Major Gifts Officer

Shedd Aquarium is seeking a full-timeMajor GiftsOfficerto join its Development Department andplay a critical role in advancingoperationalfundraisingby more than13%as weprepare toopenbrand-newpermanentexhibits andunveilnew programmingin advance ofourcentenary in 2030.

In partnership with theVP,Principal& IndividualGiving, theMajor Gifts Officerwill serve as a front-linefundraiseradvancing the acquisitionandretentionof, andincreased investment by donorscontributing $10,000+ annually.

TheMajor Gifts Officer will bea keymemberof the Development teamfocused onthe:

• Identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 5- and 6-figure donors and prospects
• Lead solicitor for multi-year and blended (cash and bequests) comprehensive gifts  

Amotivated fundraiserand collaborator, theMajor Gifts Officerwillworkacrossteams to advancethoughtful solicitationsand securecommitments. A successful candidate will be an enthusiasticrelationship builderandpersuasivestoryteller, who canconvert prospectsintoconsistent donors and ensure existing donorsare inspired to givegenerously.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate,solicit, and thoughtfully steward a portfolio of approximately80 -100 donors and prospects capable of making5-6figurecommitmentsannually.
• Plan and execute a minimum of 150 visits per year withdonorsand prospects,with a keenfocus on discovery andqualification.
• Work closely with members of the Membership, Individual, andStewardship/Engagementteams to ensure consistent flow of prospects up and down the pipeline.
• Leverage close working relationships with the Board of Trustees toidentifynew prospects and convert event donors into annual supporters.
• Collaborate with internal Shedd colleagues to implement unique donor cultivation andstewardship opportunities and communications to keep donors involved and informed ofongoing Shedd projects,developments,and advancement.
• Participateinappropriatedonorandmember cultivationeventsand tours,asplanned andasnecessary,whichareoftenheld in theeveningand/oronweekends.
• Maintaintimelycontact records in the database and analysis of donors managed. Delivertimelyand effective follow-up to prospects and donors.
• Provideroutinequantitativeanalysisofportfolioactivitiestoseniorleadershipandadapt approaches in response to measured outcomes.
• Otherduties asassigned.

• 5+ years of progressive, professional experience in development, alumni relations, or similar professional work experience.
• Familiarity with fundraising practices and a successfultrack recorddirectlysolicitingand closingleadership ormajorgifts and cultivating new relationships with donors and/or clients.

SKILLS, ABILITIES & ATTRIBUTES

• Thecandidatewillbeanintelligent, results-orientedandhighlyorganized self-starter whomaintainshighstandardsfortheirownworkandcanworkeffectivelywiththeAquarium’sdiverseconstituencies,bothinternal andexternal.
• The candidate will welcome the opportunity to build collaborative relationships with Shedd supporters, development colleagues, internal partners, and Shedd leaders.
• Excellent communication skills withdemonstratedability tocreatively and persuasively convey messagesto various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills across a wide variety ofaudiences.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solvingand organization skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently,improvisationally,and as a collaborative team member.
• Must be able to flex schedule as needed to work evenings oradditionalweekend hours as needed for events and donor tours/visits.
• Experience working in fundraising or sales CRMrequired, Tessitura preferred.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office, especially Outlook and manipulating/formatting data in Excel.

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets