Posted: 12-Dec-25
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Full Time
Salary: $220,000 - $250,000
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
Additional Information:
IndySchool Consultancy is pleased to be partnering with the Latin School of Chicago in its search for a Chief Development Officer.
The Latin School of Chicago (Latin), is a nationally recognized leader in independent education and seeks an experienced and ambitious individual to provide strategic vision, leadership, and direction for all fundraising and engagement activities at a time of great momentum. Latin is a coeducational day school serving 1,190 students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade, located on the Near North Side of Chicago. Founded in 1888, it is one of the oldest independent schools in the city, providing a rigorous and innovative liberal arts educational program. Latin is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).
Position Summary and Key Responsibilities
The CDO reports to the Head of School and is a critical member of the senior administrative team. This individual will partner with the Head of School to cultivate lifelong relationships with alumni, parents, and friends, and enhance the institution's fundraising capability as it prepares for its next campaign.
The CDO is responsible for the strategic leadership of Latin's fundraising activities and constituent relations and will oversee a staff of seven.
Development Strategy and Execution
- Provide strategic vision for a comprehensive development program encompassing major, endowed, and planned giving, the annual fund, alumni and parent engagement, and advancement services.
- Serve as the architect of a multi-year fundraising and engagement strategy, anticipating and planning for campaigns (annual fund, endowment, comprehensive capital) that ensure sustainable growth and align with the School’s mission.
- Personally manage a select portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
- Collaborate with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Senior Administrative Team to identify fundraising goals and prioritize opportunities, developing strategies for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Oversee all development systems, including data capture, gift acceptance, and donor reporting in Raiser’s Edge.
Leadership and Management
- Lead the development staff of seven, setting clear direction and promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Oversee all personnel activities, including recruitment, hiring, training, and performance reviews.
- Manage a departmental operating budget
- Build and strengthen relationships across the community, leading by example and fostering an environment of belonging and inclusion.
Partnerships and Engagement
- Provide the highest level of support to the Head of School in their role as key fundraiser, serving as a co-strategist and partner.
- Ensure the Head of School, trustees, and senior administration are effectively engaged and leveraged in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key prospects and donors.
- Lead various Board committees, particularly the Nominations & Governance and Development Committees, while strategically liaising with others.
- Develop and implement a systematic plan for alumni and parent engagement to deepen existing relationships, encourage participation, and increase contributions.
Compensation and Additional Information
- Salary Range: The salary for this position is $220,000 to $250,000, not including a generous and comprehensive insurance and benefits package.
- Position Details: This is an onsite, full-time, year-round position.
- Time Off: Includes 35 vacation days and 14 holidays (inclusive of breaks).
Professional Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate will possess a deep appreciation for Latin’s mission, history, and core values, and the ability to embody a leadership style that fosters and promotes belonging and inclusion.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising and managerial experience in development is required.
- Depth of knowledge in all key areas of fundraising and engagement.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, manage, and close a comprehensive campaign.
- A proven track record of success in creating highly efficient and effective development programs and leading a high-performing operation to new levels of growth.
- Success in increasing the effectiveness of a development operation and its staff through established objectives and performance standards.
- The cultural competency and sophistication to navigate a nuanced academic community and build strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse body of constituents.
- Superior written and oral communication skills and the ability to understand and translate information for all audiences.
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; a Master's Degree is preferred.
To Apply:
Candidates should click this link to complete an application (opens window to external site loxo.co). Applications through this system or job board will not be considered.
For more information, please contact the IndySchool Consultancy team:
- Tim Viands, tim@indyschoolconsultancy.com
- Kevin Kunst, kevin@indyschoolconsultancy.com
Latin School of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive school experience for all and encourages candidates who represent the broad, diverse community to which it aspires.