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.

Sacred Heart Schools requires a strong professional to lead the Schools’ institutional advancement programs. SHS operates within the framework of an integrated advancement model focusing on both earned and contributed lines of revenue. Candidates for the position should have a successful track record in driving philanthropic support, marketing and recruitment outcomes, and enrollment growth. The Director of Institutional Advancement reports to the Head of Schools, is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, and interfaces with, supports, and advises various leadership and volunteer groups, including the Board of Trustees.  

The Director of Institutional Advancement:

• Casts a strategic vision for the Institutional Advancement Department, integrating enrollment, communications, constituent relations, and development functions in support of the Schools’ on-going mission and programs

• Provides collegial leadership and effective direction for the Institutional Advancement Team -- the directors of Admissions, Communications, and Development and their respective staffs – developing individual potential and superior teamwork and ensuring the best use of resources for achieving the Schools’ goals

• Develops annual and multi-year plans for the advancement of Sacred Heart Schools, identifying opportunities and challenges and aligning Institutional Advancement activities with the strategic plan

• Ensures implementation of “best practice” policies as articulated by professional and accreditation organizations 

• Recommends annual enrollment and fundraising goals to the Administration and Board of Trustees and monitors and reports progress toward achieving those goals; monitors all expenditures related to Institutional Advancement

• Engages Trustees, senior administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers in the consistent messaging and marketing of the Schools’ mission and programs

• Cultivates positive, long-lasting relationships with the Schools’ main constituencies -- current parents, past parents, and alumnae/i – in order to ensure strong support of the Schools’ mission and programs

• Promotes the visibility of the Schools with the general public -- prospective parents, neighbors, the media, and members of the Chicago philanthropic, educational, and Catholic communities -- in order to strengthen the Schools’ identity and position

• Serves as principle liaison and support to the Board of Trustees’ Development Committee

• Represents the Schools to professional and membership organizations, including the Archdiocese of Chicago, various regional and national associations of independent and Catholic schools, and the Network of Sacred Heart Schools

EXPERIENCE NECESSARY IN THIS POSITION 

At least 10 years of progressive institutional advancement experience • At least 3 years of experience in a comparable senior leadership position with a broad and successful track record in fundraising, marketing, communications, and admissions

EDUCATION REQUIRED

A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred. CFRE or other professional fundraising certification a plus.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Organized • Energetic • Personable • Motivational • Communicates and Listens Well • Diplomatic • Forward-thinking   

• Ethical, Discreet and Trustworthy • Goal-oriented • Team Player • Ability to Make Connections and Analyze Data • Willingness to work evenings and weekends, as needed  

Please submit your resume, cover letter and five references no later than July 30, 2015. 

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.