Director of Development Operations

MCA•Chicago, IL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

We have an opening for a Director of Development Operations who will ensure the operational excellence that powers the philanthropic efforts. A strategic partner to frontline fundraisers, Finance, and IT, this leader owns the systems, data, and processes that sustain annual fundraising and campaign initiatives. The Director oversees gift processing, donor database management, reporting and analytics, prospect research, stewardship operations, and pipeline development—building a culture of accountability, efficiency, and continuous improvement across the Development department. To be successful in this role, you will: Systems, Data, and Process Oversight Ensure timely and accurate processing of all contributions and membership transactions; optimize online donor portals and payment workflows in collaboration with Finance/IT (including PCI considerations). Own data governance and documentation standards across all donor CRM’s including Raiser’s Edge and Tessitura: develop SOPs, business rules, data dictionaries, and audit trails aligned with industry best practices and applicable privacy regulations. Design and maintain data architecture (queries, imports/exports, segmentation, and custom variables) with rigorous QA, de-duplication, and scheduled data hygiene. Lead system enhancements and upgrades: translate fundraising needs into technical specifications, manage vendors, coordinate testing/UAT, and drive change management and user adoption. Partner with IT to ensure system reliability, access controls, integrations (e.g., ticketing, email marketing, financial systems), and SLAs; analyze and recommend enhancements to the Chief Development Officer (CDO). Gather requirements, develop specifications, and lead the documentation of new processes and procedures (gift acceptance policies, planned giving, etc.). Produce and quality-assure donor lists for invitations, mailings, and public recognition; maintain accurate pledge schedules and fulfillment tracking. Prospect Management and Research Lead the MCA’s prospect research function; oversee wealth screening integration and assign research priorities in coordination with frontline fundraisers. Conduct in-depth research and prospect management analysis to identify, qualify, and track potential donors capable of making transformative gifts, ensuring alignment with fundraising strategies. Develop and synthesize reports, dashboards, and strategic insights to inform decision-making around gift prospects, driving pipeline development. Collaborate with the fundraising team to develop tailored strategies for managing and advancing relationships with high-capacity donors. Manage the portfolio process for the Pritzker Director, Deputy Directors, and CDO, leading focused research and prospect management initiatives related to trustees and other high-level stakeholders. Manage all incoming research requests from this group with particular attention to preparing them for direct solicitation and trustee engagement. Monitor economic and wealth trends to identify shifts impacting transformative philanthropy, and develop educational resources and training to help staff integrate these insights into prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation strategies. Develop and manage systems to track, evaluate, and advance donor pipeline activity and prospect movement. Ensure front-line fundraisers are trained in the pipeline process and utilize tools effectively. Uphold ethical standards and data privacy guidelines per APRA codes of conduct. Reporting and Analysis In partnership with the Chief Development Officer, develop and deliver regular reports and dashboards related to revenue, campaign progress, and donor engagement. Extract, analyze, and maintain donor and prospect data within the donor database to create nuanced prospect profiles and inform cultivation strategies for gifts. Generate ad-hoc reports for Director’s Office and Development staff to inform strategy and performance tracking. Translate and contextualize data insights into actionable recommendations for fundraisers. Provide analysis of trends and KPIs to guide departmental planning, portfolio development, and goal setting. Leadership & Team Management Lead and develop team members by fostering an inclusive, psychologically safe environment that encourages open, two-way feedback and continuous growth. Serve as a positive cultural ambassador across the museum, modeling behaviors that champion equity, collaboration, and respect. Drive accountability and clarity of expectations while overseeing day-to-day operations, special projects, and performance against key metrics. Actively engage in coaching and feedback to strengthen engagement, support professional development, and achieve organizational goals. Collaborate with frontline fundraisers to optimize internal workflows and reduce administrative burden. Lead database training for new Development staff and recommend continuing education tools. Recommend staff development opportunities to ensure team proficiency with fundraising systems and analytics. Financial Coordination and Budget Oversight Serve as the primary liaison to Finance for revenue reconciliation and audit support; maintain documentation and controls. Track and manage the Development Operations budget; evaluate vendors and tools for ROI and cost-effectiveness. Monitor progress against financial forecasts, escalate risks and opportunities to the CDO, and recommend corrective actions. Campaign Support and Special Projects Act as the lead operations partner for all campaign-related data, research, and reporting.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in fundraising/development operations—within cultural institutions or nonprofits—with significant responsibility for CRM administration, data quality, reporting, and donor services.
Demonstrated expertise with donor databases/CRM solutions, including configuration, reporting, global changes, data hygiene, user permissions, and integrations (e.g., email marketing, ticketing, finance).
Proven success designing scalable processes, SOPs, and data governance frameworks that align with privacy and security standards (e.g., PCI, GDPR/CCPA as applicable) and APRA ethics.
Ability to translate business questions into data requirements and insights, with strong written and visual storytelling skills.
Experience leading revenue forecasting, pipeline analytics, and campaign reporting; strong financial acumen.
Strong people leadership: hiring, coaching, performance management; adept at change management and training.
High discretion and professionalism; exceptional attention to detail and quality control.
Collaborative, organized, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
Ability to perform occasional light lifting.
General mobility throughout the museum.

