Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas. Latin inspires its students to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence.
The Latin School of Chicago seeks a strategic, creative, and donor-centered professional to lead its annual giving and related communication efforts. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and project manager who thrives in a collaborative environment—partnering with colleagues, volunteers, and families to grow participation and deepen philanthropic engagement across the Latin community.
The Annual Giving Manager oversees the multi-channel annual giving program and serves as a key connector among Development, Marketing & Communications, and Enrollment Management—ensuring a consistent and compelling message to all constituents. This position also manages a portfolio of annual donors and prospects with capacity for leadership giving, playing a vital role in Latin’s overall fundraising success.
This is a full-time, in-person, 12-month position requiring occasional evening and weekend work during the school year.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead Strategy and Implementation:
- In partnership with the Director of Leadership Giving, develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel annual giving plan—including direct mail, digital outreach, flash giving events, and targeted appeals—that drives participation and increases total giving.
Craft Compelling Communications:
- Create donor-centered messaging and materials—emails, mailers, one-pagers, presentations, and talking points—that connect audiences to Latin’s mission. Partner with school leaders to identify and share stories that bring the Latin experience to life.
Engage Donors and Volunteers:
- Serve as staff liaison to the Annual Giving Chair and Giving Ambassadors, recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers in peer-to-peer outreach efforts.
Collaborate Across Departments:
- Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to coordinate messaging and manage the Development communications calendar; collaborate with Enrollment Management to align audience insights and strengthen community connections.
Manage Donor Portfolio:
- Identify, cultivate, and steward annual donors and prospects, helping to move those with higher capacity into the major gifts pipeline.
Stewardship and Recognition:
- Develop and execute timely and meaningful recognition through print, digital, and in-person experiences; create donor reports and acknowledgement materials that demonstrate impact and gratitude.
Analyze and Optimize:
- Employ data-driven strategies to monitor progress, assess outcomes, and refine approaches. Track participation, retention, upgrades, and ROI to strengthen results each year.
Stay Current and Collaborative:
- Keep informed of trends and innovations in annual giving and donor engagement. Partner with Development colleagues to ensure alignment across events, campaigns, and fundraising initiatives.