Join Our Team

Development Director 

City Elementary is a K–8 school for neurodiverse learners—children with autism, ADHD, and similar. Our mission is to affirm and inspire neurodiverse learners to achieve their fullest social and academic potential. In our many partnerships, we are committed to evolving and sharing best practices for supporting and celebrating neurodiverse children. We are a 501c3 independent school with an ambitious, bold strategic plan that will grow our school’s size, resources, and impact.

City Elementary seeks a Director of Development who can elevate our fundraising to the next level. The Director of Development will own and lead all fundraising efforts, reporting to the Head of School and the Board of Directors. The Director of Development is an entrepreneurial role, bolstered by enthusiastic support and collaboration from Board members, teachers, parents, and school leaders. This is an exciting opportunity for a self-starter who wants to make an impact in the lives of neurodiverse children and wants to shape the future of a growing nonprofit organization.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, and events, with a goal of increasing annual giving from $150,000 to $250,000 in the first year
• Expand our circles to include donors outside of City Elementary’s current pool by thinking creatively about the recruitment, identification, and qualification of new prospects (individuals, foundations, and corporations) who are interested in neurodiversity
• Be a senior leader in developing future capital campaign or endowment goals, when the school and Board is ready to undertake such projects

Grants, Events, and Campaigns

• Research and write grant applications, including current and new opportunities
• Plan and execute City’s annual marquee spring event, the City Elementary Benefit fundraiser, which includes event planning, committee coordination, and silent and live auction
• Develop an End-of-Year fundraising campaign, including goal-setting, messaging, and execution

Donor Engagement, Relationship Management, and Communications

• Maintain donor records, track gifts, and generate reports using Network for Good
• Develop and implement a stewardship plan for gifts at all levels, in cooperation with Board members and the Head of School
• Produce development-related communications including newsletters, appeals, thank you letters, and campaign materials
• Bring novel ideas for media, social media, and community-based activities that will advance development efforts

Key Skills

• Self-starter who thrives working independently
• Passion for City Elementary’s mission, vision, and community. Personal investment in neurodiversity is a plus
• A college degree
• Several years of work experience in development, including demonstrated success in donor cultivation, grant writing, and fundraising campaigns in line with the responsibilities above
• Strong writing skills
• Knowledge of the local philanthropic landscape and education-related family foundations
• Cooperative, collaborative worker who is eager to learn from colleagues and consult, and who will seek out mentors to extend their skillset
• Timely, self-organizing, goal-oriented worker who can set ambitious but realistic goals, break down projects into steps, and set and meet their own deadlines
• Friendly, outgoing communicator who is eager to meet, invigorate, and extend the City Elementary community and who will cultivate new relationships with energy and commitment
• Excellence and experience working with media and social media, both local and national

We will ask finalists to submit examples of writing and development work in preparation for an in-person interview. This job is hybrid: several days per week at our school in Hyde Park, Chicago, some days of work-from-home negotiable, and meetings onsite with potential supporters. This position includes medical, dental, and short-term disability benefits, paid time off, and a salary of $85k–$125k. Please submit cover letter and resume to apply@cityelementary.com. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.