Director of Institutional Giving

Shed Aquarium•Chicago, IL

55d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Shedd Aquarium is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to serve as Director of Institutional Giving-an exciting opportunity to shape and expand our corporate giving program at one of Chicago's most beloved cultural institutions. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies to secure major support from corporate and foundation partners in alignment with Shedd's mission and priorities. Managing one team member, the Director plays a key role in growing and diversifying our philanthropic revenue by cultivating lasting institutional relationships and driving strategic funding opportunities.

Requirements

7+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on corporate and foundation relations.
Proven track record in securing and managing six- and seven-figure institutional gifts, especially in corporate giving.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong proposal writing and budget development experience.
Ability to develop strategic relationships with funders and collaborate across departments.
Proficiency in donor management systems (Tessitura preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and CRM/reporting tools.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
Ability to lift 20 pounds, sit, stand, stoop, and walk.

Nice To Haves

Experience in sponsorship sales or cause marketing.
Knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) trends and foundation funding landscapes.
Experience managing government grant applications.

Responsibilities

Corporate and Foundation Fundraising Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward institutional donors, with an emphasis on multi-year corporate memberships and sponsorships, and foundation grants, at the $50,000+ level.
Build and manage a robust pipeline of corporate and foundation prospects, aligning proposals with Shedd's strategic priorities and funders' interests, while effecting quick wins to grow the corporate program.
Partner with senior leadership and program staff to craft compelling proposals and funder presentations.
Manage proposal development and grant writing processes, including budgets and reporting requirements.
Identify and cultivate new corporate partners while growing existing relationships.
In partnership with the Senior Director of Institutional Giving, build out a long-term strategy for increased on ongoing corporate support.
Portfolio Development and Management Lead and manage a portfolio of 50+ institutional donors and prospects, maintaining accurate records in the donor database.
Develop tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies to increase institutional support.
Oversee prospect research and recommend new opportunities to expand institutional giving.
Donor Stewardship and Relationship Management Implement customized stewardship plans, ensuring timely and impactful recognition, reporting, and relationship development.
Collaborate with the Events and Engagement team on institutional donor experiences, events, and sponsorship activations.
Serve as a primary liaison with corporate partners and foundation program officers, representing Shedd in meetings and events.
Collaboration and Leadership Coordinate with program, education, and conservation teams to stay current on organizational priorities and secure funding for strategic initiatives.
Provide mentorship and oversight to institutional giving staff.
Partner with marketing and communications teams to create co-branded materials and sponsorship benefits packages.
Manage two employees at the Manager level to help grow skills around solicitation, relationship management, and stewardship.
Reporting and Analytics Track, analyze, and report on the performance of institutional fundraising strategies.
Ensure compliance with grant and sponsorship agreements, including timely submission of reports and deliverables.
Provide regular pipeline updates and revenue forecasts to senior leadership.