Manager, Donor Engagement

The Manager of Donor Engagement is a key member of the Philanthropic Engagement team, responsible for creating and executing a suite of exceptional experiences to attract new audiences and deepen relationships with existing donors. This role supports the planning and execution of donor events, VIP travel experiences, and personalized onsite tours, ensuring every interaction enhances donor loyalty and commitment to Shedd’s mission. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is excited by the prospect of turning creative ideas into reality. The successful candidate will feel comfortable liaising with all colleagues across the aquarium including the leadership team and external partners (vendors) as well as being a front line interface with donors at all levels.  

• This position will require some evening and weekend hours and reports to the Assistant Director, Donor Engagement and Events.
• Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following as well as other duties as assigned.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values. 

Event Planning & Execution:  

• Assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of donor engagement events, including 4-5 large-scale signature events and 10+ member and donor events annually  
• Manage event logistics including project management processes and event briefs, RSVPs, and day-of support or occasional day-of event management. 
• Plan and execute onsite donor meetings & catering support 
• Run point on 4 virtual member events annually (SheddTalks)  
• Develop program content and communications plan in partnership with Member Experiences team and the Donor Communications Manager; serve as primary liaison to presenters as needed 
• Prepare event briefings and run rehearsals 

Onsite Tours & Experiences: 

• Manage the internal request process for personalized onsite tours for major donors (around 60 per year)  
• Collaborate with teams across the aquarium to create mission-aligned tour experiences that deepen donor connections while responding to resource constraints as needed 
• Manage the hospitality and logistics of onsite donor visits in partnership with onsite caterer.

Support Shedd Adventures Travel Program: 

• Assist with pre- and post-trip engagements for travelers including host briefings, participant meet ups and data management  
• Work with Marketing to keep trip information updated on Shedd website 
• Procure and inventory promotional items and assemble swag and information documents for hosts prior to departure 

Collaboration & Leadership: 

• Partner with development officers, program staff, and the Philanthropic Engagement team to align donor engagement activities with overall fundraising goals. 
• Provide excellent customer service for program participants, travelers, and event attendees 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across the Aquarium including leadership in support of efficient resource management and mutual understanding. 

General Administrative: 

• Work with teams to capture relevant data in Tessitura in a timely manner 
• Actively participate in tracking metrics and provide ongoing analysis of effort 
• Execute Momentus event contracts for Development-led onsite events 
• Demonstrate and model the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects at once 
• Other duties as assigned in support of the Development department. 

Qualifications: 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or comparable professional experience 

Experience and Skills: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing events and/or programs 
• Excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail; strong planning skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, meet deadlines and function smoothly under strict deadlines and shifting priorities 
• Excellent communication (verbal/written) and time management skills are required 
• An enterprising mindset inclined to push projects forward through competing priorities 
• Proven track record of successfully planning and executing high-level events and travel experiences for donors or VIPs. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors and provide top notch customer service 
• Experience working with CRM systems and donor databases. 
• Ability to travel as needed for donor events and travel experiences plus occasional evening, early morning or weekend work required 
• Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Word, PowerPoint strongly preferred 
• Donor Database/CRM experience (Tessitura preferred) 
• Passion for the organization’s mission and commitment to advancing its goals through exceptional donor engagement 

BENEFITS WORKING AT SHEDD:

• We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.
• Medical Insurance
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts

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.