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Associate Director of Development

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

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Skokie, IL

Overview

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (IHMEC) honors survivors and victims of the Holocaust by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference. Through world-class exhibitions, powerful public programming, and innovative educational initiatives, the Museum equips audiences with the knowledge, skills, and moral courage needed to stand up for humanity.

The IHMEC is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven Associate Director of Development to play a key role in advancing its comprehensive fundraising program. This position is ideal for a well-rounded fundraiser who thrives in a purpose-driven environment and excels at cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors across multiple giving levels and constituencies.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Development, the Associate Director will develop and manage a diverse portfolio of individual, foundation, corporate, and major gift prospects, contribute to the design and execution of annual fundraising strategies, and help advance the Museum’s exhibitions, educational programs, and special initiatives. 

The ideal candidate is a proactive self-starter with excellent relationship-building skills, strong strategic and communication abilities, and a proven track record of securing philanthropic gifts. This is a highly collaborative role that works closely with colleagues across the organization to align donor engagement with institutional priorities and expand the impact of IHMEC’s development efforts. This position follows the Museum’s hybrid work policy, which requires a minimum of three in-office days per week at the Skokie or Chicago locations; most staff typically work on-site Tuesday through Thursday.

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation Range

$120,000 - $130,000

To apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Jamie Perry, Evolve Giving Group: jamieperry@evolvegg.com

Download Job Description

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage and expand a portfolio of individual and institutional donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects at various giving levels
  • Contribute to the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of corporate gift prospects in support of broader development goals
  • Support the development and execution of annual fundraising plans, working closely with the Senior Vice President of Development to achieve goals
  • Prepare compelling proposals, reports, donor materials, and communications, ensuring each donor receives personalized, strategic stewardship
  • Collaborate closely with internal teams including Exhibitions, Marketing, Education, and Special Events to align donor engagement with programmatic opportunities and organizational priorities
  • Represent the Museum as a fundraising ambassador at donor meetings, cultivation events, and community or stakeholder gatherings
  • Use CRM systems and donor database to track donor interactions, maintain accurate data, and support revenue forecasting and reporting
  • Contribute to department-wide initiatives, including campaigns, special projects, and fundraising events

Qualifications & Skills

  • 5+ years of experience in fundraising or development, preferably in a nonprofit, museum, cultural, or mission-driven organization
  • Proven experience managing donor portfolios and securing philanthropic support across multiple giving levels
  • Corporate giving or sponsorship experience is a plus, though not required
  • Strong understanding of fundraising strategies across individual, foundation, and major gifts
  • Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic commitments and stewarding donor relationships
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to plan and execute development initiatives
  • Familiarity with CRM databases and donor management systems preferred
  • Excellent relationship-building and presentation skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and within a team-oriented environment
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Availability to attend evening and weekend events as required

Key Responsibilities

Qualifications & Skills

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