Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Philanthropy Officer leads the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors to the organization. The Philanthropy Officer will work directly with Trustees, members, donors (current, past, and prospective), corporations, foundations, and government agencies. The Philanthropy Officer will work closely with the other areas of external affairs, including grants, marketing, and membership, as well as with all departments in the museum, including education, guest experience and engagement, collections and living collections, and museum experience, to generate contributed revenue for the organization.

The job will include:

• managing the annual fund
• leading the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all grant support
• assisting with the annual Butterfly Ball solicitations and event planning
• identifying new prospects to grow contributed revenue opportunities
• cultivating and soliciting major gift prospects
• cultivating members to become donors
• creating and executing campaigns
• coordinating planned giving
• managing donor research
• overseeing donor acknowledgments and recognition
• planning and developing fundraising and stewardship opportunities

The Philanthropy Officer will help the organization think strategically about new ways to identify and engage donors. An entrepreneurial spirit and a strong broad base of fundraising experience are essential for success with this position.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required:

• Minimum five years of fundraising experience with increasing, measurable responsibility, particularly with annual, major, and event-based giving programs.
• Strong understanding of AFP best practices for all cycles of a donor relationship.
• Grant writing experience required.
• Excellent writing, editing, and research skills.
• Strong verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Familiarity with Chicago-based corporate and foundation grant partners preferred.
• Experience in a museum or arts/cultural related environment preferred.
• A high-energy, action-oriented, talented individual, who understands the importance of both strategy and execution.

Salary Range: from $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications, with benefits package included.

The Philanthropy Officer works both in the Museum offices and remotely, following all City and CDC guidelines for safety.

How to Apply:

Please send cover letter and resume to: HR-PhilanthropyOfficer@naturemuseum.org.

No phone calls please. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time.

The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of the organization. We strongly encourage applications from people of color and members of underrepresented groups.

Data shows that women and minority candidates frequently do not apply for a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. Our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory comprehensive list. If you feel passionate about our efforts and believe that you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you!