Development Manager

About the Design Museum

The Design Museum of Chicago was created twelve years ago to creatively showcase how design improves our lives and brings people together. We elevate the value of design in our individual and collective lives by partnering with Chicago communities to celebrate our rich and dynamic design legacies, while using innovative design to build better futures. The Design Museum celebrates the breadth of design and creators from a multitude of disciplines, studies the significance of design throughout society, and connects diverse cultures and perspectives within the broader design ecosystem.

About the Position

The Development Manager will report to the Executive Director. It is an opportunity to grow with a small, vibrant staff in a dynamic cultural arts and museum setting that is located in one of the nation’s most significant artistic and architectural cities. This role focuses primarily on relationship building to raise general operating and exhibition funding dollars through a dynamic annual giving program. 

The Development Manager will play a key role in supporting the Executive Director in managing and streamlining donor and sponsor relationships. This position is optimum for creative individuals who are relationship-driven, organized, results-oriented, and great communicators. The successful candidate will have a passion for the arts, culture, and community building and be excited to help the organization increase its fundraising capacity in innovative ways. 

This is a full-time, salaried position equal to approximately 40 hours per week. The schedule is flexible, and the candidate will have flexibility to work virtually Mondays and Fridays, and from our offices at 72 E Randolph in Chicago on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Fully remote candidates will be considered.

Expectations

  • Assist in managing the museum’s development portfolio, which includes individual donors, corporate sponsors, grants, and fundraising events

  • Identify and implement areas of funding growth

  • Support the organization by attending openings and exhibitions when possible with a laser-focus on relationship building

Responsibilities

  • Create, modify, and implement development processes and best practices

  • Oversee grant administration including the submission, tracking, successes, feedback, and compliance with grant terms

  • Develop and oversee relationship management processes for key stakeholders

  • Manage and create dynamic annual year-end giving campaigns

  • Work closely with Staff and Executive Board on developing fundraising events and initiatives

  • Collaborate with staff and the Board of Directors to develop proposals that align with our mission and objectives

  • Assist programming staff with measuring impact

  • Maintain workflow documents, including budgets, grant compliance, support documents, reports, and others

Skills and Qualifications

  • At least 3 years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field, with a proven track record in securing funding in the arts or museum sector

  • Collaborate well with diverse and talented teammates, while balancing the ability to work collectively and deliver results independently

  • Experience in budgeting, data analysis, and reporting

  • Proven ability to secure funding in the arts or museums

  • Ability to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual and corporate donors 

  • History of planning and executing fundraising campaigns and events

  • Strong and persuasive writing skills

  • Proactive and effective communicator 

  • Loves attention to detail, with an ability to see the big picture

  • Familiarity with using AI tools to streamline grant writing and fundraising efforts is a plus

  • Excited to make an impact in a role that will be critical for the Design Museum’s success now and in the future

Compensation

Salary: $60,000 annually
Job Type: Full-time, salaried
Benefits include: Flexible vacation policy: 21 days per year suggested. Healthcare stipend: $500 per month. SIMPLE IRA: matched up to 3% annually.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and writing samples to info@designchicago.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Non-Discrimination Policy

At the Design Museum of Chicago (DMoC), inclusivity and equity are core to our mission of celebrating design’s power to improve lives and build stronger, more connected communities. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, belonging, and opportunity for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.

DMoC does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

DMoC is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.