Advancement Associate

American Montessori Society Inc; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Chiaravalle Montessori is in search of an Advancement Associate to enhance community engagement, support philanthropic efforts, and strengthen relationships with families, donors, and alumni. This role, pivotal in our 60th year, combines people-centered work with strategic operations.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least two years of experience in development or nonprofit settings. Strong proficiency in data management tools and excellent communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• At least two or more years of relevant experience in development, fundraising, communications, admissions, and/or community engagement.
• Experience working in independent schools, nonprofit organizations, and/or Montessori educational settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Foster meaningful relationships with families, employees, alumni, donors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Lead and support Annual Fund and community engagement initiatives.
• Manage advancement operations, including database administration and event logistics.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Data management proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business Administration or related field

Tools

Veracross

Spreadsheets

Digital communication tools

Job description

Chiaravalle Montessori is seeking a thoughtful and strategic Advancement Associate to join our community. Now in our 60th year, Chiaravalle is both deeply established and forward-looking, grounded in Montessori tradition, while continually evolving as an innovative, Modern, and inclusive Montessori learning community.

The Advancement Associate plays a key role in fostering community engagement, cultivating an authentic, ethical culture of belonging, philanthropy, volunteerism, and shared purpose. Working as a part of a collaborative Advancement team that includes Development, Communications, and Admissions, this individual will help strengthen relationships with families, employees, alumni, donors, volunteers, and community partners through thoughtful stewardship, compelling storytelling and strong operational support.

We are seeking someone who communicates with clarity, builds authentic relationships, leads with integrity, and enjoys balancing people-centered work with strong systems, organization and execution.

Position Details

This is a 30-hour per week position during the academic year with schedule flexibility (specifically around events),and approximately 10 hours per week during the summer months. Some evening and weekend hours are required for school events and community engagement activities. This is a full-time, fully benefited position.

Schedule

30 hours/week (academic yr) & 10 hours/week (summer)

Salary Range

$40,000 - $55,000 commensurate with experience

Primary Responsibilities

• Foster meaningful relationships with families, employees, alumni, donors, volunteers, and community partners to strengthen engagement, affinity, and philanthropic support.
• Lead and support Annual Fund, stewardship, donor communication, and community engagement initiatives that advance the school's mission and annual fundraising goals.
• Articulate and share Chiaravalle's case for support through compelling storytelling centered on students, teachers, and mission impact.
• Coordinate volunteer programs, family engagement efforts, and key community events, including partnership with the Chiaravalle Family Association.
• Manage advancement operations, including database administration, data analysis, reporting, donor stewardship, event logistics, and communications.
• Utilize data and advancement best practices to improve donor participation, retention, stewardship, and overall fundraising effectiveness.
• Support admissions, enrollment, and family onboarding efforts, helping families build meaningful connections to the school community.
• Lead and support social media communications that highlight student experiences, community engagement, and the impact of philanthropy.
• Collaborate closely with Finance, Admissions, Communications, and school leadership to ensure strong alignment, accurate reporting, and an exceptional constituent experience.
• Maintain professionalism, collaboration, confidentiality, and a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business Administration or related field is required.
• At least two or more years of relevant experience in development, fundraising, communications, admissions, and/or community engagement.
• Proficiency with large-scale data management systems (Veracross preferred), spreadsheets, and digital communication tools to effectively support institutional advancement, operations, and reporting.
• Experience working in independent schools, nonprofit organizations, and/or Montessori educational settings is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, cultivate relationships, and engage diverse stakeholders with warmth, professionalism and authenticity.