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-sex 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 22 schools in the United States.  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-sex classrooms, but follow a similar curriculum and share in many activities.  With a total enrollment of approximately 700 students, the schools are organized into three academic divisions each led by a division head.

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 Development Associate – Special Events manages the Parents of the Heart organization and implements and executes the Schools’ special events.  

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. 

o Organize general Parents of the Heart membership meetings and other major Parents of the Heart committee meetings

o Work to expand and broaden membership base by communicating plans and activities to the wider community in effective and timely way

o 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 in order to ensure their financial success and on-going viability.  

o Management of the Schools’ largest biennial fundraising event L’Esprit de Sacré Coeur (early 2017), in addition to a smaller biennial fundraising event

o Oversight of annual outreach events, including but not limited to Faculty/Staff Appreciation Breakfast, Angel Brunch, the Parents of the Heart Retreat, Grandparents’ Day, Parent Parties, and Parents of the Heart Luncheons

o Assist in identifying and securing effective leadership, resources and vendors to accomplish goals

o Reconcile revenue and expenses with the Finance Office timely and accurately

o Manage chairmen 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.

o Provide reports to the Development Director regarding important decisions, changes, new opportunities and challenges for Parents of the Heart

o Also present based on expectations and reports regarding expenditures, forecasts of event fundraising results and recommendations for future fundraising goals

o Identify and cultivate parents for the Annual Fund in coordination with the Development Office

Additional duties may be assigned when required.

• Bachelor’s Degree required.  

• 3-5 years experience working as an Assistant within a Development environment. 

• Must work occasional evenings and weekends.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office.  

• Auction experience preferred.

• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or other enterprise software, and BidPal or other auction device preferred.  

Characteristics of Success:  

• Excellent professional communication skills.  

• Ability to move projects forward according to timeline and budget.  

• Attention to details a must.  

• Polished customer service skills. 

• Ability to effectively multitask projects.  

We are an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability or handicap, veteran status, marital status or any other classification protected by law.