Summary  

The Senior Director of Individual Giving holds primary oversight for growing and sustaining Shedd’s individual giving fundraising to help transform the culture of philanthropy and advance donor revenue and participation from individual supporters up to $1M. They will manage a portfolio of donors with capacity/giving from $500,000 - $1 million. This role ensures the structural integrity of individual giving operations. They encourage team members to innovate using their skills and experience while focusing on successfully achieving or exceeding established metrics and goals. In support of this goal, the Senior Director develops strategies and leads the individual giving team to maximize membership and annual giving; grow supporters to leadership and major giving; and establish wholly new approaches to loyalty programming. They also serve as a member of Shedd’s development leadership team, helping identify and advance shared goals for fundraising and other institutional priorities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement strategies to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals across direct response campaigns; giving society and philanthropic volunteer engagements; and one-on-one donor relationships.   
• Oversee membership and annual giving programs, enhancing donor engagement and retention. 
• Lead major and planned giving efforts, relationship management, and portfolio strategy for the frontline fundraising team.   
• Maintain a strong structural approach to pipeline development; commit to donor growth to develop the next generation of donors. 
• In partnership with the engagement team, integrate engagement and stewardship tactics across every tier of individual giving  
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 25-40 high-capacity donors, and prospects. 
• Strengthen infrastructure and metrics to execute comprehensive solicitation plans, ensuring timely and effective donor engagement. 
• Collaborate with Development and institutional leaders to develop and position proposals to secure funding for general operations and strategic plan initiatives.  
• Develop, analyze, and adjust budgets for individual giving programs. 
• Supervise, guide, and mentor a team of 8, including program and frontline fundraisers and support staff.  
• Provide training, guidance, and performance evaluations to ensure team success. 
• Foster a collaborative and motivating work environment aligned with Shedd’s mission and values. 

Qualifications 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred. 
• 10+ years of progressive experience in development 
• Proven track record of managing successful fundraising programs to grow revenue and donor participation 
• Experience managing a multidisciplinary team in a nonprofit or cultural institution. 

Skills, Abilities & Attributes: 

• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities. 
• Specific knowledge of planned giving practices and the interplay with major gifts. 
• Ability to cultivate relationships with major donors and community leaders. 
• Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems (Tessitura preferred). 
• Knowledge of current trends in philanthropy and charitable giving. 
• Passion for Shedd Aquarium’s mission and conservation efforts. 
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. 

Work Environment: 

• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as required. 
• Ability to lift 20 pounds, sit, stand, stoop, and walk. 
• Work environment may include exposure to water, heat, cold, and varying noise levels 

BENEFITS WORKING AT SHEDD:

We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Medical Insurance
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts

Reasonable Accommodations:

Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at humanresources@sheddaquarium.org.

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.