Advancement Officer

Position Overview : Big Shoulders Fund is seeking candidates for the position of Advancement Officer to begin in Fall of 2024.

Ideal candidate should be committed to promoting equitable education in a Catholic setting, serving St. Genevieve School and another Big Shoulders Fund Plus elementary school.

The Advancement Officer will work closely with the Director of Alumni Advancement at Big Shoulders Fund while being employed by the schools as part of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and report to the principals of both schools to effectively and positively fundraise and engage alumni, donors, companies and friends of the school.

The Advancement Officer is a key member of the administrative team, providing leadership for external fundraising activities, overseeing external donor and alumni communications, and executing day-to-day implementation of a broad range of institutional advancement activities that target new and growing revenues.

The following is an outline of duties and responsibilities :

Development / Fundraising

• Coordinates the annual fundraising strategy including, but not limited to : direct mail appeal, electronic appeals and gift processing activities
• Leads the coordination of annual special events including Carnivál and other Scholarship Benefits
• Serves as the primary liaison between schools and external scholarship organizations such as Big Shoulders Fund
• Organizes all data management activities, including gift entry, tracking, reporting, and donor acknowledgments
• Researches and identifies possible grant-makers and coordinates the proposal-writing and follow up
• Identifies the key components to creating a successful Alumni Relations program, including a working database and reunion events
• Creates and maintains an effective major gift strategy including identification, cultivation, stewardship and appeals
• Manages school board activities including supporting the principal in planning meetings, fundraising activities and strategic communications
• Manage donor and alumni communication strategy, including school website, social media, publications, marketing materials and e-newsletters

The Advancement Officer may be required to perform enrollment support and other duties and responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a completed Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years’ experience in non-profit fundraising required
• Belief in the mission and vision of Big Shoulders Fund schools
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with some evening and weekend commitments
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (both oral and written)
• Strong experience in database management
• Demonstrated track record of donor stewardship and cultivation strategies resulting in money raised

Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, 403b (with match)
• Paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave

Contact : Interested candidates may submit a cover letter and resume to Matthew Katzfey, [email protected]