Director of Individual Giving

JOB TITLE: Director of Individual Giving

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Institutional Giving & Development Operations

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

COMPENSATION RATE: $100 – 125k annually

LOCATION: 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Director of Individual Giving leads the Individual Giving team to achieve ambitious contributed income goals through data-driven strategies including both annual fund and planned giving. As a key collaborator on the Development Team, the Director of Individual Giving will work closely with the Chief Development Officer, Deputy Director of Development, senior leadership and board leadership to maximize revenue, develop talent, and support the operations of our world-class theater.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee all fundraising activities related to annual individual giving, spanning grassroots, circle giving, major gifts and principal gifts to collectively raise $3.7M+ in annual support.
• Establish area goals for each donor category and track progress in collaboration with the Development department.
• Personally manage a portfolio of 75-100 prospects with the capacity to make five- and six-figure annual gifts to The Goodman.
• Directly supervise the Philanthropy Officer and Senior Manager of Individual & Major Gifts; indirectly supervise Annual Fund Associate.
• Oversee a major gift prospect management system to track prospect activity including cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition. Hold staff accountable for steady progress toward goals.
• Craft and execute strategies for soliciting production sponsorships, education and new play development programs, accessibility and IDEAA initiatives, special initiatives and general operating funds. Consider innovative approaches and models by working with the Development team.
• Regularly meet prospects at the theater for cultivation and sustainably manage team of fundraisers to do the same.
• Work with Goodman volunteers from the Board of Trustees, Women’s Board and Scenemakers to solicit prospects; coach Individual Giving team members to do the same.
• Guide and collaborate with the Individual Giving team and Development Coordinator on solicitation materials and collateral.
• Work with the Development team to plan annual donor stewardship events and other recognition/benefit opportunities to engage new donors and encourage upgraded gifts.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Individual & Major Gifts to expand and foster the widespread awareness of the planned giving program (“The Spotlight Society”) by qualifying Goodman prospects for planned gifts.
• Qualify and cultivate Goodman prospects (targeted at 50% of portfolio) for first-time and increased gifts.
• Record interactions with prospective donors in the Goodman’s Tessitura database.
• Provide staffing support for Development Office special events.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising.
• 3-5 years of direct experience with personal, one-on-one cultivation and solicitation of individual donors with a demonstrated ability to establish solid donor relationships and meet major gifts fundraising goals.
• 3-5 years of experience managing and motivating staff.
• Strong strategic acumen; ability to process, research and create solicitation strategies; ability to articulate strategies to volunteers and execute strategies with donors (on a one-on-one basis and in partnership with volunteers); major focus on establishing, building and maintaining relationships with donors.
• Previous experience working with high-level volunteers.
• A disciplined approach to renewing existing donors and a proactive approach to seeking out new ones.
• Exceptional interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills; a high level of professionalism and integrity.
• Team player with superior organizational, strong analytical, computer and database skills. Experience and comfort with Word, Excel and Tessitura (or other comparable fundraising database).
• Model Behavior and values consistent with The Goodman’s Community Agreements and furthering The Goodman’s IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access) goals.

BACKGROUND: 

Chicago’s theater since 1925, The Goodman is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. The theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics.

We at The Goodman believe that a diversity of people, ideas and cultures in our organization enriches both the art on stage and our civic engagement. In our workplace, we strive to reflect the communities we serve, and make space in which everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. The Goodman values equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to approaching our work through the practice of anti-racism. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/Accountability

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

Goodman Theatre offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, paid vacation, sick leave, 401K & Parental Leave.

The Goodman is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles—quality, diversity and community— The Goodman seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city.

The Goodman is an inclusive and accessible employer. Successful candidates will have experience working with diverse groups of people and will demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing equity and inclusion at The Goodman.

The Goodman uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.