Donor Engagement Lead: Gala & Giving Programs

Lookingglass Theatre Company; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vision & Rx plan

12 paid holidays

Vacation, Personal, Sick time-off

Job summary

Lookingglass Theatre Company is seeking a creative, organized Donor Engagement Manager who will lead the signature Come As You Aren’t gala and manage donor engagement strategies. You will work with the Director of Development and cross‑team partners to cultivate meaningful relationships with supporters, artists, and productions.

The role emphasizes event leadership, donor stewardship, and collaborative fundraising campaigns, with an in‑office focus four days a week and a Monday work‑from‑home

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with a track record of building relationships.
• Experience leading fundraising events, including budget and logistics.
• Experience implementing annual giving campaigns and donor engagement activities.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfort working with CRM systems, budgets, and fundraising reports.
• Collaborative, creative, and resourceful with a team-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of the Come As You Aren’t gala and related event production.
• Develop gala work plans, budgets, vendor relations, timelines, and staffing.
• Collaborate on gala fundraising strategy, sponsorships, auction procurement, and donor engagement.
• Oversee guest lists, invitations, RSVPs, seating, and on-site execution.
• Manage donor acknowledgments, pledges, and post-event follow-up with teams.
• Plan additional cultivation and stewardship events, including openings and artist gatherings.
• Run annual giving campaigns and steward a portfolio of donors.
• Track giving history and campaigns in the CRM and report progress to leadership.

Skills

Donor relations

Fundraising

Event planning

CRM systems

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Donor stewardship

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Lookingglass Theatre Company is seeking a creative, organized Donor Engagement Manager who will lead the signature Come As You Aren’t gala and manage donor engagement strategies. You will work with the Director of Development and cross‑team partners to cultivate meaningful relationships with supporters, artists, and productions.

The role emphasizes event leadership, donor stewardship, and collaborative fundraising campaigns, with an in‑office focus four days a week and a Monday work‑from‑home