The Chicago Academy for the Arts

Director of Development

The Chicago Academy for the Arts (chicagoacademyforthearts.org), Illinois’ premier visual and performing arts independent high school, seeks a Director of Development for immediate appointment.

The Academy’s educational model is co-curricular: students engage in rigorous academic classes and professional-level training in dance, filmmaking, animation, writing, music, musical theatre, theatre, or visual arts. (Note: The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a different school than “ChiArts”, a CPS school.)

Students at The Academy are characterized by an extraordinary sense of purpose and community. Most continue with the arts after high school: alums include hit songwriters, Grammy Award nominees and winners, Broadway stars, internationally acclaimed dancers, and award-winning filmmakers and writers. Students also pursue degrees and careers outside of the arts: many alums are successful professionals in the fields of science, mathematics, technology, business, law, and medicine. 

The Director of Development sets the strategy and directs the implementation of the school’s fundraising efforts, including an annual campaign, major gifts efforts, fundraising events, grant writing, and special project funding. Additionally, the Director of Development supervises the development team (currently 1.5 FTEs). The Director of Development works closely with the Head of School on board development and expanding the school’s partnerships.

This position is an extraordinary opportunity for an ambitious mid-career development professional to both promote — and play a major role in running — a school that routinely transforms the lives of its students. Simply put: this work matters.

There is significant potential to continue to grow both philanthropy and engagement at The Academy, and we are seeking the right teammate to lead these efforts. 

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Working closely with the Head of School and the development team to develop robust short- and long-term development strategies
• Leading the school’s donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts
• Leading the school’s development efforts, including the annual fund, a gala, foundational support, and major gifts
• Working closely with the rest of the Senior Leadership Team to collectively consider long-term strategy as well as address day-to-day matters
• Supervising the development and/or management of robust Alumni and Parents Association programs
• Coordinating with appropriate staff to oversee special projects and partnerships

Experience and Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in development work
• Track record of raising five-figure gifts from major donors
• World-class written and verbal communication skills, having a demonstrated ability to conceptualize, write and coordinate solicitation materials, and first-rate networking and relationship-building skills
• First-rate organizational, managerial, and administrative skills, including working knowledge of Salesforce
• An engaging and energetic personality
• Ability to work effectively both independently, within a team-oriented environment, and in a managerial/mentorship role

The salary for this position begins in the $60k’s and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications to the extent our budget allows. Additionally, full-time employees at The Academy have access to our medical and dental insurance, ancillary insurance, and 403b matching programs.

Our working environment is inspired and authentically mission driven.

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume via email to employment@chicagoartsacademy.org. The Academy is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a culturally diverse faculty, and all qualified applicants — regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law — are strongly encouraged to apply.

No calls, please.

About Chicago Academy for the Arts

Established in 1981, the Chicago Academy for the Arts is a nationally recognized, internationally influential independent high school acclaimed for its successful academic model and intellectually savvy graduates. Designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center, The Academy transforms emerging artists through a curriculum and culture which connect intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity to impart the skills to lead and collaborate across diverse communities.

Connections working at Chicago Academy for the Arts