Individual Giving Manager

The Individual Giving Manager at Chicago Shakespeare Theater will report to the Associate Director of Development and drive cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts for the Theater’s mid-level donors: The Bard Circle. This position will serve as a relationship manager for this portfolio and oversee donor ticketing and benefits, exclusive events for contributors, and other duties that engage current and potential contributors. This is a full-time salaried position.

 

A leading international theater company and recipient of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s year-round season offers a vibrant array of classics, musicals, new works, and family programs for 225,000 audience members annually. The Theater is Chicago’s leading international presenter and, through its education efforts, has impacted the learning of over 2 million students. The opening of The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, with its innovative design that changed the shape of theater architecture, together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs, positions Chicago Shakespeare as the city’s most versatile performing arts center.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values diversity, inclusion, and equity, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment. www.chicagoshakes.com/ideatoaction

 

DONOR ENGAGEMENT

·        Support the Associate Director of Development by executing a thoughtful and strategic stewardship plan for Bard Circle members, which includes:

o  Coordinating all aspects of donor ticketing and subscriptions/packages, including acting as the development department’s liaison with the box office.

o  Driving and carrying out additional touch points beyond acknowledgment letters; this may include greeting donors at some performances.

o  Developing and managing a stewardship calendar that creates frequent interactions with donors.

o  Monitoring donor phone line and email inbox; promptly returning all messages.

o  Monitoring reports and flagging key contributors for staff leadership.

o  Possessing an in-depth knowledge of all streams of Chicago Shakespeare programming and serving as a passionate representative for the theater.

·        Collaborate with the Associate Director of Development to renew, recapture, and upgrade Bard Circle Donors ($1,000-$9,999). This work includes:

o  Implementing a donor-centered moves management system to direct the identification and cultivation of key prospects.

o  Screening and segmenting this group of approximately 500 households for review with the Associate Director of Development.

o  Soliciting renewed Bard Circle donations through multiple channels and driving efforts for other solicitors to secure gifts.

o  Personally soliciting at least 25 gifts from Bard Circle prospects and donors.

 

EVENTS

·        Plan and execute a portfolio of events to engage current and prospective donors. This includes:

o  Planning in-person and virtual events related to donor benefit fulfillment.

o  Organizing Opening Night receptions.

o  Coordinating other departmental events to cultivate and steward mid-level and major donors and prospects.

o  Coordinating with Events Director and other departments on event needs.

·        Other duties as assigned.

 

 

·        3-5 years experience in nonprofit fundraising or customer service.

·        Proficiency in MS Office suite.

·        Database experience (especially Tessitura) is preferred.

·        Knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, and equipment.

·        Interest in performing arts a plus.

·        Ability to work collaboratively with multiple constituents and across departments in a fast-paced environment.

·        Ability to organize, prioritize, and multitask as needed to meet deadlines.

·        Strong written and verbal communication skills.

·        Ability to work nights and weekends.

·        Ability to be flexible as priorities shift. As the business evolves, so may this role.