Major Gifts Officer

TITLE: Major Gifts Officer DEPARTMENT: Development REPORTS TO: VP of Principal & Individual Giving STATUS: Full-time, Exempt SALARY: $85,000 - $100,000 LOCATION: Chicago, IL - Hybrid POSITION OVERVIEW Shedd Aquarium is seeking a full-time Major Gifts Officer to join its Development Department and play a critical role in advancing operational fundraising by more than 13% as we prepare to open brand‑new permanent exhibits and unveil new programming in advance of our centenary in 2030. In partnership with the VP, Principal & Individual Giving, the Major Gifts Officer will serve as a front‑line fundraiser advancing the acquisition and retention of, and increased investment by donors contributing $10,000+ annually. The Major Gifts Officer will be a key member of the Development team focused on the: Identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of 5‑ and 6‑figure donors and prospects Lead solicitor for multi‑year and blended (cash and bequests) comprehensive gifts Amotivated fundraiser and collaborator, the Major Gifts Officer will work across teams to advance thoughtful solicitations and secure commitments. A successful candidate will be an enthusiastic relationship builder and persuasive storyteller, who can convert prospects into consistent donors and ensure existing donors are inspired to give generously. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties may be assigned. Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and thoughtfully steward a portfolio of approximately 80‑100 donors and prospects capable of making 5‑6 figure commitments annually. Plan and execute a minimum of 150 visits per year with donors and prospects, with a keen focus on discovery and qualification. Work closely with members of the Membership, Individual, and Stewardship/Engagement teams to ensure consistent flow of prospects up and down the pipeline. Leverage close working relationships with the Board of Trustees to identify new prospects and convert event donors into annual supporters. Collaborate with internal Shedd colleagues to implement unique donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities and communications to keep donors involved and informed of ongoing Shedd projects, developments, and advancement. Participate in appropriate donor and member cultivation events and tours, as planned and as necessary, which are often held in the evening and/or on weekends. Maintain timely contact records in the database and analysis of donors managed. Deliver timely and effective follow‑up to prospects and donors. Provide routine quantitative analysis of portfolio activities to senior leadership and adapt approaches in response to measured outcomes. Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Education: Minimum of a Bachelor's degree required. Experience: 5+ years of progressive, professional experience in development, alumni relations, or similar professional work experience. Familiarity with fundraising practices and a successful track record directly soliciting and closing leadership or major gifts and cultivating new relationships with donors and/or clients. SKILLS, ABILITIES & ATTRIBUTES The candidate will be an intelligent, results‑oriented and highly organized self‑starter who maintains high standards for their own work and can work effectively with the Aquarium’s diverse constituencies, both internal and external. The candidate will welcome the opportunity to build collaborative relationships with Shedd supporters, development colleagues, internal partners, and Shedd leaders. Excellent communication skills with demonstrated ability to creatively and persuasively convey messages to various audiences. Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills across a wide variety of audiences. Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and organization skills. Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to detail. Ability to work independently, improvisationally, and as a collaborative team member. Must be able to flex schedule as needed to work evenings or additional weekend hours as needed for events and donor tours/visits. Experience working in fundraising or sales CRM required, Tessitura preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Outlook and manipulating/formatting data in Excel. BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr