Manager of Foundation and Government Giving | Goodman Theatre

Date Posted: 10/30/2025 Date Needed: 12/31/2025 City: Chicago Location: IL Country: United States Primary Category: Non-Profit Salary: Yearly Type of Position: Full-Time Experience Requirement: 3-5 years Education Requirement: Bachelor's

Details

REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

COMPENSATION RATE: $50 - 60k annually

LOCATION: 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60601

Position Summary

The Manager of Foundation and Government Giving is the primary fundraiser for foundation and government relationships at The Goodman. This role, in tandem with leadership and volunteer solicitors, works to grow the theater’s base of support for all aspects of its programming from these institutional sources.

Responsibilities

• Raise $1.3-$1.8M annually from foundation and government sources in support of artistic productions, new play development, education programs and other theater operations.
• Write and prepare grant proposals and reports, including preparation of required documentation and data for submission.
• Plan, coordinate and participate in solicitation meetings, prospect meetings and site visits in partnership with the Deputy Director of Development.
• Research and pursue new foundation and government funding sources.
• Liaise with the Executive Director, Artistic Director and other department heads to identify funding opportunities and coordinate proposal materials across the theater.
• Manage volunteer solicitors of foundations by providing support for solicitation and stewardship through prospect research and review.
• Steward foundation and government donors by providing formal and informal stewardship reports and by initiating phone contact and meetings.
• Maintain calendar of solicitation and reporting deadlines.
• Keep accurate data and files for foundation and government donors and prospects.
• Collaborate with the Development team to create annual plans and benchmarks for fundraising, including strategies for achieving those benchmarks and evaluating progress, for foundation and government funding.
• Collaborate with other departments as needed to pool institutional boilerplate and data at the service of other communications projects (e.g. annual reports, case statements, etc.).
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising with a proven track record of securing institutional funding.
• Outstanding grant and report writing skills.
• Disciplined approach to deadlines and ability to multi-task.
• Exceptional interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills; a high level of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and express ideas calibrated for various audiences.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and online grant platforms (e.g. Fluxx, Submittable, SmartSimple, Salesforce, etc.). Experience with Tessitura or other comparable fundraising database is a plus.
• Model Behavior and values consistent with The Goodman’s Community Agreements and furthering The Goodman’s IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access) goals.
  
  

Background

Chicago’s theater since 1925, The Goodman is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. The theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics.   

We at The Goodman believe that a diversity of people, ideas and cultures in our organization enriches both the art on stage and our civic engagement. In our workplace, we strive to reflect the communities we serve, and make space in which everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. The Goodman values equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to approaching our work through the practice of anti-racism. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/Accountability

Additional Information

Goodman Theatre offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, paid vacation, sick leave, 401K & Parental Leave.  

The Goodman is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles—quality, diversity and community— The Goodman seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city.  

The Goodman is an inclusive and accessible employer. Successful candidates will have experience working with diverse groups of people and will demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing equity and inclusion at The Goodman.  

The Goodman uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

TO APPLY: Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter and resume by following this link to our application: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=31726&clientkey=2B145C1B2508EA5FF24787DC7A747600.

No phone calls, please.