Manager of Development Operations and Events

Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Shakespeare Theater seeks a Manager of Development Operations and Events to lead systems, processes, and strategy that drive fundraising success. You will supervise Tessitura administration, donor services, and fundraising events while ensuring an exceptional donor experience.

Working with the Chief Development Officer, you’ll translate strategy into accurate reporting, robust data standards, and trusted workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of four years of experience in fundraising operations, advancement services, development administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with a relational CRM database (Tessitura preferred).
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Tessitura fundraising database administration and data integrity.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret reports to support fundraising strategy.
• Produce regular and ad hoc reports for the Chief Development Officer, Board, and internal stakeholders.
• Lead planning and execution of fundraising and donor engagement events from concept through post-event reconciliation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Project management

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Tessitura

Excel

Job description

The Manager of Development Operations and Events is responsible for the systems, processes, and operational strategy that drive fundraising success at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This position oversees development operations, donor services, fundraising events, and Tessitura administration while ensuring an exceptional donor experience throughout the philanthropic lifecycle.

Working closely with the Chief Development Officer, this individual serves as the operational leader of the Development Department, translating fundraising strategy into efficient systems, accurate reporting, exceptional donor stewardship, and successful fundraising events. The Manager of Development Operations and Events plays a critical role in ensuring that staff, leadership, and the Board have the tools, information, and infrastructure needed to build strong donor relationships and achieve fundraising goals.

Development Operations and Donor Strategy Support

• Oversee the day-to-day administration, integrity, and optimization of the Tessitura fundraising database, ensuring the accurate and timely recording of gifts, pledges, donor activity, and constituent information.
• Generate, analyze, and interpret reports that support fundraising strategy, donor engagement, campaign performance, and organizational decision-making.
• Ensure consistent data standards, gift coding, reporting accuracy, and adherence to organizational policies and best practices.
• Produce regular and ad hoc reports for the Chief Development Officer, Board of Directors, and other internal stakeholders.
• Manage moves management tracking and support portfolio management across the development team.
• Develop and maintain fundraising dashboards, revenue tracking tools, and performance metrics.
• Partner with Ticketing, Marketing, Finance, Education, and other internal departments to ensure donor records, recognition, gift reconciliation, and communications are accurate and aligned.
• Develop, document, and continually improve departmental policies, procedures, best practices for data and events operations.
• Serve as Tessitura super-user, leading system enhancements, troubleshooting, training, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology and automation to improve operational efficiency and donor engagement.
• Partner with the Finance Department on gift reconciliation, financial reporting, audit preparation, and fundraising revenue tracking.

Donor Services & Stewardship

• Oversee all donor services functions to ensure a timely, accurate, and donor-centered experience from gift receipt through stewardship.
• Develop and continuously improve donor service standards, workflows, and procedures.
• Ensure timely gift processing, acknowledgements, tax receipts, pledge reminders, tribute gifts, matching gifts, and donor correspondence.
• Monitor donor recognition across all platforms, including publications, signage, annual reports, performances, and special events.
• Partner with frontline fundraising staff to implement stewardship plans and ensure a consistently exceptional donor experience.
• Resolve donor inquiries and gift-related issues with professionalism, discretion, and outstanding customer service.
• Oversee donor benefit fulfillment, including Bard Circle and other recognition societies.
• Maintain confidential donor records and ensure compliance with organizational gift acceptance policies, data privacy standards, and IRS regulations.
• Lead the planning, project management, and execution of all fundraising and donor engagement events from concept through post-event reconciliation, including:
• Guest lists, registration, ticketing, and seating
• Sponsorship tracking and fulfillment
• Invitation, RSVP, and donor communication lists
• Paddle Raise, live auction, and other fundraising revenue tracking
• Co-develop project timelines and production schedules for all development events.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure event logistics, space needs, production schedules, and guest experiences support fundraising objectives.
• Oversee event registration systems, guest management, and reporting.
• Ensure event revenue, attendance, and donor information are accurately captured, reconciled, and reported.
• Conduct post-event reconciliation, evaluation, and reporting to inform future planning and continuous improvement.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop the Donor Services Associate.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture built on accountability, continuous improvement, and exceptional donor service.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison between Development, Finance, Marketing, Education, Production, Box Office, and other departments.
• Support the Chief Development Officer in departmental planning, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted thought partner in developing systems and processes that strengthen fundraising performance across the department.

Qualifications

Core Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Collaborative, service-oriented, and committed to providing an exceptional donor experience.
• Ability to anticipate needs, solve problems proactively, and exercise sound judgment.
• Commitment to continuous process improvement and operational excellence.
• High degree of discretion when handling confidential donor and organizational information.
• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of four years of experience in fundraising operations, advancement services, development administration, or a related field.
• Experience working with a relational CRM database (Tessitura preferred).
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Preferred

• Experience in a performing arts, cultural, or nonprofit organization.
• Experience supporting fundraising events, annual giving campaigns, donor stewardship, and fundraising reporting.
• Experience supervising staff or leading cross-functional project teams.
• Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Some evening and weekend work required for performances, donor events, and special events.
• Primary worksite: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer work.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion among our audiences, artists, staff, and Board. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their talents.

CST provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.