Hybrid Director of Individual Giving

at Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

• Job title: Director of Individual Giving
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: $109,160 - $147,360 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Chicago, United States

About the role

• Director of Individual Giving advancing MCA’s mission through philanthropy. Overseeing all individual giving aspects and cultivating donor relationships in a dynamic museum environment.

Responsibilities

• We have an opening for a Director of Individual Giving who will play a pivotal role in advancing the MCA’s mission to inspire and educate through contemporary art by cultivating and securing transformative philanthropic relationships.
• This position oversees all aspects of individual giving, including contributions from Trustees and non-Trustees, and provides leadership to key support groups such as the Women’s Board, Emerge (a collecting group), and regional affiliate groups.
• The Director dedicates at least 60% of their time to face-to-face meetings and solicitations with prospects and donors, serving as a visible ambassador for the museum.
• Develop and implement comprehensive solicitation strategies for unrestricted, restricted, planned gifts, campaign gifts, multi-year commitments, and art acquisitions.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of major gift prospects, creating written strategies, proposals, and maintaining accurate records in Raiser’s Edge.
• Drive donor pipeline development and moves management to secure multi-year commitments and deepen engagement.
• Increase awareness of major gifts among donor prospects and communicate the museum’s mission with passion and clarity.
• Maximize fundraising event revenue by developing donor-centric strategies, securing sponsorships, and leveraging event participation for cultivation and solicitation opportunities.
• Travel domestically and internationally to connect with donors at major art fairs and cultural events, creating unique engagement opportunities that deepen relationships and advance philanthropic support.
• Partner with the Stewardship Manager to operationalize the stewardship calendar: ensuring timely acknowledgements and tax receipts, benefit fulfillment, donor recognition, and impact reporting.
• Lead and develop team members by fostering an inclusive, psychologically safe environment that encourages open, two-way feedback and continuous growth.
• Actively engage in coaching and feedback to strengthen engagement, support professional development, and achieve organizational goals.
• Establish and track individual fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to set, monitor, and achieve contributed revenue and activity goals.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in major gifts fundraising, including face-to-face solicitation and managing high-level volunteers.
• Proven track record of achieving contributed revenue goals and securing significant philanthropic gifts.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills with demonstrated success in motivating and developing staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to inspire and influence.
• High level of discretion, judgment, and diplomacy in handling confidential information.
• Collaborative, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and CRM platforms such as Raisers Edge.
• Ability to perform occasional light lifting.
• General mobility throughout the museum.

Benefits

• Individual and MCA-provided retirement savings plans.
• Paid time off.
• Pre-tax, reduced rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits.
• Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests.
• Free admission to many special and member events.
• Reduced price tickets to MCA Stage performances.
• Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store.
• Access to our onsite library.
• Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours.
• Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.
• Full-time staff are also eligible for a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance plus free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance.