Development/Advancement Director (Hybrid)

Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School is the parochial school of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, IL, a preschool through grade eight Orthodox Christian school. The mission of the school is to educate children by integrating intellectual, physical, and spiritual learning using the teaching of the Holy Orthodox Church in a manner which will nurture virtues within their souls and reveal the image of God within them. The vision of the school is to prepare the next generation of Orthodox Christians to serve our Church and our world, and our core values are Love of God, Love of Neighbor, and Love of Learning.

The new, full-time Advancement Director position will report to the principal and is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the admissions, development, marketing, and communications programs of the school. The goal of the position is to ensure strong enrollment and sufficient resources so the school can achieve its mission. Ideal applicants should have at least five years of successful development and communications experience and be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to Guardian Angel’s mission, vision, and core values.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for prospect identification and research, cultivation, solicitation, gift processing, acknowledgments, stewardship, grant proposals, and event management.
  • Works closely with the Philanthropy Committee of the school board to set and achieve goals and objectives.
  • Responsible for the implementation and evaluation of all fundraising initiatives as approved by the school board, including the annual Guardian Angel Fund and Gala.
  •  Works to create and support a culture of philanthropy within the school.
  • Engages alumni, through events, communications, and philanthropy.
  • Educates and engages key volunteers (Board and PTO) to implement mission-based fundraising.

Admissions Management

  • Responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the marketing, recruitment, and retention plan for students.
  • Works closely with key staff and volunteers to coordinate the external and internal marketing efforts and initiatives that attract and retain students in sufficient numbers to support the programs of the school.
  • Activities include, but are not limited to, open houses, campus visits, tours, re-registration, marketing materials, social media management, etc.

Marketing and Communications

  • Responsible for planning, implementation, and evaluation of the marketing and communications of the school, for both internal and external audiences.
  • Sets and maintains professional writing and design standards for school communications. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Print materials including school newsletter, marketing materials, and development materials
  • Electronic communications including website, email, and social media
  • Plans and attends marketing events at the school and in the local Orthodox community.

Volunteer Management

  • Identifies, recruits, and engages volunteers, including parents, alumni, grandparents/Godparents, faculty, former faculty, clergy, St. John the Baptist and local Orthodox church stewards, and donors.
  • Works closely with board and PTO to support and assist with meetings and activities.

Operations

  • Manages school databases as it relates to enrollment and development, including the alumni database.
  • Works with school administrative assistants to implement school office processes and procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Principal.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5 years+ successful nonprofit development and communications experience
  • Commitment to Guardian Angel’s mission, vision, and core values
  • Demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in developing and accomplishing organizational goals
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others and effectively recruit and manage volunteers
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills, ability to interact confidently and effectively with school and church staff, students, parents, donors, alumni and prospective families
  • Availability on occasional nights and weekends for special events
  • Experience in database management
  • Experience in electronic communications platforms including Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Instagram, websites, and email marketing
  • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree

Benefits 

  • Competitive salary aligned with experience and similar roles in the Chicago area.

TO APPLY

Posted by

Guardian Angel Orthodox Day School

2350 E. Dempster Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Web: https://gaods.org/
Email: mkroll@gaods.org
Phone: 8478275519

Posted on: February 19, 2026