Chief Development Officer

Base pay range

$180,000.00 / yr - $200,000.00 / yr

Organization Overview

The Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) is a non-profit that recruits, trains, and supports new teachers in underinvested communities to ensure every student has a great teacher and a transformative education. Through our nationally recognized teacher residency, we develop high-quality, passionate educators in hard-to-fill subject areas. Founded in Chicago, IL, AUSL became the first urban teacher residency in 2001 and the nation’s first in-district innovation zone in 2006. Looking ahead, AUSL is entering into a period of rapid expansion as we work to address the nation’s critical teacher shortage.

To learn more about AUSL, please visit our website at : www.auslchicago.org

Role Summary

AUSL is seeking an entrepreneurial leader to build and execute a fundraising strategy in order to achieve a $4M+ and growing fundraising target. The ideal candidate will enjoy working at both strategic and tactical levels, building a team, developing a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, and implementing the necessary infrastructure to support future visionary program goals. The Chief Development Officer must be an excellent relationship builder, working with the team and Board to maintain, expand, and diversify AUSL’s donor base and pipeline.

Compensation

This is a full-time position in a hybrid work environment with an annual salary range of $180,000 - $200,000, based on experience and credentials (with bonus potential for meeting ambitious goals). AUSL’s office is located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. National fundraising efforts will require periodic travel (estimated at less than 10%).

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Support and partner with the Executive Director and Board members to develop and refine the organization’s fundraising strategy around a $4M and growing goal
• Develop a pipeline of potential major donors and lead the solicitation of major gifts (personally managing a portfolio of 100-150 donors)
• Develop, build, and manage fundraising systems that ensure the quality of execution for individual, foundation, and corporate donations
• Oversee grant writing and reporting efforts to secure and maintain grants from foundations and government sources
• Oversee special events to increase visibility and generate financial support

Team Leadership and Management

Board and Leadership Collaboration

Marketing and Communications Support

Budget and Financial Management

Requirements

Mission-focused : You have a strong interest in AUSL and the teachers and students we serve; You align with AUSL’s core values : Student-Centered, Tenacious Service, Community Focus.

Strategic : You have the ability to diagnose key short and long-term opportunities and challenges around AUSL fundraising and create a powerful and sustainable fundraising engine.

Entrepreneurial : You are innovative, growth-oriented, and not afraid to jump in and get your hands dirty.

Results-focused : You set ambitious fundraising targets, create and track team metrics on progress, and consistently achieve goals.

Strong interpersonal skills : You have the ability to motivate and lead a productive fundraising team, work hand-in-hand supporting the fundraising efforts of an Executive Director and Board, and build lasting relationships with donors, inspiring them to fund AUSL’s critical programming.

Experience

Benefits (subject to change)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume and targeted cover letter here or via auslchicago.org / careers. The best consideration date is September 29, 2025 at 5pm. This search is being supported by recruitment firm Civic Search and any questions should be emailed to search@mbtcivic.com (no phone calls please).

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