Director of Institutional Advancement

Company Description

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.

A Strategic Moment for Advancement Leadership

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 story—ensuring 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 expert—someone who can guide strategy, set expectations, and hold the line on what effective, ethical fundraising requires.

Near North Montessori: A Community Rooted in Mission and Momentum

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.

Mission

Near North Montessori’s mission is to guide the development of each child to reach their fullest potential—academically, socially, emotionally, and ethically—by providing an authentic Montessori education rooted in independence, curiosity, and responsibility.

Beliefs and Community Attributes

• 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 others—ready to cont