Individual & Major Gifts Manager

Summary of Position

Chicago Children’s Theatre has an immediate opening for a talented, passionate, committed Individual & Major Gifts Manager. This core staff member will be a team member serving the Development department of CCT.

This mid-career position will work directly with both the Director of Development and Artistic Director to leverage and secure individual giving initiatives for Chicago Children’s Theatre, with an emphasis on major gift cultivation and retention.

Below is the list of normal job duties, but it is not exhaustive.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Research, cultivate, and secure major donors with an emphasis on $1,000+ giving, utilizing a portfolio and completing 5-10 visits/month, to attain budget goals on the assigned timeline. Secure and track all other individual giving for the institution by creating and successfully initiating annual fund strategies and appeals. Track, share, and monitor progress weekly with both the Director of Development and Artistic Director.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development on a timeline, tasks, and financial goals to successfully plan and execute the annual gala.
• Work with the Director of Development to plan, coordinate, and execute Board and community engagement events including, but not limited to, happy hour events, open houses, opening show weekend celebrations, and major fundraising events. Create new event strategies with the goals of meeting the fundraising budget, developing new revenue streams, reaching expanded and new audiences, cultivating new Board and community connections, and fulfilling donor stewardship.

Within these core responsibilities:

• Represent CCT at both internal and external events.
• Secure additional staffing for internal and external events as needed utilizing both paid staff and volunteers.
• Complete donor acknowledgements, gift tracking, and Board giving in an ongoing, timely fashion.
• Collaborate with CCT staff to update and maintain CCT’s donor database.  Assist with billing and pledge payments with the General Manager as needed.
• Research and advise CCT on new technology tools to assist in community and Board engagement.
• Collaborate with both Director of Development and Artistic Director to create and disseminate communication tools including annual report, solicitation letters, e-blasts, invites, and newsletters to keep internal and external stakeholders engaged in mission and programming.
• Collaborate with all CCT staff in the furtherance of CCT’s goal of being an anti-racist/anti-bias theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Other duties as needed and mutually agreed upon with Guest Services Manager and within reason.

Knowledge, Skills, & Activities:

We are seeking candidates that have a passion for programming that supports children and their families.  Candidates with TYA or family event experience and/or arts experience will be prioritized for this position.  The hired candidate will be trained and assisted by staff members at Chicago Children’s Theatre who are experienced with our programs  and policies. Other desired skills include but are not limited to:

• Superior engagement, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Excellent communication, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in stressful situations with a positive attitude while meeting deadlines and budget goals is a must.
• Spanish language proficiency is ideal, but not required.
• The ability to work occasional extended/irregular hours, including nights, weekends and occasional holidayas needed.
• The ability to manage time effectively in office and remotely, demonstrating trust, flexibility, and accountability for work (i.e. superior work ethic).
• An abundant curiosity to learn & a willingness to assist/work as a CCT team member to advance the mission.
• A good work ethic.
• A sense of humor!

Working Environment:

Position may include occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs individually), carrying, pushing &/or pulling, climbing & balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching &/or crawling.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to accessibility and inclusion for all staff, students, and patrons, and priority will not be given to those with the ability to perform the physical tasks listed.