Assistant Director, Principal Gifts

Join to apply for the Assistant Director, Principal Gifts role at Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity. About The Department The Principal Gifts team, part of the Philanthropy department, stewards our Board of Trustees and principal donor families, supports and facilitates the President’s donor work, coordinates the Board Chair’s donor communication, and manages campaign fundraising initiatives. About The Role As a part of the Principal Gifts team, the Assistant Director advances the museum’s relationship with its board of trustees and top donor families through multiple forms of communication, reports, projects, tours, and events. They execute consistent, impactful bespoke stewardship communications on behalf of the Principal Gifts team. The Assistant Director represents the museum to external constituents, including trustees and principal donors. The Assistant Director is aware of best practices in the profession and determines which may have a positive impact at the Art Institute. In This Role, You Will Assist with portfolio of museum trustees and principal gift prospects, enforcing proactive prospect management and donor stewardship; review strategies, proposals, and next steps for all annual giving, open pledges, new solicitations, cultivation, and stewardship; drive follow‑up activity Craft persuasive communications that are independently written and edited for personalized solicitation, stewardship, and recognition of the museum’s top supporters, typically under the signature of museum leadership Support the annual trustee giving process, including drafting letters, tracking, and reporting Support nominating, onboarding, engagement, and offboarding for the board of trustees, serving as a liaison between the General Counsel’s office and Research and Prospect management teams Support the President’s and Board Chair’s donor engagement through calendar tracking and coordinating briefings, providing regular and ad‑hoc reports and communications Ensure the accurate debriefing and filing of contact reports; enforce the accurate updating of trustee and principal gift donor records in Raiser’s Edge Assist with trustee inquiries and special requests; execute VIP tours; attend and support Philanthropy team events with a strong trustee and major donor presence Perform other duties as assigned Physical Requirements Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working at a computer; must be able to remain in a stationary position Occasionally moves about inside the office to access files, office machinery Moves about the museum campus to communicate with and guide groups or individuals Ability to lead and participate in meetings, onsite and virtually Ability to make presentations in person and virtually Your Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree or industry‑specific training or certification highly desired. Minimum 2‑4 years philanthropy experience; knowledge of account management of high‑level clients/donors/prospects in complex, multi‑layered organizations. Experience gained in a professional, internship and/or programmatic organization will be considered. Demonstrated experience using fundraising databases to track and analyze information, preferably Raiser’s Edge, required. “Poweruser” knowledge of MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic design principles required. Experience developing and managing systems for monitoring multi‑tiered activities and initiatives required. Demonstrate adept and persuasive communication skills, and a passion for the vision of museum leadership. Demonstrate a commitment to collaborative internal relationships and problem solving. Possess high degree of discretion and sensitivity around confidential information. About The Organization The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage non‑traditional candidates to apply. Union This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31. The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu. #J-18808-Ljbffr