Major Gifts Officer

Shedd Aquarium is seeking a full-time Major Gifts Officer to join its Development Department and play a critical role in advancing operational fundraising by more than 13% as we prepare to open brand-new permanent exhibits and unveil new programming in advance of our centenary in 2030.

In partnership with the VP, Principal & Individual Giving, the Major Gifts Officer will serve as a front-line fundraiser advancing the acquisition and retention of, and increased investment by donors contributing $10,000+ annually.

The Major Gifts Officer will be a key member of the Development team focused on the:

• Identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 5- and 6-figure donors and prospects
• Lead solicitor for multi-year and blended (cash and bequests) comprehensive gifts

A motivated fundraiser and collaborator, the Major Gifts Officer will work across teams to advance thoughtful solicitations and secure commitments. A successful candidate will be an enthusiastic relationship builder and persuasive storyteller, who can convert prospects into consistent donors and ensure existing donors are inspired to give generously.

Education:

Minimum of a Bachelors’ degree required.

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive, professional experience in development, alumni relations, or similar professional work experience.
• Familiarity with fundraising practices and a successful track record directly soliciting and closing leadership or major gifts and cultivating new relationships with donors and/or clients.

SKILLS, ABILITIES & ATTRIBUTES:

• The candidate will be an intelligent, results-oriented and highly organized self-starter who maintains high standards for their own work and can work effectively with the Aquarium’s diverse constituencies, both internal and external.
• The candidate will welcome the opportunity to build collaborative relationships with Shedd supporters, development colleagues, internal partners, and Shedd leaders.
• Excellent communication skills with demonstrated ability to creatively and persuasively convey messages to various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills across a wide variety of audiences.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and organization skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, improvisationally, and as a collaborative team member.
• Must be able to flex schedule as needed to work evenings or additional weekend hours as needed for events and donor tours/visits.
• Experience working in fundraising or sales CRM required, Tessitura preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Outlook and manipulating/formatting data in Excel.

SALARY: $85,000 – $100,000

Tagged as: Advocacy/Communications