Bernard Zell seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Associate Head of School for Advancement to lead a talented and dedicated team and to build upon a strong, long-standing foundation of development and philanthropy. This leader will partner closely with the Head of School to provide vision, guidance, and direction across all aspects of advancement, with the chief goal of sustaining and growing the school’s fundraising success over the next decade and beyond.

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished advancement professional with a proven track record in major gift solicitation, donor stewardship, marketing and communications, and effective collaboration with lay leaders. Experience with thought leadership and institutional strategy beyond development, is highly preferred. The Associate Head of School for Advancement reports directly to the Head of School and serves as a key member of the school’s senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Partner closely with the Head of School to provide vision and direction across all areas of advancement, including development, communications and marketing, alumni and parents of alumni relations, and enrollment.

• Cultivate, steward, and strengthen relationships with donors and key constituencies, including Board members, parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, and former Board members, in support of the school’s philanthropic goals.

• Personally solicit leadership-level gifts for the annual fund, special initiatives, capital campaigns, and priority projects.

• Oversee all aspects of the donor lifecycle, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Provide strategic fundraising guidance and support to the Head of School, Board leadership, and relevant Board committees.

• Establish and implement short- and long-term advancement goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures to support institutional priorities.

• Lead the Advancement Leadership Team, comprising the Head of School, Director of Development, Director of Enrollment, and Director of Marketing and Communications.

• Supervise the Director of Development and support the Development Team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.

• Supervise the Director of Marketing and Communications and support the Marketing and Communication Team, providing strategic oversight for all communications, branding, and marketing efforts.

• Partner closely with the Director of Enrollment to align admissions, retention, and advancement strategies and messaging.

• Collaborate with academic leadership to identify and secure funding for programmatic and strategic initiatives.

• Serve as a member of the school’s senior administrative team, contributing to institutional strategy and leadership.

• Represent Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School to internal and external audiences, as needed, advancing the school’s mission and vision.

• Other duties as assigned in support of the greater school community.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 8+ years of experience leading and overseeing development teams, with a demonstrated record of success in major gift fundraising. 

• Deep understanding of current trends and best practices in development, fundraising systems, and donor engagement.

• Proven experience in strategic advancement planning and serving as a thought partner to senior leadership on organizational priorities.

• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a strong culture of philanthropy across an organization.

• A deep commitment to authentic relationship building and approachability, with the capacity to engage donors, families, alumni, and community leaders in ways that foster trust, connection, and shared purpose.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong strategic lens and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated expertise in marketing, branding, and communications strategy, with the ability to align messaging across constituencies and platforms in support of institutional goals.

• An inspiring and effective people manager, skilled at motivating teams and leading through growth and change.

• Familiarity with the Jewish philanthropic landscape within the Chicago Jewish community.

• A clear understanding of, and appreciation for, Jewish values, along with a deep passion for Bernard Zell’s mission.

Compensation: Bernard Zell offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive workplace culture. The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $210,000

Benefits: The position is eligible for benefits.  Bernard Zell has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports the success of our employees. 

Benefits include:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Disability insurance

• Life insurance - including spouse/dependent life insurance

• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Transportation & Parking Benefit

• Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Paid Parental & Adoption leave

• Paid time off

• Tuition Remission

• Breakfast & Lunch when school is in session

• 403(b) (Retirement contribution) Plan with competitive matching structure

As a condition of employment, all applicants must successfully pass a criminal background screening.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Sue Sherr-Seitz, Evolve Giving Group: sue@evolvegg.com.