About The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic combines jazz and classical to create new “Third Stream” musical experiences at home and around the world. CJP's Third Stream approach unites diverse perspectives, expanding the potential of what music brings to life for students, musicians, audiences, and communities. CJP does this through its unique 60-member orchestra of both classical and jazz musicians, and its robust education program serving students from Chicago, across the nation, and abroad through its in-school music education program, ensemble-based Saturday intensive academy, and two-week summer camp.
Job Title: Development Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Group health insurance plan w/employer contribution
Hours of Work: 40 hours/week (average), M-F (Some weekends and evenings required)
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) seeks a Development Manager to support and manage core fundraising operations in alignment with the organization’s development goals. The Development Manager will manage day-to-day development activities, coordinate donor engagement initiatives, and ensure effective execution of fundraising campaigns, grants administration, and sponsorship stewardship.
This position requires a detail-oriented development professional who is skilled in donor cultivation, fundraising administration, and collaborative project management. The Development Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and program staff to strengthen funding pipelines and advance CJP’s artistic and educational mission.
CJP’s annual development strategy includes the Think Big fundraising event, two individual giving campaigns, corporate and foundation support, and donor cultivation activities associated with performances and education programs.
Individual Giving
- Support development and implementation of patron cultivation plans for increased giving with the Executive Director and Marketing and Communications Coordinator
- Refine, create, and share analysis of patron attributes and behaviors
- Manage end of year and spring appeal campaigns
- Manage donor database (Salesforce) ensuring accurate records, segmentation, and reporting with the Marketing and Communication Coordinator
- Prepare acknowledgement letters and donor stewardship communications
- Manage and support the growth of the ‘Jazzical Society’ monthly donor program
- Track donor commitment, pledges and fulfillment Grant Writing reports
- Partner with the Executive Director and others in drafting, editing and submitting grant proposals and
- Create and submit budgets for grants with Executive Director and others
- Work with the Education Programs Manager and Executive Director to collect outcomes data and program metrics
- Conduct prospect research to identify new grant opportunities
- Maintain grant tracking and reporting calendar
- Coordinate communications with foundation partners
Corporate Sponsorship & Partnerships
- Assist in expanding CJP’s corporate sponsorship program
- Support development of sponsorship proposals and benefits packages.
- Track deliverables and recognition commitments.
- Assist in fostering ongoing sponsor relationships.
- Conduct research on potential corporate funders and sponsorship/partnership opportunities
Special Events/Performances & Donor Engagement
- Support planning and logistics for the organization’s Think Big Event
- Coordinate solicitation and procurement of silent auction and in-kind contributions
- Manage logistics for donor cultivation events and concert-related receptions
- Serve as lead coordinator for additional, more intimate donor cultivation events throughout the year (i.e., Annual Impact Report Breakfast, Pre / Post-Concert Receptions, etc.)
- Support travel coordination related to international donor engagement activities
Board & Committee Support
- Assisting Executive Director in supporting board giving initiatives
- Prepare development updates and materials for board meetings
- Coordinate development-related committee logistics and documentation
Marketing & Communications Collaboration
- Partner with the Communications Coordinator to support fundraising messages and campaigns.
- Ensure donor communications align with CJP brand and mission.
- Assist with preparation of sponsorship decks, stewardship materials, and annual reports.
- Support performance tracking and campaign analytics.
Data Management & Reporting
- Manage donor records and reporting tools in Salesforce.
- Maintain accurate development dashboards and activity reports.
- Track campaign outcomes and revenue trends to support decision-making.
- Maintain donor confidentiality and ethical fundraising standards.
Internal Collaboration & Leadership Support
- Serve as a collaborative partner in advancing a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
- Coordinate development timelines, deliverables, and campaign workflows.
- Provide guidance and task coordination to interns or administrative support staff as assigned.
Professional Development & Innovation
- Monitor emerging fundraising trends and nonprofit best practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve development processes and donor engagement initiatives.
- Recommend innovative fundraising approaches such as peer-to-peer or digital campaigns.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 4 + years of experience in nonprofit administration (arts preferred)
- Demonstrated experience in donor stewardship, grant coordination, or fundraising campaign support.
- High attention to detail with strong organizational and project management ability. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and project coordination tools
- Experience with Salesforce or comparable CRM systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small-team environment.
- Availability for evening and weekend events as needed.
- Commitment to Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s mission, programs, and values.
To Apply
Please send cover letter and current resume to Laura Rice, Executive Director, at [email protected].
Chicago Jazz Philharmonic does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, physical or mental disability or any other protected status in admission or access to, or employment in its programs.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,000.00 - $59,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
