Director of Institutional Advancement
Near North Montessori School, Chicago, IL, United States
Director of Institutional Advancement
Educators Collaborative is pleased to be assisting Near North Montessori School (NNM) in its search for a Director of Institutional Advancement. This is a senior leadership role at a pivotal moment for the school, offering an opportunity to strengthen advancement strategy, build trust, and advance Near North Montessori's long-term sustainability in close partnership with the Head of School and Board of Directors. Near North Montessori seeks an experienced, relational, and strategic advancement leader to serve as its next Director of Institutional Advancement. This is a compelling opportunity for a fundraising professional who understands advancement not only as revenue generation, but as mission stewardship, relationship-building, and enterprise leadership. The successful candidate will bring the ability to lead with clarity and empathy, build strong systems and teams, and serve as a trusted thought partner to the Head of School and Board. As the school continues to strengthen leadership, operations, and community trust, the Director of Institutional Advancement will play a central role in shaping the next chapter of Near North Montessori's storyensuring that philanthropy supports access, excellence, and long-term sustainability. This role requires a leader with the presence and judgment to confidently steward sophisticated donors, cultivate a high-performing Advancement team, and maintain clear, disciplined boundaries around governance, decision-making, and advancement best practices. The Head of School is seeking a Director who brings credibility, calm authority, and the ability to lead advancement work as the expertsomeone who can guide strategy, set expectations, and hold the line on what effective, ethical fundraising requires. Founded in 1963, Near North Montessori is one of the nation's largest and most respected Montessori schools, serving more than 550 students from infancy through Grade 8. Deeply rooted in the Montessori philosophy and a commitment to whole-child development, the school is known for its inclusive community, academic rigor, and strong sense of purpose. Near North Montessori's identity is shaped by its long-standing commitment to independence, curiosity, and responsibility, as well as by the deep engagement of its families, faculty, and staff. The school functions both as a citywide educational destination and as a close-knit community, united by shared values and a belief in the transformative power of Montessori education. Following leadership transitions in recent years, the school is entering a period of renewed stability and optimism. With a highly-regarded Head of School in place and a Board committed to strengthening systems, leadership, and trust, Near North Montessori is well-positioned to evolve its advancement work in ways that are more strategic, transparent, and sustainable. Near North Montessori's mission is to guide the development of each child to reach their fullest potentialacademically, socially, emotionally, and ethicallyby providing an authentic Montessori education rooted in independence, curiosity, and responsibility. Our Students are active participants in their learning, developing independence, empathy, and critical thinking from the earliest years. They thrive in an environment that nurtures self-direction and creativity and are encouraged to make meaningful contributions to their classrooms, their communities, and the world around them. Our Guides (Teachers) are highly trained Montessori educators who embrace the dual role of facilitator and mentor. Deeply committed to child development, they create respectful and responsive environments where students are empowered to explore, inquire, and grow. Our guides pursue ongoing professional development to remain at the forefront of Montessori practice and whole-child education. Our Parents and Families are essential partners in the educational journey. They are active members of a vibrant, engaged school community and support NNM's mission by reinforcing its values at home and contributing their time, talents, and insights to enrich the life of the school. Our Learning Environment combines rigorous academic standards with intentional social and emotional development. In carefully prepared classrooms and dynamic co-curricular programs, students develop confidence, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning. Our Preparation for the Future begins with cultivating curiosity and agency. Students emerge from NNM with the ability to think critically, act with compassion, and advocate for themselves and othersready to contribute meaningfully in high school, college, and beyond. Our Community is inclusive, intentional, and deeply rooted in a shared commitment to Montessori values. We embrace diversity of thought, background, and experience, and we believe that every child has the rightand the abilityto learn, grow, and belong. We are guided by the principles of equity, justice, and peace, and strive to model those ideals in our daily actions and decisions. Grounded in this mission and these shared beliefs, Near North Montessori draws strength from a community that is deeply invested in the school's success and future. These institutional strengths form the foundation upon which the school is building its next phase of growth and sustainability. Near North Montessori has invested significantly in its physical environment to support experiential learning, creativity, and community engagement. The school's purpose-built campus includes: A rooftop urban farm used for science and sustainability education A newly renovated gymnasium supporting physical education and schoolwide events A dedicated Innovation and Design Lab for STEM exploration and hands-on learning A reimagined outdoor playground currently under development Light-filled classrooms designed to foster independence and collaboration A Montessori-curated library and music room Flexible spaces for community meetings and performances The campus is located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, approximately two miles from downtown. The area is known for its mix of historic character and modern energy, with a diverse blend of families, artists, entrepreneurs, and local businesses. Restaurants, cafs, art galleries, and shops are within walking distance of the school. Near North Montessori is well connected to public transportation. The CTA Blue Line (Division stop) is a short walk away, offering direct access to downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport. Several major bus lines serve the area, and the Metra Clybourn Stationproviding access to Chicago's northern suburbsis less than ten minutes away by car or bike. The school's Advancement Strategic Plan has been drafted, and as the new Director of Institutional Advancement arrives, it will serve as a foundational roadmap for the role. It is within this context that Near North Montessori seeks its next Director of Institutional Advancement, a leader prepared to translate community goodwill and institutional momentum into sustained philanthropic impact. The Director of Institutional Advancement will join Near North Montessori at an important inflection point. While the school has a strong tradition of giving and an engaged parent community, recent years of transition have affected donor confidence, consistency, and systems. The next Director will be responsible for bringing the Advancement Strategic Plan to life while also strengthening the operational foundation necessary for long-term success. Key priorities include: Cultivating a strong and dynamic advancement team Building and deepening relationships with families and donors Strengthening Near North's case for support, centered on students and mission Achieving annual philanthropic goals with greater consistency Improving donor retention, participation, and stewardship Building and utilizing best-in-class data-driven advancement systems and practices Strengthening integration between Advancement, Finance, and School leadership This is an opportunity to lead advancement as an enterprise function, aligned closely with the school's educational mission, financial model, and long-term aspirations. Near North Montessori (NNM) is justifiably proud of its strong sense of community, educational legacy, and deep commitment to Montessori values. Across conversations with faculty, staff, trustees, parents, and Advancement Committee members, the school is consistently described as a place of belonging, shared purpose, and genuine care for children and families. This relational foundation is one of Near North's greatest assets and a powerful base upon which to build a stronger culture of philanthropy. Several strengths position the school well for advancement growth at this moment: A values-aligned, deeply committed community. Families choose Near North Montessori intentionallyfor its child-centered philosophy, commitment to diversity, and urban Montessori experience. There is a longstanding precedent of giving beyond tuition, and the community broadly understands that philanthropy plays a critical role in keeping tuition accessible, supporting financial aid, and sustaining program quality. Renewed leadership stability and optimism. With a permanent Head of School in place, the community has experienced a renewed sense of clarity, transparency, and trust. This stability creates an important opportunity to tell a refreshed, forward-looking story about Near North's impact and futureone that re-engages families who may have stepped back during recent transitions and invites them into the school's next chapter. An engaged and motivated Board and Advancement Committee. Trustees and Advancement Committee members bring a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility and genuine commitment to the school's long-term health. They are eager to partner with an experienced advancement leader who
Educators Collaborative is pleased to be assisting Near North Montessori School (NNM) in its search for a Director of Institutional Advancement. This is a senior leadership role at a pivotal moment for the school, offering an opportunity to strengthen advancement strategy, build trust, and advance Near North Montessori's long-term sustainability in close partnership with the Head of School and Board of Directors. Near North Montessori seeks an experienced, relational, and strategic advancement leader to serve as its next Director of Institutional Advancement. This is a compelling opportunity for a fundraising professional who understands advancement not only as revenue generation, but as mission stewardship, relationship-building, and enterprise leadership. The successful candidate will bring the ability to lead with clarity and empathy, build strong systems and teams, and serve as a trusted thought partner to the Head of School and Board. As the school continues to strengthen leadership, operations, and community trust, the Director of Institutional Advancement will play a central role in shaping the next chapter of Near North Montessori's storyensuring that philanthropy supports access, excellence, and long-term sustainability. This role requires a leader with the presence and judgment to confidently steward sophisticated donors, cultivate a high-performing Advancement team, and maintain clear, disciplined boundaries around governance, decision-making, and advancement best practices. The Head of School is seeking a Director who brings credibility, calm authority, and the ability to lead advancement work as the expertsomeone who can guide strategy, set expectations, and hold the line on what effective, ethical fundraising requires. Founded in 1963, Near North Montessori is one of the nation's largest and most respected Montessori schools, serving more than 550 students from infancy through Grade 8. Deeply rooted in the Montessori philosophy and a commitment to whole-child development, the school is known for its inclusive community, academic rigor, and strong sense of purpose. Near North Montessori's identity is shaped by its long-standing commitment to independence, curiosity, and responsibility, as well as by the deep engagement of its families, faculty, and staff. The school functions both as a citywide educational destination and as a close-knit community, united by shared values and a belief in the transformative power of Montessori education. Following leadership transitions in recent years, the school is entering a period of renewed stability and optimism. With a highly-regarded Head of School in place and a Board committed to strengthening systems, leadership, and trust, Near North Montessori is well-positioned to evolve its advancement work in ways that are more strategic, transparent, and sustainable. Near North Montessori's mission is to guide the development of each child to reach their fullest potentialacademically, socially, emotionally, and ethicallyby providing an authentic Montessori education rooted in independence, curiosity, and responsibility. Our Students are active participants in their learning, developing independence, empathy, and critical thinking from the earliest years. They thrive in