Chief Development Officer

Inside Philanthropy; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago seeks a strategic Chief Development Officer to lead its fundraising and campaign initiatives. Reporting to the President & CEO, the CDO will direct major gifts, annual giving, institutional grants, corporate partnerships, events, stewardship, and campaign planning while maintaining an active donor portfolio.

The ideal candidate is a relationship‑driven, entrepreneurial fundraiser who can build fundraising systems, leverage data and technology to guide

Qualifications

• Strategic fundraising leadership experience.
• Proven ability to secure major gifts.
• Experience building donor pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead advancement strategy across major gifts, annual giving, and corporate partnerships.
• Oversee campaigns, events, stewardship, and grants.
• Manage an active donor portfolio and build fundraising infrastructure.

Job description

Chief Development Officer

CHICAGO, IL

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (the Museum), the public face of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, is one of Chicago's most distinctive cultural and scientific institutions. For nearly 170 years, the Museum has connected people with nature and science through exhibits, education, conservation, community science, and environmental engagement.

The Museum is entering a period of growth and ambition, with increased attendance, expanded programming, stronger community engagement, and a bold vision for the future. Planned investments in exhibitions, learning spaces, conservation, climate resiliency, and public engagement create a compelling opportunity to deepen philanthropic support.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as the Museum's senior fundraising leader and a key partner to the Board, executive leadership, and staff. The CDO will lead advancement strategy across major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, events, stewardship, and campaign planning while maintaining an active portfolio of donors and prospects.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, relationship-driven, and entrepreneurial fundraising executive with a record of securing significant philanthropic investments, building donor pipelines, strengthening development systems, and connecting donors to mission. They will be energized by the opportunity to build fundraising infrastructure and internal systems, creating structure from ambiguity while using data and fundraising technology to guide decisions. They will be a compelling storyteller, collaborative partner, and visible ambassador for the Museum's work in science education, conservation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

For more information about the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum please visit https://naturemuseum.org/.