Company Description

We are an independent Montessori school in Chicago serving over 500 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 practices. 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

We are seeking a Part Time Annual Fund Director to join our advancement team here at Near North Montessori School! Schedule : 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday in office from 9am - 2pm 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.

Position Overview: The Near North Fund Director plays a central role in supporting the fundraising and donor engagement efforts of the Advancement Office by implementing Annual Fundraising strategy and managing the constituent database. The Near North Fund Director executes the Annual Fund, and supports multi-channel appeals, donor outreach, volunteer coordination, and fundraising event support. This role is key to maintaining a strong stewardship program by managing timely acknowledgments and personalized donor communications. As a member of the Advancement team, the Director participates in school-wide activities and cross-departmental collaborations, playing a vital role in advancing the school’s mission through effective fundraising operations. In addition to ensuring annual fundraising goals are met, this position maintains the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of constituent data, oversees gift processing, and develops comprehensive systems for tracking and reporting on donor activity, pledges, and giving history. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Annual Fund Management: Implement and assess Near North Fund strategy, including participation and revenue goals, annual appeal calendars, management of multi-channel solicitations, and fundraising events; participate in the planning, execution, and analysis of direct mail and online giving campaigns, managing copy, design, mailing lists, and metrics to grow donor participation and revenue; recruit, train, and manage Annual Fund volunteers.

Database Management & Integrity: Demonstrate proficiency in Raiser’s Edge, including data entry, cleanup, system updates, gift processing, and advanced use of queries, exports, reporting, and constituent record management; ensure accurate tracking of multi-year giving histories, pledges, and donor engagement to support long-term cultivation and stewardship strategies; develop and enforce database policies and procedures; assess and improve database utilization and reporting systems; establish and share best practices in data and fundraising software management.

Reporting & Analysis: Generate standard and custom reports, queries, dashboards, and mailing lists for development efforts; assist with regular revenue reporting and campaign performance analysis for internal stakeholders including the Advancement Office, Finance Team, Board, and other Senior Leadership.

Prospect Research & Strategy: Collaborate with the Director of Institutional Advancement and Director of Donor and Alumni Relations to identify, research, and track prospects for annual, major, and campaign giving; manage donor profiles and analyze giving trends to inform solicitation strategies.

Donor Stewardship & Acknowledgement: Manage timely and personalized gift acknowledgments, donor communications, and stewardship strategies; coordinate with colleagues to ensure alignment of messaging and recognition programs.

Event & Program Support: Provide onsite support and data management for fundraising events, including, but not limited to, Fall Festival, Big Night, Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, and donor receptions; contribute to planning, execution, and follow-up efforts such as data entry and customized gift receipt creation. 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 and school event Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required; an advanced degree in a related field is preferred 5-7 years of fundraising experience, including annual campaigns and database management Minimum two years of experience in Raiser’s Edge, preferably in a non-profit fundraising environment Ability to manage confidential information, multiple priorities and competing deadlines plus maintain an attention to detail on-profit fundraising environment Strong ability and commitment to accuracy and database integrity 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

Pay Information: The salary range for this position is $55,000 - $60,000 based on skills and experience. Near North Montessori offers a variety of benefits which include: Medical, Dental, and Vision options Short Term & Long Term Disability EAP Program & Pet Insurance Flexible Paid Time off Professional Development Opportunities

Near North Montessori believes that each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. The School’s equal employment opportunity practices extend to recruitment, hiring, selection, compensation, benefits, transfer, conditions, and privileges of employment.