Manager of Individual Giving and Major Gifts

Instructions to Apply:

JOB TITLE: Manager of Individual Giving and Major Gifts 

REPORTS TO: Director of Individual Giving 

FLSA STATUS: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt 

COMPENSATION RATE: $53,000 – 57,000 annually  

LOCATION: 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601 (Hybrid Eligible)   

POSITION SUMMARY: Manages annual performance and strategic growth of the Goodman Premiere Society, an individual giving circle for annual donors of $3,000 and above, which generates $2,800,000 in annual revenue and is personally responsible for fundraising gifts of $3,000 - $29,000. In collaboration with the members of the Goodman Theatre Individual Fundraising team, they will help to raise nearly $4 Million annually.   

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Drive planning and management of Premiere Society giving programs, including production sponsorships, to secure annual goals between $2.5 million to $3.2 million each season.  

Maintain a portfolio of prospects with annual giving potential in the range of $3,000-$29,000, with a goal of securing between $500,000 and $700,000 in contributions each season.  

Collaborate with colleagues to develop individual giving opportunities for key constituencies, align Premiere Society strategies with grassroots appeals, and optimize use of our donor and patron database—Goodman Theatre uses Tessitura.  

Create all sponsorship, Premiere Society, and planned giving solicitation materials and collateral alongside the Director of Individual Giving. Drafts and facilitates solicitation letters, proposals and acknowledgement letters for Goodman leadership, board volunteers and other colleagues in support of fundraising objectives.   

Oversee all related contributor benefits for Production Sponsorship, Premiere Society, and Spotlight Society donors, including special event invitations, donor perks, donor listings and VIP subscriptions.  

Advises Premiere Society Concierge services and collaborates with Development Events Coordinator and Front of House management to manage VIP ticketing and activities in the Goodman Lounge.   

Plan and implement annual donor stewardship and cultivation events alongside the Development Events Coordinator and Annual Fund Coordinator. Then routinely evaluate the effectiveness of these events.  

Administrative contact for Spotlight Society (planning giving donors) and Spotlight Advisory Council (estate planning professionals)  

Provide support for Development Office special events.  

Partner with the Director of Individual Giving to manage the planning, logistics, and financial reporting major donor’s trips and tours.   

Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:  

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3-5 years progressive experience in non-profit fundraising.  

At least 3 years’ direct experience with personal, one-on-one cultivation and solicitation of individual donors with a demonstrated ability to establish solid donor relationships and secure major gifts and a proven track record in meeting fundraising goals.  

Previous experience working with high-level volunteers and ease of working in an environment with a broad range of personalities  

Strong strategic acumen; ability to process research and create solicitation strategies; articulate strategies to volunteers; execute strategies with donors (on a one-on-one basis and in partnership with volunteers).  

Experience managing fundraising projects, such as special events, mass mailings, and/or process design   

Exceptional interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills with high level of professionalism and integrity.  

Team player with superior organizational, analytical, computer and database skills. Experience and comfort with Excel and Tessitura (or other comparable fundraising database) is required.  

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. 

HOW TO APPLY: 
Qualified individuals are invited to apply by uploading a resume and selecting the “Start Application” button on the right side of the page. On the next page, please attach a cover letter when prompted. No phone calls, please.