Description:
The Director of Development is a new and integral part of a small, focused team that bears responsibility for maintaining the expected excellence of the Museum experience for the public and for those who support the Museum’s mission. This team is committed to making the Museum more accessible, to preserving the legacy of Richard H. Driehaus, and to becoming a self-sustaining organization with a distinctive reputation for artistic excellence in Chicago and around the world. Its strategy is guided by a strategic plan that covers FY23-FY25.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the museum's strategic plan for FY23-FY25.
- Build an organization-wide culture of philanthropy at Driehaus Museum by engaging key internal stakeholders and staff members in fundraising activities.
- Support the fundraising role of the Executive Director by providing guidance on donor strategy and outreach and ensuring that the Executive Director is prepared for fundraising meetings and partner with the Executive Director in refining Driehaus Museum’s philanthropic case for support.
- Manage a portfolio of major gifts prospects across individuals, foundations, and corporations and establish a major gift program for individual donors to engage them in support for the museum.
- Staff the Executive Director in creating a portfolio of prospects and donors for their solicitation as well as hold responsibility for direct solicitation.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporations, and foundations from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that our donor base reflects the rich tapestry of our community.
- Oversee and enhance the museum's membership programs, working to expand the donor base and create meaningful benefits for members. Responsible for soliciting, renewing and stewarding members as well as creating meaningful benefits structure that resonates with a diverse membership.
- Partner with the Board of Trustees to engage them in the philanthropic cultivation and solicitation process.
- Participate in solicitation meetings in partnership with the Executive Director and Board members as appropriate and provide regular reports on development activity to the Board of Trustees and support their engagement in fundraising.
- Plan and execute fundraising events, including galas, member openings, and donor appreciation events, to raise funds and engage with the museum's donor community.
- Identify grant opportunities and manage the application process for foundation and government grants. With Executive Director, create a strategy for grant applications that prioritizes support for our strategic plan, exhibitions, and programs.
- Collaborate with the museum's marketing/outreach and education programs to engage the local community, foster partnerships, and build a strong support network. Represent the museum externally as needed to engage stakeholders.
- Continuously align fundraising efforts with the museum's strategic plan, ensuring that financial goals and development objectives are met.
- Create a formal planned giving program at Driehaus Museum.
- Manage the creation of a rental program for the Murphy Auditorium and Nickerson Mansion to maximize revenue sources and oversee the rental events program at the museum, ensuring they align with the museum's mission and guidelines, and contribute to revenue generation and community engagement. Work with Facilities and Operations Manager and event management contractors to execute events.
- Serve as a trusted and valued partner in tracking, analyzing, and presenting all philanthropic revenue and establish metrics by which to evaluate Driehaus Museum’s progress toward fundraising goals.
- Maintain a flexible schedule to be present at evening and weekend programs and events as required.
- Supervise and provide leadership to additional Development Staff as hired. Provide ongoing feedback and managerial support to employees and encourage their growth.
- Manage the Development budget to ensure the best return on investment.
Position Qualifications:
- A successful track record in engaging with and soliciting support from diverse donors and communities.
- Strong strategic planning and implementation skills, with the ability to align development activities with organizational goals.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to foster and maintain donor relationships.
- A collaborative and adaptable team player who can work effectively within a small, dedicated team.
- An appreciation for the arts and a commitment to preserving cultural legacies.
- A demonstrated commitment to and experience with fostering diversity and inclusion in fundraising and development efforts.