Manager, Development Communications

Newsletter Jobs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Free onsite garage parking

Job summary

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago seeks a Manager, Communications to lead donor and member communications, develop strategies, and align fundraising and membership initiatives with the museum’s mission.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years in communications or nonprofit settings, with strong writing, CMS experience, and proficiency in MS Office and Adobe tools. You will collaborate across teams to tell stories that engage supporters and advance funding priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum four years in communications or non-profit environments.
• Strong writer with storytelling ability; persuasive communication across donor audiences.
• Experience with content management systems required; proficiency in MS Office; project coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan, and execute department communications from concept to production.
• Create donor-centered collateral that tells the story of Griffin MSI programs and impact.
• Develop a donor communications plan for fundraising and membership initiatives.
• Manage External Affairs calendar and coordinate with EA and Marketing teams.
• Collaborate on videos and digital media to communicate funding priorities to donors.
• Prepare proposals and communications for high-level solicitations.

Skills

Storytelling

Writing

Communication

Project management

Collaboration

Presentation

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Content Management System

Microsoft Office

Adobe InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Salesforce CRM

Job description

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 Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 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 Manager, Communications is responsible for the development and implementation of communication strategies and projects that connect donor and member audiences to the Museum, adding a fresh approach to content and delivery that will be used across all fundraising and membership initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan, message and complete departmental communications from conception through production, collaborating with the content manager(s) in EA and Marketing staff who provide key support to ensure project meets the needs of the owner and is produced on time/on budget/on brand.
• Create collateral that "tells the story" of how Griffin MSI programs positively impact community and fulfill our mission from a donor-centered perspective.
• Develop an overarching donor communications plan that includes both fundraising and membership initiatives.
• Create, manage, and distribute External Affairs communications project calendar.
• Track pertinent institutional data, photography, mailing lists, promotion, and presentation materials for projects.
• Oversee communication to various strategic task forces and committees.
• Create and manage new system for streamlined proposal development to aid frontline fundraisers with solicitation.
• Work directly with External Affairs and Development Leadership to develop custom proposals for high-level solicitations.
• Partner with Stewardship, leadership, facilities and others to ensure consistent, approved language for new and updated donor recognition.
• With Communications/ Marketing team, collaborate on the development and creation of targeted videos used to help tell the story of funding priorities to donors.
• Create and/or edit in content management system for segmented donor and member outreach.
• Manage the content on External Affairs web pages, updating as needed.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Division on videos, digital media, and social media, requests for content on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
• Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and a Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in communications or public relations and/or non-profit experience,
• Strong knowledge and experience working with a content management system is required.
• Exceptional, persuasive, and a strong writer who excels at storytelling and narrative writing.
• Must have Microsoft Office and Project skills.
• Experience in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator preferred.
• Demonstrated strong collaborative, organizational and presentation skills.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Self-motivated and highly organized.
• Strong communication, organization and time management skills.
• Familiarity with non-profit environment; Salesforce CRM experience is a plus.
• Ability to gather data, analyze information and prepare reports in a fast-paced environment, with strict deadlines, and changing priorities.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evening special events.

Language

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, scripts, standard operating procedures, etc.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of guests and employees.

Physical

• While performing the duties of this job the employeeis regularly required to speak loudly and clearly
• The employeefrequentlyis required tostand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employeeis occasionally required tosit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 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 $70,000 - $80,000.

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

This position was posted on 9/28/2026