The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. CAF presents a comprehensive program of tours, exhibitions, lectures, special events, and adult and youth education activities, all designed to enhance the public’s awareness and appreciation of Chicago’s outstanding architectural legacy.

The Vice President of Institutional Advancement will work in close coordination with the President/CEO, Senior Staff and Board Leadership and be responsible for directing and managing CAF’s fundraising efforts including expanding and broadening the organization’s base of individual, foundation, corporate, and government philanthropic support. The Vice President of Institutional Advancement will direct special giving initiatives as well as comprehensive capital campaigns. In addition, the Vice President of Institutional Advancement will work with the President/ CEO and select Board members on issues of Board development, engagement, communication and succession.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for the CAF’s development activities, working closely with the CEO, trustees, and other volunteer leadership and providing staff support to their development work; manage the Philanthropy Committee of the Board and ensure committee is task-driven.
• As a member of the executive management team, provide leadership in the development arena for the CAF staff; work with other senior managers to create a consistent foundational message, develop annual fundraising priorities, identify and pursue funding opportunities, and in other ways help achieve the goals of the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
• Develop comprehensive annual, capital, endowment and other long-term plans for CAF’s development activities.
• Expand the giving programs for major individual donors, corporate sponsors, and corporate membership programs. Supervise a grants program to solicit and manage funds from corporate, foundation and government sources.
• Manage major gift solicitation activities of staff and volunteers; serve as primary or secondary solicitor for major gifts.
• Maintain a portfolio of between 40 - 50 major gift prospects. Actively manage this portfolio through directing and participating in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of these prospects. Also oversee the major gift prospect activity for the development staff and the drive the prospect strategy for the President and CEO.
• Implement research program and prospect management system to support major gift activities.
• Serve as liaison to CAF support groups, including the Auxiliary Board and Burnham Society.
• Manage the Institutional Advancement staff, redefining roles as appropriate; oversee and, as needed, develop systems for keeping records, tracking donors, and managing correspondence; develop and manage the department’s budget; act as a mentor to and provide for the professional development of staff members; participate actively in carrying out the work of the department.
• Serve as a strong CAF advocate in Chicago and among its cultural institutions, with local leaders, business and corporate partnerships and industry leaders, and build relationships that closely link these communities with CAF.
  

Skills and Attributes

The candidate will be an intelligent, articulate and highly organized self-starter who maintains high standards for his or her own work and the work of his or her subordinates and can work effectively with the Foundation’s diverse constituencies. He or she will welcome the opportunity to build collaborative relationships with the President and CEO, trustees and staff; will enjoy the challenges of a senior leadership role and of managing and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. An awareness and interest in architecture and design is also important.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills are required, with an in-depth knowledge of Chicago’s philanthropic community.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and persuasively and to generate excitement about CAF’s work.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of a B.A. degree required and 10 or more years' professional development experience, including a proven track record of success with high-level volunteers, annual funds and membership programs, capital and endowment campaigns and major gift initiatives; comprehensive senior-level experience in a not-for-profit cultural foundation desired.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement a comprehensive development program for a complex organization and demonstrated skill in the full spectrum of development and membership activities.
• Success in building and maintaining relationships with individual donors and a successful track record of soliciting major individual gifts and securing institutional and government grants.
• Strong communication skills including the ability to write clearly and persuasively and to generate excitement about the Foundation’s work.
• Experience managing a staff; the ability to think strategically while remaining focused on the detail-oriented work and follow-through required by the position.
• Experience with the variety of technical systems and databases that support development activities.
  

Chicago Architecture Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.