Job Details

Title: Manager of Individual Giving

Department: Development

Reports to: Director of Individual & Planned Giving

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $60,000 - $65,000

Position Overview

Shedd Aquarium is seeking a full-time Manager of Individual Giving to join its Development Department and play a critical role in advancing fundraising efforts for our Centennial Commitment. The department aims to:

• Raise $130M towards the experience evolution at our historic Museum Campus location.

• Increase philanthropic support of annual operations by 50-60% to support the future financial model by 2027.

The Manager will focus on cultivating individual philanthropy across membership, leadership, and planned giving programs to grow revenue and supporter base. Working under the guidance of the Director of Individual and Planned Giving, the role involves transforming transactional relationships into relational ones, promoting leadership and planned giving societies, and managing multiple efforts aligned with Shedd's mission and fundraising priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned. To succeed, individuals must perform each duty satisfactorily, with accommodations made as needed.

Individual Giving

• Manage acquisition, renewal, and upgrade strategies for Sponsor, Ambassador, and Aquarium Council members ($500-$9,999).
• Collaborate with the Membership Team to convert members into higher-tier donors through various techniques.
• Serve as a primary liaison for Sponsor, Ambassador, and Aquarium Council members, providing concierge-level support.
• Coordinate with the Donor Engagement & Events team to develop cultivation and stewardship plans for mid-level and leadership donors.
• Assist in creating support materials for fundraising campaigns.

Relationship Management

• Manage a portfolio of 100 new Aquarium Council and loyal member households, focusing on retention and growth.
• Cultivate and transition high-velocity Aquarium Council members.
• Work with teams to identify, qualify, and transition new donor leads and membership segments.
• Maintain accurate donor records in Tessitura.

Shedd Priorities

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
• Stay informed about the Centennial Commitment strategic plan and communicate effectively with supporters.
• Use Tessitura and SharePoint for managing activities and knowledge.
• Contribute to building an anti-racist fundraising environment.
• Incorporate DEAI principles in planning and strategy to reflect the Chicago community.
• Support team well-being and work-life balance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum BA or equivalent experience required. Candidates should have:

• At least 3 years of progressive development or membership experience, with a proven track record in increasing member-donor retention and engagement.
• Excellent communication skills for diverse audiences.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with planning, analytics, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with high attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with CRM databases; Tessitura preferred.

Benefits

We offer competitive packages and professional growth opportunities, including:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Life insurance, parental leave, and adoption assistance
• 401(k), transit subsidies, and wellness programs
• Employee discounts, tickets, and more

Reasonable Accommodations

We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If needed, contact us at ...@sheddaquarium.org.

We encourage diverse applicants, including people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, parents, and individuals from all backgrounds. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.