Development Manager

Wonder Works Children's Museum; River Forest (IL); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Wonder Works Children’s Museum seeks a part‑time Development Manager in River Forest, IL, with hybrid work flexibility. You will manage daily fundraising activities, donor outreach, and acknowledgments, while coordinating campaigns and supporting grant research.

The role partners with museum leadership to grow philanthropic support and community partnerships. The position emphasizes meticulous donor records, reporting, and clear communication across staff and volunteers to advance the museum’s

Qualifications

• Fundraising and donor-relations experience preferred.
• Grant research and writing support experience helpful.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day fundraising activities, donor outreach, stewardship, and acknowledgments.
• Coordinate development campaigns and assist with grant research and applications.
• Maintain accurate donor and gift records; prepare development reports and communications.
• Collaborate with museum leadership on fundraising strategies and support events and community partnerships.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Campaign coordination

Grant support

Administrative skills

Database management

Recordkeeping

Communication skills

Event support

Partnership collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management or related field

Tools

Database management

Job description

Company Description

Wonder Works Children’s Museum is dedicated to inspiring confidence, curiosity, and creativity in young children through engaging, hands‑on play experiences. The museum focuses on helping children build essential skills that prepare them for school and life beyond the classroom. Interactive exhibits and programs are designed to support learning, exploration, and imaginative play in a welcoming environment. Team members contribute directly to a mission‑driven organization that values community engagement, education, and inclusive family experiences.

Role Description

The Development Manager is a part‑time, hybrid role based in River Forest, IL, with some work‑from‑home flexibility. This role is responsible for managing day‑to‑day fundraising activities, including donor outreach, stewardship, and acknowledgments. The Development Manager will coordinate development campaigns, assist with grant research and applications, and maintain accurate donor and gift records. The role includes collaborating with museum leadership on fundraising strategies, supporting special events and community partnerships, and preparing development reports and communications. This position works closely with staff and volunteers to advance the museum’s mission and grow philanthropic support.

Qualifications

• Fundraising and development skills, including donor relationship management, campaign coordination, and grant support.
• Administrative and organizational skills, such as database management, recordkeeping, and report preparation.
• Strong communication skills, including clear writing, editing, and professional email and phone communication.
• Event support skills, including planning assistance, logistics coordination, and collaboration with volunteers and partners.
• Ability to work both on‑site in River Forest, IL and remotely, managing time and tasks independently.
• Commitment to the mission of children’s museums, education, and community engagement.
• Prior experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related fields preferred.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (such as nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or education) or equivalent experience is beneficial.