Head of Development & Alumni Advancement

Regina Dominican High School; Wilmette (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, IL seeks a Head of Development to lead a three-person team and design a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with the school's Catholic girls' education mission.

The role partners with the President and Board, oversees annual giving, major gifts, and capital campaigns, and builds donor relationships with alumnae, families, and community partners to advance strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive development experience, preferably in independent schools, nonprofits, or educational settings.
• Proven track record in major gift fundraising and campaign leadership.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead a small, high-performing team with vision, empathy, and accountability.
• Strong analytical skills, data literacy, and comfort with donor management software.

Responsibilities

• Serve as strategic thought partner to the president on growth strategies for the school.
• Develop and execute a multi-year development strategy aligned with the school’s mission and capital campaign goals.
• Provide leadership for fundraising initiatives including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, and institutional partnerships.
• Oversee creation and execution of the annual fund strategy with broad community participation.
• Strengthen alumnae networks and engage in community partnerships.

Skills

Major gifts

Donor relations

Strategic leadership

Campaign management

Budgeting & reporting

Team leadership

Job description

Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, IL seeks a Head of Development to lead a three-person team and design a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with the school's Catholic girls' education mission.

The role partners with the President and Board, oversees annual giving, major gifts, and capital campaigns, and builds donor relationships with alumnae, families, and community partners to advance strategic initiatives.