Associate Director of Development

About The Richard H. Driehaus Museum

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum explores art, architecture, and design from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century in exhibitions and programs that illuminate the history and culture of this period and contextualize for today. Located just steps from the Magnificent Mile, the Museum sits squarely at the center of Chicago’s cultural dialogue.

About the position

We are seeking an Associate Director of Development with 5-7 years of experience to assist in expanding the Driehaus Museum’s fundraising program. Their focus will include enhancing individual giving and membership programs, with direct oversight of membership initiatives. The Associate Director of Development will be instrumental in securing essential resources to support both the museum’s annual and long-term needs. This role will contribute significantly to our mission by fostering philanthropic support and ensuring the museum’s sustainability through direct solicitation and fundraising events. This position is Full-Time and requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours as necessary. Position includes full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K match and generous PTO.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive growth plan for our individual donor and Membership programs, working closely with the Director of Development and Strategy.
• Responsible for the strategy and execution for cultivation, solicitation, acquisition and renewal of members and the museum’s annual fund with an eye toward expansion and engaging a wide range of donors and supporters from a diverse and expansive community.
• Develop an annual plan for donor appeals, including timing, segmentation, and messaging strategies. Evaluate success based on data analytics.
• Manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects—utilizing relationship management best practices—focusing on mid-level, major, and planned gifts to advance the museum's mission.
• Participate in ongoing prospect review meetings with the Executive Director and Director of Development to ensure consistent fundraising activities and alignment with organizational goals and strategic plan.
• Assist in prospecting and data analysis and crafting customized proposals for a wide range of funding opportunities.
• Manage an annual grants and reporting calendar in collaboration with the Director of Development and Strategy and outside collaborators. Work with grant writing partners to manage timelines and execute applications.
• Develop and maintain a repository of case messaging that serves as foundational language for external donor communications, including letters, emails, proposals, and impact reports.
• Oversee and drive the execution of a comprehensive stewardship program, ranging from standard acknowledgments to high-touch impact reports and activities that recognize exceptional contributions and motivate donors to support the Museum.
• Manage membership and opening events and collaborate with leadership colleagues to develop donor programming and build upon Museum public program calendar.
• Provide support for all stages of fundraising and donor events, including the annual Gala, ensuring seamless coordination and donor engagement.
• Partner with the Director of Development and Strategy to foster a culture of philanthropy, collaboration, and information exchange across the organization.
• Support the Director of Development and Strategy and Executive Director in content planning for quarterly Board of Trustees meetings and facilitate follow-up activities.
• Oversee the system for gift processing, acknowledgments, and analytical reporting to ensure efficiency and transparency. Ensure Altru database alignment with GL financial systems and facilitate accounting and finance requests as needed.
• Oversee a relationship moves management system to support the development of the donor pipeline. Maintain prospect lists for special projects and exhibitions.
• Partner with the Director of Development and Strategy to monitor and update development policies and procedures for continuous improvement.

Position Qualifications:

• 5-7 years of proven success in fundraising and development, with a focus on individual giving.
• Event/program planning and management experience preferred.
• Exceptional writing, interpersonal and communication skills to foster and maintain donor relationships.
• A team player who can work seamlessly within a dedicated team and across various organizational departments.
• An appreciation for the arts and a commitment to preserving cultural legacies.
• 3-5 years of experience with donor databases. Blackbaud/Altru experience preferred.
• A demonstrated commitment to and experience with fostering diversity and inclusion in fundraising and development efforts, ensuring equitable treatment of all members and donors.

Work Schedule:

The weekly work hours typically fall between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday. Occasionally, there may be evening, and weekend hours required for special events. Additionally, this position offers a hybrid work arrangement, allowing for remote work one day a week.

TO APPLY: Please visit our Career Center for more details and to submit your resume.

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.