VP, Development & Donor Strategy

Chicago Children's Museum; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 165,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Children's Museum in Chicago seeks a Vice President of Development to steer all fundraising programs, including operating, capital, legacy, and endowment. Reporting to the President & CEO, you will lead a talented team and collaborate with the Board to grow contributed revenue and campaigns.

You will shape strategy, supervise staff, and ensure metrics align with museum priorities, delivering annual and long-range fundraising results while upholding the museum's values of belonging,

Qualifications

• Ten years of experience leading development teams and volunteer boards.
• Proven success in capital campaigns, major gifts, annual giving, sponsorships.
• Experience growing major gifts program and six- to seven-figure gifts.
• Strong network in Chicago philanthropy; comfortable with public role.
• Experience on senior leadership team with board interactions.
• Excellent fiscal management and fundraising analytics.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of digital fundraising platforms and marketing.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the development team and boards to exceed revenue goals.
• Develop and implement a strategic giving plan across all revenue streams.
• Oversee grants, major gifts, sponsorships, annual giving, and events.
• Collaborate with marketing to align messaging for fundraising.
• Manage department budgets with finance.
• Serve as staff liaison to board committees and governance.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Nonprofit leadership

Major gifts

Campaign management

Board relations

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Data analysis

Marketing knowledge

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Raiser’s Edge/RE NXT

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Chicago Children's Museum in Chicago seeks a Vice President of Development to steer all fundraising programs, including operating, capital, legacy, and endowment. Reporting to the President & CEO, you will lead a talented team and collaborate with the Board to grow contributed revenue and campaigns.

You will shape strategy, supervise staff, and ensure metrics align with museum priorities, delivering annual and long-range fundraising results while upholding the museum's values of belonging,