Development and Special Events Manager

Chicago, IL, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $55,000.00 - $60,000.00

Benefits

Health Insurance

paid vacation days

sick days

Personal Days

Paid holidays

Employer-paid life insurance

short-term disability

long-term disability

403B retirement plan

flexible savings account

Shortened workday on Fridays

Hybrid working environment

Professional development opportunities

Job Description

Music of the Baroque is a dynamic orchestra and chorus based in Chicago, renowned for presenting up to 30 live concerts and special events every season. The organization prides itself on its acclaimed concert series that showcases compositions from the 18th century and earlier, offering audiences a rich classical music experience. Some of its signature events include The Chicago Water Music and the highly anticipated annual gala, A Musical Feast. Known for its artistic excellence and community engagement, Music of the Baroque has cultivated a dedicated fan base not only in Chicago but also from beyond the region. It has experienced considerable growth over recent years, positioning itself as a vital cultural entity within the city’s vibrant arts scene. Currently, the organization is preparing for an exciting new strategic plan leading up to its 60th anniversary in 2030, aiming to expand its reach and impact further.

The Development and Special Events Manager plays a pivotal role in this journey by advancing Music of the Baroque's fundraising efforts through comprehensive donor stewardship, meticulous data management, and effective grants administration. This full-time position involves supporting contributed revenue goals via strategic campaign execution, annual fund management, and organizing high-quality special fundraising events. The manager will work closely across various departments, including artistic and audience services teams, to enhance the overall patron experience and sponsorship engagement. Responsibilities span managing the organization’s PatronManager CRM system, processing donations, preparing funding applications, and overseeing the successful execution of the annual fundraising gala and other special events. This role demands meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and strong organizational skills to juggle multiple priorities efficiently.

Joining Music of the Baroque means becoming part of a driven and collaborative team that has already made significant strides in recent years and is eager to continue evolving and scaling the organization’s impact. The Development and Special Events Manager will thus contribute to fostering an enriching environment for both current patrons and future supporters, ensuring the financial sustainability and community presence of this cherished institution. The salary for this position ranges from $55,000 to $60,000 annually, complemented by a generous benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about the arts, classical music, and nonprofit development to advance their careers while supporting a respected cultural organization.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Excel and standard office software
Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce/PatronManager preferred
Strong organizational skills
Exceptional attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities
Collaborative mindset
Experience with annual fund campaigns or special events preferred
Familiarity with Chicago philanthropic and arts community a plus
Interest in classical music preferred

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Excel and standard office software
Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce/PatronManager preferred
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to evolving needs
Exceptional attention to detail and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset
Experience with annual fund campaigns and/or special events preferred
Familiarity with Chicago’s philanthropic and arts community a plus
Interest in classical music
knowledge of the local classical music scene preferred

Job Duties

Manage and maintain the fundraising side of PatronManager CRM including reporting and data analysis
Process and acknowledge all charitable contributions in a timely and accurate manner
Manage corporate, government, and foundation fundraising efforts by compiling materials, preparing reports, and submitting grant applications
Assist in the planning and execution of the annual fundraising gala including procurement of raffle and auction items
Undertake the planning and execution of various special fundraising events
Manage annual fund campaigns with a focus on donor segmentation and strategic growth of giving
Oversee intermission receptions at concerts to ensure a high-quality patron experience
Compile and proof donor listings for program books and other publications
Provide support for concerts and other artistic or operational activities as needed
Serve as back-up phone support to the Audience Services Manager