The Grant Park Music Festival (the Festival) in Chicago, Illinois seeks a Director of Development to join its senior leadership team. The Director of Development reports to the President and CEO and is responsible for leading the design, development, and execution of strategies that grow the Festival’s contributed revenue capacity and meet annual fundraising goals.

The Director of Development supervises the Development Manager, as well as seasonal special events staff, and directs the work of a grant-writing consultant. The Director of Development works closely with the President and CEO, board members, major donors, outside consultants, and senior staff.


Key Position Responsibilities

• Direct all fundraising activities on behalf of the Festival, including telefunding efforts, direct mail, Board giving, institutional support, and major donor giving campaigns.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of donor receptions and special fundraising events, guiding the efforts of staff and outside consultants.
• Supervise one full-time development staff member, as well as seasonal support staff, and direct the work of a grant-writer to ensure that all department responsibilities are executed at a high level.
• Work closely with the Board Development Committee Chair, the Development Committee, and various subcommittees, to activate Board members to fundraise and advocate for the Festival.
• Assist the Governance Committee with identification, recruitment, and engagement of Board members.
• Work with the Director of Finance to oversee the creation of the development department budget, including all annual contributed revenue goals; reconcile budgets quarterly and report on any variances; mitigate necessary budget changes as needed; produce periodic reports for management, committees, and the Board.
• Work closely with the Marketing Department to engage the Festival’s patrons and deepen their connection to the organization, ensure consistency in messaging, and adherence to brand standards.
• Coordinate with the Artistic/Production department on needs for artists and production services for donor/patron events.
• Serve as part of the senior leadership team to assist the President and CEO in setting institutional policy and long-term strategic direction.
• Attend all donor and patron events, concerts, and Board meetings as a representative of the Festival.

Candidate Profile

• The ideal candidate will be an experienced manager with proven leadership ability and a clear record of success in fundraising in arts or cultural organizations, preferably the performing arts.
• S/he will be a strategic thinker who is goal-driven and highly organized. The successful candidate will have exceptional writing skills. Experience in not-for-profit management and a strong working knowledge of orchestral music are preferred.
• The successful candidate will be a team player with superb interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a variety of personalities. S/he will provide strong motivation and supervision to staff and volunteers and will have the ability to build trust with people of diverse backgrounds.
• The successful candidate will be available to work weekend and evening hours during the ten-week summer season and periodically throughout the year.
• A passion for the performing arts and a strong desire to advance the Festival’s position within the Chicago performing arts community and beyond.

Candidate Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a fundraising leadership role in a non-profit arts organization is required, with significant experience managing annual campaigns and generating major gift support from corporations, foundations, government entities, and individuals.
• Experience planning for, leading, or participating in a successful capital and/or endowment campaigns is preferred.
• Experience developing and executing high-profile cultivation and fundraising events.
• Strong business and fiscal management skills.
• Previous experience using CRM systems to manage donor records and generate fundraising reports; Tessitura experience is useful. Proficiency with the programs in Microsoft Office Suite is essential.

Compensation
Competitive annual compensation, commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package includes three weeks paid vacation, ten paid holidays, four personal days, paid sick leave, comprehensive health, dental, vision insurance (including dependent coverage), life insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan.


About the Festival
For more than 80 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago’s summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus can have a transformative impact on the city. Showcased in the city’s most spectacular setting, the Festival continues to be the summer gathering place for all of Chicago. The Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park is the official home of the Grant Park Music Festival, with free seats available for every concert.

The Festival is led by Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar, along with Grant Park Chorus Director Christopher Bell, Grant Park Orchestral Association President and CEO Paul Winberg, and Board Chair Stephen Smith.

For more information on the Grant Park Music Festival, please visit our website: gpmf.org.