Director of Individual Giving
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
We have an opening for a Director of Individual Giving who will play a pivotal role in advancing the MCA's mission to inspire and educate through contemporary art by cultivating and securing transformative philanthropic relationships. This position oversees all aspects of individual giving, including contributions from Trustees and non-Trustees, and provides leadership to key support groups such as the Women's Board, Emerge (a collecting group), and regional affiliate groups. The Director dedicates at least 60% of their time to face-to-face meetings and solicitations with prospects and donors, serving as a visible ambassador for the museum. To be successful in this role, you will:
Fundraising Strategy & Donor Relations
Develop and implement comprehensive solicitation strategies for unrestricted, restricted, planned gifts, campaign gifts, multi-year commitments, and art acquisitions. Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of major gift prospects, creating written strategies, proposals, and maintaining accurate records in Raiser's Edge. Drive donor pipeline development and moves management to secure multi-year commitments and deepen engagement. Increase awareness of major gifts among donor prospects and communicate the museum's mission with passion and clarity. Maximize fundraising event revenue by developing donor-centric strategies, securing sponsorships, and leveraging event participation for cultivation and solicitation opportunities. Travel domestically and internationally to connect with donors at major art fairs and cultural events, creating unique engagement opportunities that deepen relationships and advance philanthropic support. Stewardship
Partner with the Stewardship Manager to operationalize the stewardship calendar: ensuring timely acknowledgements and tax receipts, benefit fulfillment, donor recognition, and impact reporting. Support creation of personalized briefings and materials for high-value donors and institutional partners. Leadership & Team Management
Lead and develop team members by fostering an inclusive, psychologically safe environment that encourages open, two-way feedback and continuous growth. Serve as a positive cultural ambassador across the museum, modeling behaviors that champion equity, collaboration, and respect. Drive accountability and clarity of expectations while overseeing day-to-day operations, special projects, and performance against key metrics. Actively engage in coaching and feedback to strengthen engagement, support professional development, and achieve organizational goals. Establish and track individual fundraising goals. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the Individual Giving team. Collaboration & Reporting
Partner with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to set, monitor, and achieve contributed revenue and activity goals. Collaborate with the Director of Development Operations to maintain a robust prospect management system and ensure accurate reporting. Work closely with the CDO to create and manage expense and revenue budgets related to individual giving and membership. Support the Pritzker Director and Deputy Directors on high-level solicitations as needed. Participate in museum-wide initiatives, cross-functional teams, and trustee-level committees. QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in major gifts fundraising, including face-to-face solicitation and managing high-level volunteers. Proven track record of achieving contributed revenue goals and securing significant philanthropic gifts. Exceptional leadership and team management skills with demonstrated success in motivating and developing staff. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to inspire and influence. High level of discretion, judgment, and diplomacy in handling confidential information. Collaborative, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic,
cross-functional
environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and CRM platforms such as Raisers Edge. Ability to perform occasional light lifting. General mobility throughout the museum. BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE:
Individual and MCA-provided retirement savings plans. Paid time off. Pre-tax, reduced rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits. Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests. Free admission to many special and member events. Reduced price tickets to MCA Stage performances. Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store. Access to our onsite library. Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours. Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.
Full-time staff are also eligible for a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance plus free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
This is a full time position, with a Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm schedule; with occasional additional hours as required by activity in department. This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement per the Remote Work Policy. 40 hours per week.
Fundraising Strategy & Donor Relations
Develop and implement comprehensive solicitation strategies for unrestricted, restricted, planned gifts, campaign gifts, multi-year commitments, and art acquisitions. Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of major gift prospects, creating written strategies, proposals, and maintaining accurate records in Raiser's Edge. Drive donor pipeline development and moves management to secure multi-year commitments and deepen engagement. Increase awareness of major gifts among donor prospects and communicate the museum's mission with passion and clarity. Maximize fundraising event revenue by developing donor-centric strategies, securing sponsorships, and leveraging event participation for cultivation and solicitation opportunities. Travel domestically and internationally to connect with donors at major art fairs and cultural events, creating unique engagement opportunities that deepen relationships and advance philanthropic support. Stewardship
Partner with the Stewardship Manager to operationalize the stewardship calendar: ensuring timely acknowledgements and tax receipts, benefit fulfillment, donor recognition, and impact reporting. Support creation of personalized briefings and materials for high-value donors and institutional partners. Leadership & Team Management
Lead and develop team members by fostering an inclusive, psychologically safe environment that encourages open, two-way feedback and continuous growth. Serve as a positive cultural ambassador across the museum, modeling behaviors that champion equity, collaboration, and respect. Drive accountability and clarity of expectations while overseeing day-to-day operations, special projects, and performance against key metrics. Actively engage in coaching and feedback to strengthen engagement, support professional development, and achieve organizational goals. Establish and track individual fundraising goals. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the Individual Giving team. Collaboration & Reporting
Partner with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to set, monitor, and achieve contributed revenue and activity goals. Collaborate with the Director of Development Operations to maintain a robust prospect management system and ensure accurate reporting. Work closely with the CDO to create and manage expense and revenue budgets related to individual giving and membership. Support the Pritzker Director and Deputy Directors on high-level solicitations as needed. Participate in museum-wide initiatives, cross-functional teams, and trustee-level committees. QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in major gifts fundraising, including face-to-face solicitation and managing high-level volunteers. Proven track record of achieving contributed revenue goals and securing significant philanthropic gifts. Exceptional leadership and team management skills with demonstrated success in motivating and developing staff. Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to inspire and influence. High level of discretion, judgment, and diplomacy in handling confidential information. Collaborative, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic,
cross-functional
environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and CRM platforms such as Raisers Edge. Ability to perform occasional light lifting. General mobility throughout the museum. BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE:
Individual and MCA-provided retirement savings plans. Paid time off. Pre-tax, reduced rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits. Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests. Free admission to many special and member events. Reduced price tickets to MCA Stage performances. Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store. Access to our onsite library. Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours. Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.
Full-time staff are also eligible for a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance plus free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance.
This is a full time position, with a Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm schedule; with occasional additional hours as required by activity in department. This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement per the Remote Work Policy. 40 hours per week.