Sr. Director, Development Operations

TITLE: Sr. Director, Development Operations
DEPARTMENT: Development
REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY: $130,000 - $140,000
LOCATION: Chicago, IL./Hybrid

ABOUT: At Shedd Aquarium, our mission is to spark compassion, curiosity, and conservation for the aquatic animal world.  And, just as the aquatic world encompasses a vast spectrum of diversity, Shedd Aquarium is committed to celebrating the individual differences that make us spectacular. We comprehensively practice values of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion through Shedd culture, workforce, workplace, vendor selection, programs, and experiences. It will take all of us working together to build a world thriving with aquatic life sustained by people who love, understand, and protect it. 

As Shedd approaches its 100th birthday, the organization has launched its Centennial Commitment. This ambitious plan prepares the Aquarium for its next 100 years by accelerating access and connection to nature for all and amplifying ways to care and conserve to ensure an equitable, sustainable, and thriving future for people and aquatic life. This bold vision is energizing the entire Shedd community and is a transformational investment in Chicago communities and aquatic ecosystems around the world. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Sr. Director, Development Operations, holds primary oversight for the development of systems, processes, and operational infrastructure that enable Shedd Aquarium’s fundraising program. This role leads the development of fundraising performance and predictive analytics, while playing an instrumental role in departmental planning, budgeting, and reporting. They serve as members of Shedd’s development leadership team, helping identify and advance shared goals for fundraising and other institutional priorities. 
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• Provide centralized leadership and oversight for development operations functions to support all giving streams, including principal and major gifts, individual giving, institutional giving, planned giving, campaigns, and donor engagement events. 
• Serve as a member of the Development Leadership Team and contribute to departmental planning and goal setting. Play a fundamental role in integrative budgeting and financial forecasting. 
• Lead process improvement initiatives that increase effectiveness, scalability, and accountability across the Development department and in partnership with Finance, Technology, and executive leadership. 
• Lead strategies for the Development team’s use of Tessitura, ensuring standards for data governance and quality control. Partner with Finance to ensure effective integration of systems and reporting processes. 
• Lead the development of fundraising dashboards, executive reports, campaign reports, and performance analytics. Partner with the Chief Development Officer to play a lead role in department-wide financial forecasting and budgeting. 
• Promote a culture of innovation and champion the use of automation, predictive analytics, and emerging fundraising tools and technologies. 
• Oversee prospect pipeline research that identifies key areas of opportunity. Equip colleagues to leverage prospecting tools and resources. 
• Supervise, guide, and mentor a donor relations team of two. Oversee gift processing, acknowledgments, pledge administration, donor records, and compliance. 
• 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: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred. 
 
Experience:   

• 10 years of progressive experience in development. 
• Proven track record of managing successful donor operations strategies. 
• Experience managing a team in a nonprofit or cultural institution, including driving accountability. 

Skills, Abilities & Attributes: 

• Exceptional leadership and strategic and budgetary planning skills. 
• Commitment to transparency. 
• Ability to develop accurate fact-based reporting to drive decisions and recommendations. 
• Strong communication, collaboration and interpersonal abilities. 
• Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems (Tessitura knowledge required), Excel, and Power BI (a plus). Specific knowledge of additional donor operations systems, tools, and best practices to support a large-scale fundraising program. 
• Knowledge of current trends in fundraising analytics and business intelligence tools. 
• 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. 

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Accrued Paid Time Off 
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays 
• Life Insurance 
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive 
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets 

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 jobs@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. 

Salary : $130,000 - $140,000