assistant Development Director,Engagement & Events Classification: Exempt

Department: Institutional Advancement Status: Full-Time, 12 months

Reports to: Development Director Hired by: Head of Schools

School 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 (IA). 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 serves as project manager for its fundraising initiatives and outreach activities.

Essential Job Functions:

Parents of the Heart

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
• 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 efficiently and effectively
• Assist Parents of the Heart president and volunteers with roles and tasks

Special 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 to ensure their financial success and ongoing viability.

• Management of the Schools’ annual fundraising event, which alternates between L’Esprit de Sacré Coeur and Quiz Night annually
• Oversight of annual outreach events, including but not limited to Faculty/Staff Appreciation Breakfast, Parents of the Heart Retreat, Grandparents and Grandfriends Day, Parent Parties, and Parents of the Heart Luncheons
• Assist in identifying and securing effective leadership, resources and vendors to accomplish goals
• Manage chairpersons and volunteers, helping them to successfully engage in their responsibilities
• Reconcile revenue and expenses with the Finance Office
• Processes work orders, payment requests, invoices, and monies received (tickets, donations)
• Works with auction and fundraising databases
• Drafts thank you correspondence
• Assists with general website maintenance and updates as needed

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, steward, and cultivate parent donor prospects in coordination with the Development Office

Additional duties may be assigned when required.

Qualities and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Must work occasional evenings and weekends
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or other enterprise software preferred
• Comfort with technology and willingness to learn new platforms as needed

Characteristics of Success:

• Excellent professional verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to Catholic education and comfortability in expressing its value
• Strong organizational skills
• 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.

Sacred Heart Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate.