Sr. Director, Membership & Giving Circles

DEPARTMENT: Development

REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer

STATUS: Full-time, Exempt

SALARY: $130,000 - $140,000

LOCATION: Hybrid

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Senior Director of Membership and Giving Circles holds primary oversight for growing and sustaining Shedd’s membership and donor circles to help transform the culture of philanthropy and advance donor revenue and participation from individual supporters up to $5k. This role leads with a data-driven approach for membership growth while creating more structure for giving circles, encouraging team members to innovate using their skills and experience, while focusing on successfully achieving or exceeding established metrics and goals. They also 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.  

• 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.
• Build strong data-informed member growth and retention strategies that mix benefit enhancement with strong stewardship and experiential principles; champion them across the organization to assure alignment and delivery on goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 25-40 high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Strengthen infrastructure and metrics to track performance, auditing, and adapting regularly to meet goals.
• Develop, analyze, and adjust budgets for membership and giving circle programs.
• Supervise, guide, and mentor a team of 3, including membership and giving circle 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: 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 fundraising programs to grow revenue and donor participation
• Experience managing a multidisciplinary team in a nonprofit or cultural institution, including driving accountability.

Skills, Abilities & Attributes:

• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Commitment to transparency.
• Ability to leverage fact-based reporting to drive decisions and recommendations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Specific knowledge of membership strategies and understanding of the drivers, levers, and best practices that drive performance.
• Ability to cultivate relationships with major donors and community leaders.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems (Tessitura knowledge strongly 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 to 20 pounds, sit, stand, stoop, and walk.
• Work environment may include exposure to water, heat, cold, and varying noise levels

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.