Lawndale Educational And Regional Network Charter School H-1B Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA

INTRODUCTION

Founded in 2001, LEARN is a nationally recognized non-profit network of PreK-8th grade elementary charter schools that is creating measurable, transformational change in the lives of its students. We currently educate 4,400 scholars across 11 campuses, most of which are in Chicago, IL. LEARN also serves families in Waukegan and North Chicago, IL, including children of service members stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Academy and Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling (JBAB) in Washington, D.C.

LEARN provides a rigorous college-prep education grounded in an understanding of each student’s individual learning style and academic needs. We are guided by five core values: high expectations for achievement, mutual respect, a safe and nurturing environment, active family involvement, and the holistic development of every child.

LEARN’s impact is proven—recognized by Stanford University as one of the nation’s top “Gap-Busting” school networks. LEARN scholars achieve proficiency rates that are 2–3x comparable schools, enroll in college at 3x the national average for their peers, and graduate college at twice the rate.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LEARN seeks a Director of Development to partner closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in executing LEARN’s ambitious fundraising strategy, growing the Development team, and personally cultivating major gifts. This is a hands-on, strategic, and results-driven role for a well-connected fundraising leader with a proven track record of securing high-value gifts and grants across multiple channels.

The Director of Development will serve as a strategic right-hand to the CDO, providing leadership, oversight, and mentorship for the Development team, while directly driving major fundraising initiatives and cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Collaborate with the CDO to develop and execute comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategies for individual, institutional, and government giving.
• Actively cultivate, solicit, and personally secure major gifts, leveraging a strong existing network of high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Lead and grow operational fundraising program, securing YOY revenue growth.
• Drive fundraising results, tracking performance against goals, and using data to refine strategy.
• Proactively identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities to support network growth and long-term strategic goals.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and oversight to the Development team, including the Development Coordinator and future hires.
• Foster a high-performing team culture and support professional growth and accountability through goal-setting, performance management, and coaching.
• Ensure efficient development operations, including donor database management (EveryAction), grant tracking, and reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the CDO and CEO for high-value portfolio cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and reporting.
• Partner with the Board Development Committee to strengthen board giving and engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with school leadership, staff, and other network teams to align fundraising and communication priorities.
• Represent LEARN externally at events, donor meetings, and community engagements as needed.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee development operations and support budgeting, revenue forecasting, and analytical reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all grant, audit, and reporting requirements.
• Track, analyze, and report on fundraising metrics to guide strategy and provide visibility to the CDO and executive team.
• Support the creation of compelling solicitations and stewardship materials that amplify LEARN’s story and donor impact.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree a plus.
• 5–7 years of professional fundraising experience with a proven record of securing significant gifts ($100K+), and an existing network of donors and funding sources.
• Proven leadership in building and developing a high-performing fundraising team, with the ability to mentor, inspire, and drive results.
• Hands-on experience across individual, corporate, foundation, and planned giving channels, with a track record of personally securing significant gifts.
• Executive presence with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, able to persuasively convey LEARN’s mission to diverse stakeholders and influence key partners.
• Strategic and results-oriented thinker, able to proactively identify revenue opportunities, implement creative solutions, and achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Strong operational and analytical skills, including budgeting, financial oversight, and data management to drive effective development operations.
• High initiative and entrepreneurial spirit, with a collaborative and solution-focused mindset.
• Passion for LEARN’s mission and alignment with the school’s values and strategic objectives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Hybrid role with regular in-person presence at LEARN’s network offices and school sites across Chicagoland and Washington, D.C. Occasional travel and evening/weekend commitments are required.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days and paid holidays
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid life insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 4.5% Employer Contribution to 403B + 4.5% matching as eligible

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder’s responsibility.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, family medical history, disability or veteran status.