Assistant Director, Principal Gifts

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package: 

• Expected Range: $52,480 - $65,600 Annually
• Benefits 
• PTO Overview 
• Job Classification: Full Time Hourly Staff 
• Grade Level: 7

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Principal Gifts team, part of the Philanthropy department, stewards our Board of Trustees and principal donor families, supports and facilitates the President and Director’s donor work, coordinates the Board Chair’s donor communication, and manages campaign fundraising initiatives.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a part of the Principal Gifts team, the Assistant Director advances the museum’s relationship with its board of trustees and top donor families through multiple forms of communication, reports, projects, tours, and events. They execute consistent, impactful bespoke stewardship communications on behalf of the Principal Gifts team. The Assistant Director represents the museum to external constituents including trustees and principal donors. The Assistant Director is aware of the best practices in the profession and determines which may have a positive impact at the Art Institute.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL

1. Assist with portfolio of museum trustees and principal gift prospects, enforcing proactive prospect management and donor stewardship; review strategies, proposals, and next steps for all annual giving, open pledges, new solicitations, cultivation, and stewardship; drive follow-up activity.

2. Organize annual trustee and committee solicitations calendar in coordination with principal, major, annual, and institutional gift officers.

3. Utilizing partnership with Philanthropy officers, craft persuasive communications that are independently written and edited for personalized solicitation, stewardship, and recognition of the museum’s top supporters, typically under the signature of museum leadership including the President and Director.

4. Coordinate all briefings for President and Director, senior leadership, and curatorial leadership.

5. In coordination with Philanthropy, Public Affairs, General Counsel’s Office, and curatorial departments, partner on cascading gift announcements.

6. In coordination with Special Events and Philanthropy Officers, design and execute unique donor stewardship experiences.

7. Organize President and Director led travel for trustees and donors in partnership with Special Events with a focus on managing donor communication, liaising with travel advisors, conversing with President and Director on bespoke experiences, and, at times, attending trips to manage on-the-ground logistics.

8. Field trustee inquiries and fulfill special requests with concierge service; execute VIP tours; attend and support Philanthropy team events with a strong trustee and major donor presence.

9. Support the planning, execution, and stewardship of the museum’s campaign, including solicitations, tracking, reports, and bespoke events.

10. Perform other duties as assigned

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position
• Occasionally moves about inside the office to access files, office machinery
• Moves about the museum campus to communicate with and guide groups or individuals
• Ability to lead and participate in meetings, onsite and virtually
• Ability to make presentations in person and virtually

 

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
• Minimum 4 years philanthropy experience required; knowledge of account management of high-level clients/donors/prospects in complex, multi-layered organizations strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing systems for monitoring multi-tiered activities and initiatives required.
• Possess adept and persuasive