Lake Forest Country Day School seeks to immediately fill a new position on its Advancement Team that will coordinate the pursuit of the school’s giving goals. The Giving Manager plays a critical role in supporting fundraising by managing a comprehensive philanthropic program that includes the LFCDS annual giving fund, auction, and planned and endowment giving programs. The Giving Manager will manage solicitation portfolios and calendars, generate donor support, and work with the Advancement team to cultivate a culture of philanthropy at LFCDS. This individual will be a visible partner in the LFCDS’ stewardship and engagement efforts, helping to strengthen and advance all domains of the relationship the school has with its constituents.

Fundraising and Program Management:

Oversee the School's giving campaigns, ensuring alignment with the overall fundraising strategy.

Develop and implement fundraising campaigns and initiatives to meet or exceed budgeted goals.

Manage solicitation portfolios, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors.

Create and manage fundraising calendars, ensuring timely and strategic outreach to donors and prospects.

Collaborate with the Associate Head of the School for Advancement and Director of Development to execute strategies for donor engagement and retention.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship:

Cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors, fostering a culture of philanthropy within the LFCDS community.

Plan and execute stewardship initiatives to enhance donor satisfaction and loyalty, including events, communications, and recognition programs.

Work closely with faculty, staff, alumni, parents, alumni parents, grandparents, and volunteers to promote philanthropic giving and community involvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with other Advancement functions, including enrollment, alumni relations, and the Parent Association, to support school-wide initiatives and events.

Serve as a key liaison between the school and its external constituents, including parents, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Data Management and Reporting:

Maintain accurate and up-to-date dashboards for fundraising activities.

Ensure donor information and interaction updates in the database.

Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, trends, and stewardship opportunities for the Director of Development and Associate Head of School for Advancement.

Analyze data to inform strategic decisions and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline.

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, preferably within an educational or nonprofit environment.

Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor cultivation, with experience managing solicitation portfolios and campaigns.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Familiarity with fundraising software and donor management databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud) is preferred.

A commitment to the mission and values of Lake Forest Country Day School and a passion for independent schools.

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and references via PDF to Alex Sheridan, Associate Head of School for Advancement, at alex.sheridan@lfcds.org. The deadline for materials is Friday, September 27th.

About Lake Forest Country Day School

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS), founded in 1888, is a coeducational, independent preK-8 school located on a 29-acre campus in Lake Forest, Illinois, USA, a suburb approximately 30 miles north of Chicago. The School serves families from more than 30 communities. The School is affiliated with the Country Day School movement and is a member of The National Association of Independent Schools, The Independent Schools Association of the Central States, The Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools and The Secondary School Admission Testing Board. Inspired teaching, academic rigor, attention to individual needs, a commitment to responsible citizenship—these principles infuse every aspect of life at Lake Forest Country Day School and define our dedication to producing students of strong character with a passion for learning.

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