Summary:
The Manager, Donor Engagement is a dynamic member of the Philanthropic Engagement team, responsible for creating and executing a diverse suite of mission-driven programs, events, and communications that attract new audiences and deepen relationships with existing ones. This role blends art with science, with successful candidates able to think creatively about audience segmentation and messaging, as well as data tracking and analysis to continually assess what resonates with different audiences. The Manager will regularly interact with guests, collaborate with colleagues across the Aquarium, and work with external partners and vendors, and must be an excellent communicator with strong attention to detail.

This position will require some evening and weekend hours and reports to the Director of Donor Engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following as well as other duties as assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.

Donor Engagement:

• Manage and maintain an active engagement calendar of programs, communication opportunities, and events for the Development department:
  • Lead planning for 2 large-scale events, Members Jazzin’ and Member Open House
  • Lead planning for 4-6 smaller events annually, including Member Sundays and special previews
    • Develop content and strategy in partnership with Member Experiences team and serve as primary liaison to presenters as needed
    • Prepare talking points, event briefings, and run rehearsals
    • Partner with Shedd Marketing Team to develop and execute invitations, web presence, and other marketing materials as required for Shedd Adventures, events, and programs
• Plan VIP visits in partnership with gift officers
  • Direct internal catering team to deliver high-quality hospitality to guests
  • Host guests and serve as lead for tours and events as needed
• Partner with catering team to execute on 2-4 VIP donor external events annually
• Support Shedd Adventures travel program
  • Draft cross-channel marketing materials for 6-9 trips per year working with Director, Donor Engagement
  • Develop and host both informational and pre-trip virtual meetings to engage interested audiences in learning more about Shedd Adventures
  • Work with Marketing to keep trip information updated on Shedd website
• Prepare and execute high-level stewardship for qualified donors
• Provide excellent customer service for program participants, travelers, and event attendees
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across the Aquarium in support of efficient resource management and mutual understanding.

General & Administrative:

• Capture relevant data in Tessitura in a timely manner
• Actively participate in tracking metrics and provide ongoing analysis of effort
• Work with Development Strategy team to maintain accurate and productive dashboards
• Execute VenueOps event contracts for Development-led onsite events
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal growth by initiating dialogue with colleagues, engaging in self-directed learning and professional development
• Demonstrate and model the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects at once
• Other duties as assigned in support of the Development department.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or comparable professional experience

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of experience managing events and/or programming
• Excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail; strong planning skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, meet deadlines and function smoothly under strict deadlines and shifting priorities
• Excellent communication (verbal/written) and time management skills are required
• Occasional evening, early morning or weekend work required
• Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Word, PowerPoint strongly preferred
• Donor Database/CRM experience (Tessitura preferred)
• Excellent customer service skills required.