Annual Giving Manager

Chicago, IL
Full Time
External Affairs
Manager/Supervisor

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job: The Annual Giving Manager is responsible for fundraising efforts of the Museum's individual annual giving programs, focusing on gifts starting at $2,500 and above. The position works closely with Museum leadership, donors, and internal teams to achieve annual fundraising goals and enhance donor participation.
 

This is a hybrid position that requires occasional weekend and evening special event availability.
 

Responsibilities
Annual Giving Program Management

  • Develop and implement strategies to grow the annual giving program, including gifts starting at $2,500+.
  • Support the Director of Annual Giving with Giving Circles and auxiliary groups, ensuring effective communication and engagement with members.
Fundraising Campaigns
  • Plan and execute annual fund mailings, email campaigns, and other appeals to cultivate and solicit donors.
  • Create compelling donor communications and materials to support giving initiatives. 
Fundraising Events
  • Plan and execute key elements of Griffin MSI's two major annual fundraising events, working closely with the event volunteer co-chairs.
  • Plan and execute other events for donors and prospect engagement and stewardship, as needed.
Donor Engagement
  • Build and maintain relationships with individual donors, focusing on mid-level donors and prospects.
  • Collaborate with auxiliary groups to support engagement efforts, including planning donor events and meetings.
  • Manage recognition and stewardship efforts to enhance donor retention and satisfaction.
Data and Reporting
  • Monitor annual giving performance, track progress against goals, and provide regular reports to leadership.
  • Maintain accurate donor records and ensure proper acknowledgement and report.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of five (5) years' experience in annual giving, fundraising, or related areas.
  • Bachelor's degree is strongly preferred.
  • Proven success in managing annual giving campaigns and donor stewardship.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to craft compelling donor materials.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to details, with the ability to manage multiple competing projects.
  • Proficiency in donor databases and fundraising software preferred.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including leadership, donors, and volunteers.
  • Must demonstrate the ability to be proactive, work independently, and accomplish results.
  • Language:
    • Ability to read, write, and interpret documents such as reports and correspondence.
    • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
  • Mathematical:
    • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as basic math figures and amounts.
  • Reasoning:
    • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concreate variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
    • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
  • Physical:
    • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
    • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
    • The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and taste or smell.
    • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
    • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Work Environment:
    • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The salary range for this position is $78,000 - $81,000. 

This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including: 
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
  • 10 Company Holidays 
  • 401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
  • Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
  • Free onsite garage parking
Position created on March 10th, 2025.

Our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity Mission

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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