Institutional Giving Manager at the American Writers Museum

Job Title: Institutional Giving Manager 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary: $50,000 – $55,000

About the job

The American Writers Museum (AWM) is a national museum located in downtown Chicago, dedicated to celebrating American writers and their enduring relevance. The museum fulfills its mission by presenting exhibits and programs for youth and adults that honor the past, promote the present and inspire the future of American writing.

Please send cover letter and resume to hr@americanwritersmuseum.org.

Position Overview

The Institutional Giving Manager is an integral member of the development team who manages the AWM’s growing portfolio of corporate, foundation, and government (CFG) funding partners. As the primary grant writer for the organization, the Institutional Giving Manager plays an important role in reaching annual fundraising goals by prospecting, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding current and potential CFG partners. The Institutional Giving Manager works closely with the Director of Development, the President, and the Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities

Identification of New Prospects

  • Conduct research and collaborate with AWM staff and Trustees to identify and qualify potential new CFG partners for both financial support and Board representation
  • Research CFG prospects’ giving history and interests to determine a strong fit with AWM programs
  • Create profiles and track activity with new CFG partners to inform longer-term strategies
  • Manage pipeline of CFG donors

Strengthen Relationships with Existing CFG Partners

  • Manage a growing portfolio of 20 – 30 CFG funders
  • Strengthen relationships with CFG funders through individualized strategies for communication and involvement with the AWM
  • Work with the Director of Development and the President to schedule visits with CFG partners with senior staff and Trustees
  • Participate in in-person special events for donors and prospects

Grant Writing, Reporting, and Administration

  • Write proposals, letters of intent, budgets, reports, briefings, and other correspondence for CFG donors
  • Create engaging proposals for sponsorship of special exhibits and programs, working with a graphic designer
  • Oversee reporting and pledge payment schedules for grants
  • Develop and manage a calendar and schedule for prospecting, proposals, reports and stewardship activities

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for this role.

  • Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of progressive fundraising experience
  • Experience in cultivating and soliciting CFG funders, including sponsorships and special events
  • Knowledge of Chicago’s philanthropic community
  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • Organizational and research skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Good judgment and discretion
  • Computer proficiency, including G Suite and MS Office. Experience with Altru database helpful.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail and follow through
  • Ability to excel in a collaborative team setting, be flexible, and manage multiple projects

Hours and Compensation

This is a full-time position. Hours are 9:00 – 5:00 M-F, with evening and weekend hours required for certain museum events. Annual salary: $50,000 – $55,000. Health benefits and retirement plan are available with this position.

Work Location and Covid Policies

We are currently working in a hybrid model with two to three days at our office at 180 North Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, with the other days worked remotely. As part of our commitment to providing a healthy and safe workplace, the AWM is requiring employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

The American Writers Museum is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The search process for open positions will reinforce the AWM belief that achieving diversity requires an enduring commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms, and behaviors.

Please send cover letter and resume to hr@americanwritersmuseum.org.