TITLE: Manager of Development Operations
DEPARTMENT: Development
REPORTS TO: Director of Donor Relations
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
SALARY: $60,000 - $65,000

TIME COMMITMENT: Occasional evening, early morning, or weekend work required.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Manager, Development Operations is an integral member of the Philanthropic Engagement team, responsible for facilitating processes that ensure seamless and efficient operations across Development. This position manages key information within Tessitura to generate accurate reports, lists, research, and other materials that advance Aquarium goals. Further, this role serves as a conduit between teams within Development and across Shedd, communicating effectively about challenges, then building consensus around and implementing solutions.

The best-suited candidate will demonstrate superlative organizational skills, a talent for teaching and training, and an entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented approach. They will shift easily throughout the day between focused, independent work and collaborative meetings with team members. Experience with Tessitura is preferred, but all relevant database experience will be considered. This position reports to the Director, Donor Relations and supervises the Coordinator, Prospect Research.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Fundraising Operations Management:

• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline operations and increase overall efficiency
• Manage Tessitura training for the Development department
• Design and prepare regular reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement, and campaign performance for Development and Finance
• Assist the Director, Donor Relations, to ensure compliance with all legal and organizational policies
• Partner with the Engagement team on audience segmentation strategies to maximize donor engagement and fundraising efforts
• Produce event lists and track registrations in partnership with the Events team
• Manage donor and sponsor recognition, ensuring accurate listings in the database and appropriate recognition on digital platforms and printed materials
• Facilitate gift and/or recognition agreement processes with relationship managers and maintain clear paper and digital records
• Develop data management strategy for Shedd Adventures program in partnership with the Director, Donor Engagement

Portfolio Management:

• Provide oversight and quality control of Plans in Tessitura to facilitate relationship tracking and progress, as well as accurate reporting
• Coach relationship managers on the Plans infrastructure and timely data entry
• Lead regular meetings with relationship managers to assign prospects, measure activity, and monitor pipeline progress
• Manage and maintain policies and procedures related to portfolio and prospect management

Research & Analysis:

• Supervise the Coordinator, Prospect Research, supporting their daily work and professional growth
• Serve as a second seat in third-party research software and provide additional support as needed
• Provide guidance and support for prospect research requests, ensuring comprehensive profiles are developed
• Run monthly analysis of Aquarium visitors to identify new prospects and build a robust pipeline to meet institutional needs
• Provide accurate financial and engagement assessments to Development leadership and the Office of the President

General and Administrative:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
• Seek out and share industry trends and best practices through self-directed reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, and attending training courses as needed.
• Model the ability to manage multiple projects at once
• Other duties as assigned in support of advancing department and institutional priorities

QUALIFICATIONS: 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:

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive professional experience in development or alumni relations
• Experience with database/CRM management required; Tessitura experience preferred
• Ability to translate complex concepts to those with differing aptitude
• Excellent organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail
• Strong planning skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, meet deadlines, and function smoothly under shifting priorities
• Excellent communication (verbal/written) and time management skills
• Microsoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Donor Database/CRM (Tessitura strongly preferred)
• Data visualization tools

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets

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.