Position Summary
Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School, located in Chicago, IL, seeks a full-time Resource Development Coordinator to assume oversight and responsibility for all of the school’s fundraising and donor relations activities. This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with a few years of experience in annual fundraising, donor relations, database management and an interest in growing their skills. Familiarity with Jewish traditions is a plus.

About Akiba Schechter Jewish Day School
Akiba-Schechter is a preschool through 8th grade private school located in Hyde Park. It was established as a unique venture in Jewish education when Akiba South Side Jewish Day School and Solomon Schechter South Side School joined forces in 1972. Akiba South Side Day School (founded in 1949) and Solomon Schechter South Side School (founded in 1965) saw their bold merger as the best way to perpetuate Jewish day school education on Chicago’s South Side.

Since its merger, Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School has embraced its mission to provide an excellent secular and Judaic education to a diverse community of Jewish children from all over Chicagoland. Through a focus on the individual student, multi-age classrooms, and project-based learning, Akiba-Shechter offers a unique and superb educational experience where students thrive. For more information, visit www.akibaschechter.org.

This position reports to the Akiba-Schechter Principal and works cooperatively with the Board’s Resource Development Committee.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and grow a comprehensive fundraising program to oversee and implement fundraising efforts, including annual campaign, major gift initiatives, organizational giving, and donor stewardship.
• Liaise with local and national corporate and foundation prospects/donors, including prospect research, grant writing, reporting, and relationship management.
• Produce acknowledgement letters, develop, and implement plans to identify, cultivate and steward donors.
• Plan and implement events, including an annual fundraising event, donor stewardship and recognition gatherings.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Akiba’s volunteer Resource Development Committee, keep the Board of Directors informed of all key fundraising and marketing initiatives, and engage the Board in fundraising and outreach activities as appropriate.
• Coordinate and support the school principal and other senior staff in their fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the marketing staff to coordinate communication strategies.
• Manage and oversee the school’s fundraising database, Donor Perfect, including data entry, providing fundraising reports, and producing reports.
• Work collaboratively with the school’s chief financial officer to ensure accurate fundraising records and reports.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 2 years of successful nonprofit fundraising and communications experience.
• A passion for Jewish education and the ability to share Akiba’s mission with stakeholders.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with stakeholders and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to write and speak persuasively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Comfort with social media, data management software and online fundraising tools.
• Proficiency with G Suite, Microsoft Office and comfort learning other software tools.
• Familiarity with DonorPerfect.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn about Jewish heritage, culture, and the Chicagoland Jewish Day School community

Compensation & Benefits

• $60,000 - $75,000 depending on experience
• Eligible for school medical insurance
• Eligible for dental, vision, long term disability insurance (paid by employee)
• Eligible for 403b retirement plan (paid by employee)

Hours & Vacation

• Flexible hours and ability to work remotely as needed
• All Federal and Jewish holidays observed by the school
• Two week Winter break in December/January; 1.5 to 2 week Spring break during Passover
• Up to ten days off in the Summer
• Additional days off as needed and approved by Principal

How to Apply
Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and two writing samples. In your cover letter, please explain why you are excited about Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School.