JOB TITLE: Philanthropy Officer

REPORTS TO: Director of Development

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt

SALARY: $75,000- $90,000 annually
LOCATION: Goodman Theatre 170 N Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601 (Hybrid Eligible)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Philanthropy is a senior fundraiser who drives philanthropic support for Goodman Theatre through exceptional relationship management, with an emphasis on qualifying, cultivating and securing major donors. A new position, this results-driven professional will be focused on untapped potential among current and prospective donors. A strong candidate for this role will be a proven fundraiser, communicator, and relationship manager, ideally with established connections in the Chicago cultural community. Successful candidates will also be self-starters who demonstrate the ability to think creativity and to align donor interests to the Goodman’s strategic priorities, while working in coordination with the larger team and in response to broader industry trends. This position will be empowered to work collaboratively with Artistic Director and Executive Director as well as our Board of Trustees on creative strategies and new initiatives that require major gift support.  Finally, successful candidates motivated and excited by work on our stages and our impact in the community, as well as the people who both create the art and support it.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Raise $500,000 to $700,000 in the first year, and increasing amounts thereafter, from new and increased donors via gifts of $5,000+.
• Qualify prospective donors through research and outreach, including emails, phone calls, and visits, to determine who has affinity and capacity for a major gift.
• Build and manage a strong portfolio of prospects and donors, paying attention to the balance between discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship as well as the quality of donor relationships.
• Track and review activities (e.g. prospects identified, face-to-face visits, solicitations made, etc.) at the service of data-driven prioritization of fundraising efforts.
• Work strategically with Artistic Director, Executive Director/CEO, Director of Development and Board members to make major gift solicitations.
• Collaborate with the Development team to prepare cogent and compelling solicitation materials (letters, proposals, etc.) as well as gift agreements as needed.
• Prepare personalized letters and messages to thank and engage donors and ensure that donors receive excellent customer service and stewardship.
• Serve as ambassador for the Goodman at the theater’s donor and cultivation events as well as at other civic functions throughout Chicago to make connections and introduce new contacts to Goodman.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Passion for arts and culture and a belief that theater contributes positively to life in the community.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and over 6 years of senior professional experience in philanthropy.
• Direct fundraising experience required, including a proven track record of successfully cultivating, closing, and retaining five-figure gifts and up from private individuals and family foundations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in person, by phone, and electronically. This position requires that the individual be a good listener as well as a compelling communicator.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Capable of working independently but also able to contribute positively to the fundraising team’s shared goals.
• Capacity to think strategically, as well as creatively, will be advantageous.
• Proficient in the use of various MS Office programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with technology tools used for Development and fundraising, including donor databases. Prior experience with Tessitura preferred.
• Model behavior and values consistent with Goodman’s Community Agreements and furthering Goodman’s IDEAA (inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism and access) goals. 

BACKGROUND:

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. The theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics.

We at Goodman Theatre believe that a diversity of people, ideas and cultures in our organization enriches both the art on stage and our civic engagement. In our workplace, we strive to reflect the communities we serve, and make space in which everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. The Goodman values equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to approaching our work through the practice of anti-racism. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/Accountability

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Goodman Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles—quality, diversity and community— the Goodman Theatre seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city.

The Goodman is an inclusive and accessible employer. Successful candidates will have experience working with diverse groups of people and will demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing equity and inclusion at the Goodman Theatre.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter and resume at goodmantheatre.org/about/work-at-goodman/#Careers and selecting the "Apply Online" button at the top of the page. No phone calls, please.