Development Associate

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 create learning experiences that spark imagination and curiosity. At the Museum in Glenview, IL, we offer engaging learning environments featuring interactive exhibits and programs that expand the minds of young children through play. To ensure that every child has access to the best learning experiences possible, we extend our footprint throughout Chicagoland through outreach programs, traveling exhibits, and partnering with educators.

The Development Associate is an essential member of KCM’s Development Team who will actively participate in the creation of the Annual Development Plan and follow through on its successful implementation. The Development Associate will support the annual fund, special events, and donor stewardship initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Institutional and Major Giving, this person will play a vital role in expanding the individual donor base while moving donors into an annual cycle of giving. This dynamic position requires the ability to anticipate needs, manage logistics, create a welcoming atmosphere, prepare professional reports and documents, and use judgement and critical thinking skills to offer solutions to issues, while projecting a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Development Program Coordination

• Collaborate with the VP of Development and Director of Institutional and Major Giving to establish short- and long-term fundraising goals and metrics for success.
• Assist in creating and implementing an annual strategy for cultivating and stewarding donors through mailings, social media, events, targeted appeals, email, and other innovative techniques that can attract a diverse range of donors.
• Implement the plan for donor communications, stewardship of all donor segments including annual fund, mid-level, and special event supporters.
• 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.

Annual Fund

• Assist in planning and implementing the Museum’s annual fund renewal, direct mail and online fundraising campaigns, focusing on increasing the number of annual donors and dollars raised.
• Oversee stewardship plan and process including acknowledgement letters, holiday card mailings, invitations to special events, personal calls to donors, etc.
• In collaboration with Marketing team, develop content and collateral for Annual Fund donors, including appeals, newsletters, and invitations.
• Coordinate with the Marketing Team, Programs Team and Visitor Experience Team to collect stories and photos that demonstrate the impact of Museum programs.

Donor Stewardship

• Ensure timely updated and accurate acknowledgement of all contributions.
• Maintain all relevant data in database to include donor meetings, correspondence, actions, etc.
• Coordinate production of donor recognition collateral including print, digital, social media, and email communications with the Marketing team.
• Support the Director of Major Gifts and Institutional Giving in updating portfolios for CEO and VP of Development. Track and record portfolio follow-up.
• Build and manage a small portfolio of individual donor prospects through all phases of identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Special Event Coordination

• Attend Museum and donor activities/events as needed. Prepare name tags and event attendee lists, greet guests, support staff check-in tables, attend planning meetings, and produce related collateral.
• Collaborate with Development team in organization-wide fundraising and stewardship-related special events, including outreach, solicitations, tracking, recognition, and follow-up.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare progress reports for the VP of Development Department, engage with current and potential donors via phone, email or other means of communication, track contributions, prepare and manage mailing lists, track revenue and expenditures, and manage other development projects as needed.
• Update and maintain current Board, ancillary boards, donor and staff lists to ensure record accuracy in the CRM and shared files. Maintain working knowledge of, and regularly utilize the database to provide timely and accurate department and organizational information.
• Support the President and CEO and the Board of Trustees. Arrange logistics for the Board and committee meetings and events; schedule meetings, draft agendas, compile, produce and distribute meeting packets, prepare presentations, and record minutes on behalf of the Board Secretary. Produce and distribute Board-related materials including but not limited to the Board directory, meeting documents, individual engagement and giving reports, compliance forms, orientation information, and other materials as needed.
• Research grant prospects and work with Director of Major Gifts and Institutional Giving to identify and prioritize opportunities for funding.
• Coordinate 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
• Two to three years’ development experience
• Ability to professionally manage external relationships with donors, volunteers, vendors, board members, and other industry professionals
• Demonstrated ability to manage details, meet fundraising goals, build momentum around events, and work both collaboratively and independently
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint; proficiency with Blackbaud products 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 grammatically correct communications
• Efficient time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to prioritize and handle tasks in a timely and efficient manner
• 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

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