Annual Fund Manager

Hours: Full-time
Reports To: Director of Institutional and Major Giving

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide experiences and memories to build a foundation for a lifetime of learning. At the Museum in Glenview, IL, we offer engaging learning environments featuring interactive exhibits and programs that encourage young children to become effective learners through play. As part of our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the best learning experiences possible, we extend our footprint throughout the Chicagoland area through outreach programs, traveling exhibits, and partnering with educators to inspire meaningful change in the education of young children.

The Annual Fund Manager is responsible for planning and implementing the annual giving program. The ideal candidate will create and implement a plan that cultivates, solicits, acknowledges, and stewards donors. Reporting to, and working directly with, the Director of Institutional and Major Giving, this role will play a vital role in growing the individual donor base of the Museum while moving donors into an annual cycle of giving.

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work in collaboration with the VP of Development and Director of Institutional and Major Giving to establish short- and long-term Annual Fund goals, objectives, and metrics for success
• Plan and implement the Museum’s annual fund renewal, direct mail, and online fundraising campaigns, focusing on increasing the number of annual donors and dollars raised
• Analyze and report performance of renewal and acquisition campaigns and online solicitations, utilizing analytics to refine and improve solicitation strategies
• Oversee stewardship plan and process, including acknowledgement letters, holiday card mailings, invitations to special events, personal calls to donors, etc.
• Maintain all relevant data in Altru database to include donor meetings, correspondence, actions, etc.
• In coordination with the VP of Development and Director of Institutional and Major Giving, implement plan for donor communications, stewardship of all donor segments including annual fund, mid-level, and special event supporters
• Build and manage a small portfolio of individual donor prospects through all phases of identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Support the Director of Major Gifts and Institutional Giving in updating portfolios for CEO and VP of Development and ensure that they are communicating with their portfolio on a regular basis
• In coordination with appropriate Museum staff, create and execute cultivation, engagement, and stewardship recognition and activities for Annual Fund donors
• Coordinate production of donor recognition collateral including print, digital, social media, and email communications with the Marketing Manager and VP of Marketing
• Attend Museum and donor activities/events. Assist in event logistics and attendee cultivation and stewardship as needed.
• Collaborate with Development team in organization-wide fundraising and stewardship-related special events, including outreach, solicitations, tracking, recognition, and follow-up
• Work with VP of Development to ensure adherence to gift acceptance, gift counting, and gift processing policies and procedures, and to fulfill information requests and maintain reporting accuracy
• Contribute toward a coordinated, best-in-class individual giving fundraising program by collaborating actively with the VP of Development and Director of Institutional and Major Giving to qualify donors and determine solicitation strategies for increased giving and engagement. Facilitate the transfer of donors between programs as relevant.
• Oversee annual budgeting, tracking, and reporting for Annual Fund progress. Maintain all relevant data in Raiser’s Edge database to include donor meetings, correspondence, actions, etc.
• In collaboration with Marketing team, develop content and collateral for Annual Fund donors, including appeals, newsletters, and invitations
• Monitor the give/get for KCM’s Women’s Board and Development Board and Guide Board Members in activities and solicitations designed to help them reach their individual fundraising goals

Additional Responsibilities

• Manage volunteers as needed for department project work and special events
• Work strategically with other development staff to reach shared department goals
• Represent the Museum to donors, vendors, and the public
• Perform other related duties, as requested

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three to five years’ development experience, including demonstrated success in individual giving and annual fundraising
• Proven track record of measurable results in organizing and implementing annual fund programs
• Ability to manage external relationships with donors, volunteers, vendors, board members, and other industry professionals
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint; proficiency with Altru and Financial Edge Systems (or requirement to be fully trained within 3 months of hire)
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a high level of integrity and trustworthiness in managing confidential information
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required. Demonstrated ability to write clear and persuasive communications
• Efficient time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to handle tasks in a timely and efficient manner, while understanding priorities
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license, own vehicle, and good driving record
• Flexibility with work schedule, as necessary, to support weekend scheduling and/or evening activities
• Ability to participate in cross-departmental projects
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required (subject to reasonable accommodation for individuals with medical conditions or religious beliefs that prevent getting vaccinated)

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates can submit an online application found on the Careers page of our website, kcmgc.org. For more information about the position or the Museum, please visit www.kcmgc.org.

Kohl Children’s Museum is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.