Responsibilities

Ensure timely and accurate processing of all contributions and membership transactions; optimize online donor portals and payment workflows in collaboration with Finance/IT (including PCI considerations).
Own data governance and documentation standards across all donor CRM’s including Raiser’s Edge and Tessitura: develop SOPs, business rules, data dictionaries, and audit trails aligned with industry best practices and applicable privacy regulations.
Design and maintain data architecture (queries, imports/exports, segmentation, and custom variables) with rigorous QA, de-duplication, and scheduled data hygiene.
Lead system enhancements and upgrades: translate fundraising needs into technical specifications, manage vendors, coordinate testing/UAT, and drive change management and user adoption.
Partner with IT to ensure system reliability, access controls, integrations (e.g., ticketing, email marketing, financial systems), and SLAs; analyze and recommend enhancements to the Chief Development Officer (CDO).
Gather requirements, develop specifications, and lead the documentation of new processes and procedures (gift acceptance policies, planned giving, etc.).
Produce and quality-assure donor lists for invitations, mailings, and public recognition; maintain accurate pledge schedules and fulfillment tracking.
Lead the MCA’s prospect research function; oversee wealth screening integration and assign research priorities in coordination with frontline fundraisers.
Conduct in-depth research and prospect management analysis to identify, qualify, and track potential donors capable of making transformative gifts, ensuring alignment with fundraising strategies.
Develop and synthesize reports, dashboards, and strategic insights to inform decision-making around gift prospects, driving pipeline development.
Collaborate with the fundraising team to develop tailored strategies for managing and advancing relationships with high-capacity donors.
Manage the portfolio process for the Pritzker Director, Deputy Directors, and CDO, leading focused research and prospect management initiatives related to trustees and other high-level stakeholders. Manage all incoming research requests from this group with particular attention to preparing them for direct solicitation and trustee engagement.
Monitor economic and wealth trends to identify shifts impacting transformative philanthropy, and develop educational resources and training to help staff integrate these insights into prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation strategies.
Develop and manage systems to track, evaluate, and advance donor pipeline activity and prospect movement. Ensure front-line fundraisers are trained in the pipeline process and utilize tools effectively.
Uphold ethical standards and data privacy guidelines per APRA codes of conduct.
In partnership with the Chief Development Officer, develop and deliver regular reports and dashboards related to revenue, campaign progress, and donor engagement.
Extract, analyze, and maintain donor and prospect data within the donor database to create nuanced prospect profiles and inform cultivation strategies for gifts.
Generate ad-hoc reports for Director’s Office and Development staff to inform strategy and performance tracking. Translate and contextualize data insights into actionable recommendations for fundraisers.
Provide analysis of trends and KPIs to guide departmental planning, portfolio development, and goal setting.
Lead and develop team members by fostering an inclusive, psychologically safe environment that encourages open, two-way feedback and continuous growth. Serve as a positive cultural ambassador across the museum, modeling behaviors that champion equity, collaboration, and respect.
Drive accountability and clarity of expectations while overseeing day-to-day operations, special projects, and performance against key metrics.
Actively engage in coaching and feedback to strengthen engagement, support professional development, and achieve organizational goals.
Collaborate with frontline fundraisers to optimize internal workflows and reduce administrative burden.
Lead database training for new Development staff and recommend continuing education tools.
Recommend staff development opportunities to ensure team proficiency with fundraising systems and analytics.
Serve as the primary liaison to Finance for revenue reconciliation and audit support; maintain documentation and controls.
Track and manage the Development Operations budget; evaluate vendors and tools for ROI and cost-effectiveness.
Monitor progress against financial forecasts, escalate risks and opportunities to the CDO, and recommend corrective actions.
Act as the lead operations partner for all campaign-related data, research, and reporting.

Benefits

Individual and MCA-provided retirement savings plans.
Paid time off.
Pre-tax, reduced rate parking and Ventra/Metra benefits.
Free admission to MCA exhibitions for yourself and guests.
Free admission to many special and member events.
Reduced price tickets to MCA Stage performances.
Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store.
Access to our onsite library.
Opportunities to attend curator-led staff tours.
Free or discounted admission to many other cultural institutions across the United States.
Full-time staff are also eligible for a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance plus free life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance.