Associate Director of Community Philanthropy

Job Description:

LFCDS, founded in 1888 and located on a 30-acre campus about 30 miles north of Chicago, Illinois, is a co-educational, independent day school serving 420 students from age 2 through eighth grade. The School has a long tradition of producing thoughtful, confident, and successful students. Children are known, loved, and challenged at LFCDS, and a state-of-the-art facility provides a remarkable setting for inspired teaching, personal growth, and nurturing a love of learning.

The Associate Director of Community Philanthropy is responsible for building and sustaining a culture of philanthropy across the school community. This position plays a central role in all giving efforts—including active campaigns, the annual giving fund, as well as the school’s annual Auction—while stewarding meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and families. Grounded in strategy and fueled by relationships, this position ensures that philanthropic efforts are donor-centered, well-coordinated, and aligned with institutional priorities.

Primary Responsibilities

Giving & Fundraising Strategy

• Serve as the manager for the school’s philanthropic initiatives, including the Annual Giving Fund, Shaping What Comes Next Campaign, and Annual Auction.

• Partner with the Associate Head of School for Advancement and Head of School on donor strategy, leadership giving, and major gift cultivation.

• Develop and manage multi-channel stewardship calendar.

Donor & Volunteer Relations

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors across all constituencies, with a focus on fostering a culture of philanthropy that thrives on participation.

• Serve as a primary staff partner to fundraising volunteers, committee members, and campaign leaders.

• Ensure donors experience a positive and engaging interaction with the school.

• 5+ years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field.
• Proven track record of success in building and sustaining donor relationships.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and school administrators.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and creatively.