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School Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Development Director to lead and expand a comprehensive fundraising and ...

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Development Director to lead and expand a comprehensive fundraising and ...

Development Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Development Director Hyde Park Day School | Chicago, IL Hyde Park Day School (HPDS) is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Development Director to lead and expand a comprehensive fundraising and ...

Professional Development Opportunities Schedule: * Full-time (12 Month Employee) * Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Requirements: * Illinois Professional Educator License with a School ...

Professional Development Opportunities Schedule: * Full-time (12 Month Employee) * Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Requirements: * Illinois Professional Educator License with a School ...

Professional Development Opportunities Schedule: * Full-time (12 Month Employee) * Monday through Friday 8:00 am 4:00 pm Requirements: * Illinois Professional Educator License with a School ...

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School Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$81.9K

$146.4K

$183.9K

How much do school development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for school development in Chicago, IL is $146,385.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,200.00 and $167,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in School Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in School Development, you need expertise in educational program planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement, often supported by a degree in education, administration, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management systems, grant writing tools, and event planning software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, project management, and strategic thinking skills help build partnerships and advance school initiatives. These competencies are vital for securing resources, fostering community support, and driving the school's growth and improvement.

What is school development?

School development refers to the process of improving and advancing the quality of education, infrastructure, and overall environment within a school. This can include efforts such as curriculum enhancement, professional development for teachers, facility upgrades, community engagement, and implementation of new educational technologies. The goal of school development is to create a better learning environment for students and to support the long-term success of the institution. School development often involves collaboration between school leaders, teachers, parents, and the wider community.

What are some common challenges faced in a School Development role and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in School Development often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of various stakeholders (administrators, teachers, parents, and donors), securing consistent funding, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. These challenges are typically addressed through clear communication, effective project management, and strategic planning. Team members frequently collaborate across departments and may use data-driven approaches to prioritize initiatives and demonstrate impact, ensuring alignment with the school's mission and goals.

What is the difference between School Development vs School Administration?

AspectSchool DevelopmentSchool Administration
Primary FocusCurriculum improvement, strategic planning, school growthDaily operations, staff management, policy enforcement
Required CredentialsEducation degree, leadership certifications, experience in curriculum designEducation degree, administrative certifications, experience in school management
Work EnvironmentSchool districts, educational organizations, consulting firmsSchool campuses, district offices, administrative departments

School Development focuses on enhancing educational programs and strategic growth, while School Administration handles daily operations and staff management. Both roles require education credentials, but their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching School Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for School Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various School Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,385 per year, or $70.4 per hour.

Director - Middle School Life Ministry

Wheaton Bible Church

West Chicago, IL

$48K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Wheaton Bible Church (WBC) is a dynamic, thriving multiethnic church community seeking to live out our mission to Love God, Love One Another, Love our Neighbors, and Love the Nations in the Chicago suburbs and globally with our 90+ sent missionaries and indigenous partners. We currently hold worship services in both English and Spanish while providing space, care, and leadership coaching for 5 additional ethnic language fellowship groups. Additionally, we serve our local community through West Chicago’s largest social service provider Puente de Pueblo by providing case management services for families, adult literacy programming, and after-school programming for children and youth.
The Middle School Life Director (Female) serves as a co-director for students in grades six through eight. She partners with the Middle School Life Director (Male) in providing vision, direction, and leadership for Middle School Ministry. She directly oversees the Sunday Morning Bible literacy environment, contributes to the Wednesday night gathering, helps plan and lead various retreats and missions trips for middle schoolers, and collaborates on all discipleship pathways to support the Purpose, Mission, and Values of Wheaton Bible Church—to Love God, Love One Another, Love our Neighbors, and Love the Nations.
Programming and Curriculum (30%)
She oversees the Sunday Morning Bible literacy program, cultivating environments where students learn Scripture deeply, engage in discussion-based teaching, and develop foundational biblical understanding. "She leads curriculum development for the Sunday Morning program in close collaboration with the Middle School Life Director (Male), while also contributing to curriculum planning for the Midweek environment." She prioritizes prayer, the study of the Word, and effective teaching suited to middle school development.
Leadership Development (25%)
She recruits, trains, and cares for volunteer leaders, especially female leaders. She equips Life Group Leaders and Sunday Morning leaders to foster discipleship, community, and biblical literacy. She develops pathways for identifying and mentoring student leaders, particularly young women growing in spiritual leadership.
Student Engagement (15%)
She engages students relationally throughout the week across both Sunday and Midweek environments, providing pastoral care, spiritual encouragement, and relational presence that models Christlike character.
Parent Engagement (10%)
She partners with parents in discipleship, with particular focus on equipping mothers in their spiritual influence at home. She maintains communication with families and supports parents through resources, prayer, and relational availability.
Student Ministry amp; Family Ministry Development (10%)
She contributes to the broader Student and Family Ministry through collaboration in planning, events, and multi-environment strategy. She participates in team meetings and cross-ministry initiatives that strengthen alignment and shared mission.
General Church Staff Involvement (10%)
Function as a member of the church’s shepherding staff by attending development meetings, staff prayer, and participating in baptism affirmations. Serve in churchwide projects or ministry initiatives such as Christmas and Easter services, CareFest, and Missions Fest. Maintain a high degree of confidentiality. Participate as a member of the staff team and assist in general duties as opportunities arise.
Core Qualifications
She must model holiness, prayerfulness, and a growing walk with God. If married, she must love her spouse biblically; if a mother, she must disciple her children faithfully. She should pursue ongoing development and demonstrate enthusiasm for the church and its mission. She must show commitment to biblical disciple making.
Requirements
3-5 years of experience in Student Ministry
Degree in Biblical Studies, Youth Ministry, or related field
Spanish fluency is a plus
Physical Qualification
Frequent standing, walking, moving through church campus
Prolonged periods of sitting, working at computer
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push or pull up to 25lbs
Benefits
Wheaton Bible Church offers the following benefits to it's full-time staff: Medical and Dental insurance; PTO, sick time, holidays, 403B with up to 7% match; Life Insurance and Long-term disability.