Director Of Donor And Alumni Relations - 2024/25 School Year

Company Description
We are an independent, Montessori school in Chicago serving 560+ students and their families, starting at a parent-infant class and up to 8th grade. We are a community of shared values working to fulfill a meaningful mission. NNM faculty, staff and parents strive for an equitable and inclusive school culture through intentional, reflective practice. We work together to challenge all students to think for themselves, pursue their ideas and become real learners for the real world.
Learn more about us on our website: www.nnms.org
Job Description
We are a seeking a full-time, year-round Director of Donor and Alumni Relationsto join the Near North Montessori team here in Chicago.
Schedule: 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday, with shifts falling between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, with adjustments or additional time as needed. This position may also require evening, weekend, and/or holiday work to match with the events schedule of the school. This is a year-round, 12-month role, and we are searching for someone to start in July 2024 for our 2024/25 School Year!
Position Overview:
Reporting directly to the Director of Institutional Advancement, the Director of Donor and Alumni Relations will develop and implement a comprehensive engagement program designed to provide meaningful opportunities for events and programs for all constituents to enhance partnership and financial support. Main responsibilities will include but are not limited to: organizing and overseeing events such as alumni events, Parents Night Out, Back to School Picnic, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Fall Festival, and Festival of Lights.
The Director of Donor and Alumni Relations should become intimately familiar with the NNM community and understand the mission, values, and impact of a Montessori education. The Director should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and partner with a wide range of NNM constituents.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Event Management & Execution

• Recruit, train, and guide parent volunteers for events and activities
• Manage the planning, logistics, and execution of school events that reflect quality and the best of the School and the community
• Engage and communicate regularly with NNM alumni and organize and host several alumni events each year.
• Oversee community events, ensuring a high-touch response to partners and donors
• Support the Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement and the Director of Enrollment Management with events when appropriate

Donor and Alumni Engagement

• Design and produce "The Montessorian", an electronic magazine for alumni and donors twice a year
• Deliver a high level of customer service to all constituents
• Engage donors in conversations and solicit donations when appropriate
• Maintain regular engagement with NNM Alumni via telephone calls, emails, and in-person meetings.
• Acknowledge and process gifts and pledges, run reports and conduct donor research
• Assist the Director of Institutional Advancement with entering data and maintaining accurate databases

Advancement Team Operations

• Ensure, through collaboration with the Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, that events are inclusive and equitable
• Actively participate in faculty and professional development meetings, open houses, and school events
• Support the Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement and the Director of Enrollment Management with events when appropriate
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; an advanced degree in a related field is preferred
• 3 + years of event planning and fundraising experience
• Proven track record of success in event planning, donor cultivation, and professional relationship management
• Creative and forward-thinking
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and ability to problem-solve
• Must have the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and achieve results in a team environment
• Outcome-driven, with the ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Ability to manage and motivate diverse groups and individuals
• Ability to work autonomously
• Proficiency in CRM systems required (Blackbaud a plus)
• Ability to travel if needed, as well as attend events on evenings and weekends
• Flexibility with working evenings, weekends, & holidays as assigned
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as Canva and Constant Contact, or willingness to quickly learn and become intimately familiar with these platforms
• Proficiency in Google Suite

Additional Information
Full-time employment to start in July of 2024; however, we'd like to have this position filled by May of 2024.

• Pay Information: Eligible for an exempt salary, starting at $80,000 per year.
• Benefits Information:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision packages available for both you and your dependents. HSA (health savings account) available as a tie-in to one level of medical plan.
  • Both individual and dependent FSA (flexible spending accounts) available.
  • Fully-funded short term disability and individual life insurance available, with option to upgrade to long term disability and group life insurance for an additional cost.
  • Robust paid time off policy that includes at least 10 paid days off per School Year.
  • Paid school holidays can add up to 25 extra paid days off per year.
  • 403b retirement planning available, with a company match of 100% up to 6%.
  • Access to an EAP (employee assistance program) that provides up to 6 free consultations per year on a variety of life concerns.
  • Suite of voluntary benefits available, such as pre-tax transit deductions, pet insurance, accident & critical illness insurance, and more.