an environment that nurtures self-direction and creativity and are encouraged to make meaningful contributions to their classrooms, their communities, and the world around them. Our Guides (Teachers) are highly trained Montessori educators who embrace the dual role of facilitator and mentor. Deeply committed to child development, they create respectful and responsive environments where students are empowered to explore, inquire, and grow. Our guides pursue ongoing professional development to remain at the forefront of Montessori practice and whole-child education. Our Parents and Families are essential partners in the educational journey. They are active members of a vibrant, engaged school community and support NNM's mission by reinforcing its values at home and contributing their time, talents, and insights to enrich the life of the school. Our Learning Environment combines rigorous academic standards with intentional social and emotional development. In carefully prepared classrooms and dynamic co-curricular programs, students develop confidence, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning. Our Preparation for the Future begins with cultivating curiosity and agency. Students emerge from NNM with the ability to think critically, act with compassion, and advocate for themselves and othersready to contribute meaningfully in high school, college, and beyond. Our Community is inclusive, intentional, and deeply rooted in a shared commitment to Montessori values. We embrace diversity of thought, background, and experience, and we believe that every child has the rightand the abilityto learn, grow, and belong. We are guided by the principles of equity, justice, and peace, and strive to model those ideals in our daily actions and decisions. Grounded in this mission and these shared beliefs, Near North Montessori draws strength from a community that is deeply invested in the school's success and future. These institutional strengths form the foundation upon which the school is building its next phase of growth and sustainability. Near North Montessori has invested significantly in its physical environment to support experiential learning, creativity, and community engagement. The school's purpose-built campus includes: A rooftop urban farm used for science and sustainability education A newly renovated gymnasium supporting physical education and schoolwide events A dedicated Innovation and Design Lab for STEM exploration and hands-on learning A reimagined outdoor playground currently under development Light-filled classrooms designed to foster independence and collaboration A Montessori-curated library and music room Flexible spaces for community meetings and performances The campus is located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, approximately two miles from downtown. The area is known for its mix of historic character and modern energy, with a diverse blend of families, artists, entrepreneurs, and local businesses. Restaurants, cafs, art galleries, and shops are within walking distance of the school. Near North Montessori is well connected to public transportation. The CTA Blue Line (Division stop) is a short walk away, offering direct access to downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport. Several major bus lines serve the area, and the Metra Clybourn Stationproviding access to Chicago's northern suburbsis less than ten minutes away by car or bike. The school's Advancement Strategic Plan has been drafted, and as the new Director of Institutional Advancement arrives, it will serve as a foundational roadmap for the role. It is within this context that Near North Montessori seeks its next Director of Institutional Advancement, a leader prepared to translate community goodwill and institutional momentum into sustained philanthropic impact. The Director of Institutional Advancement will join Near North Montessori at an important inflection point. While the school has a strong tradition of giving and an engaged parent community, recent years of transition have affected donor confidence, consistency, and systems. The next Director will be responsible for bringing the Advancement Strategic Plan to life while also strengthening the operational foundation necessary for long-term success. Key priorities include: Cultivating a strong and dynamic advancement team Building and deepening relationships with families and donors Strengthening Near North's case for support, centered on students and mission Achieving annual philanthropic goals with greater consistency Improving donor retention, participation, and stewardship Building and utilizing best-in-class data-driven advancement systems and practices Strengthening integration between Advancement, Finance, and School leadership This is an opportunity to lead advancement as an enterprise function, aligned closely with the school's educational mission, financial model, and long-term aspirations. Near North Montessori (NNM) is justifiably proud of its strong sense of community, educational legacy, and deep commitment to Montessori values. Across conversations with faculty, staff, trustees, parents, and Advancement Committee members, the school is consistently described as a place of belonging, shared purpose, and genuine care for children and families. This relational foundation is one of Near North's greatest assets and a powerful base upon which to build a stronger culture of philanthropy. Several strengths position the school well for advancement growth at this moment: A values-aligned, deeply committed community. Families choose Near North Montessori intentionallyfor its child-centered philosophy, commitment to diversity, and urban Montessori experience. There is a longstanding precedent of giving beyond tuition, and the community broadly understands that philanthropy plays a critical role in keeping tuition accessible, supporting financial aid, and sustaining program quality. Renewed leadership stability and optimism. With a permanent Head of School in place, the community has experienced a renewed sense of clarity, transparency, and trust. This stability creates an important opportunity to tell a refreshed, forward-looking story about Near North's impact and futureone that re-engages families who may have stepped back during recent transitions and invites them into the school's next chapter. An engaged and motivated Board and Advancement Committee. Trustees and Advancement Committee members bring a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility and genuine commitment to the school's long-term health. They are eager to partner with an experienced advancement leader who