DEVELOPMENT DATABASE AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

Saloni Dar

Reports to: Director of Development

Classification: Full-time, exempt, member of Development Team

ORGANIZATION

The Chicago Humanities Festival is a non-profit cultural organization that connects people and ideas to cultivate a more informed, inspired, empathetic, and participatory society. For more than 30 years, we’ve presented dynamic and thoughtful conversations, performances, and events all around Chicago with hundreds of cultural, civic, community, and educational partners.

In fall 2021, we returned to in-person events after a year of virtual programming. For 2022, we are planning in-person festivals in May and October–November, and a series of high-profile standalone events throughout the year. More information at chicagohumanities.org

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Development Database and Operations Manager is a key member of the Development team and the primary manager of the Festival’s donor database (Raiser’s Edge)—managing its operations, functionality, and data integrity to ensure our fundraising efforts are data-informed and run efficiently. This vital role supports various aspects of fundraising strategy and execution including the Festival’s annual fundraising appeals, donor/prospect cultivation, and stewardship plans. The position also assists with platforms used for online communications and pipeline development, including MailChimp, Donor Search, and OLX.

The Manager is responsible for providing donor management support, including: entering, tracking, and reporting data; and reviewing and informing system architecture and data integrity for optimal usage. As part of the Development team, the Manager also attends Fall and Spring Season programs and cultivation events as part of our ongoing donor acquisition and stewardship efforts.

Principal Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage Raiser’s Edge (RE) database by evaluating current procedures and implementing solutions that maximize and leverage the database to its fullest potential
• Collaborate on and implement fundraising and engagement strategies, incorporating best data practices with regards to RE tracking and integration to ensure future reporting and analysis needs
  • Project manage all large-scale appeals and department engagement mailings or communications with the Associate Director of Individual Giving and/or Stewardship and Events Manager, including the timelines for completion, vendor pricing, and final fulfillment of print pieces or appeals with printer and mail house.
  • Create and manage segmented lists, as well as reporting in support of critical engagement touchpoints (e.g. gift receipts, phone calls logs, thank you notes, etc.)
  • Execute solicitation email campaigns in collaboration with Associate Director of Individual Giving and Marketing and Projects Manager, building out segments in Mailchimp from provided copy and tracking open rates, opt-out list, etc.
  • Work cross-departmentally to ensure database functionality and optimization of the RE Events Module with new online ticketing system
  • Support Development Team events, working with the Stewardship and Events Manager to ensure RE integration and reporting
• Manage day-to-day Raiser’s Edge data entry and management
  • Gift entry, scan checks/gifts and save files for audits and future needs
  • Oversee acknowledgment letter process, generating, routing for signatures from appropriate colleagues, mailing, and saving digital files
  • Provide weekly reports, tracking and reporting on fundraising progress towards fiscal year goals and Board giving
  • Entry and updating of actions, notes, proposals, and constituent information
  • Work with accounting manager on reconciliation with QuickBooks and gift-related information
  • Assist with Development Team reports and lists as needed
• Support member/donor pipeline development and inform larger segmentation through use of Donor Search (best practices training will be provided), conducting prospect research as needed and reporting around the Festival’s qualification program
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• 4+ years of Raiser’s Edge experience required
• Experience with OLX, Donor Search, and Mailchimp preferred
• Best practices knowledge of donor moves management and systems
• Excellent working knowledge of Excel and list segmentation
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple-tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Resourceful and able to take initiative and work independently
• Finds joy in the details—excellent organizational skills
• Outstanding communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Ability to work some nights and weekends as needed during Festival seasons

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with a salary of $60,000 based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include 100% health coverage (general, dental, vision), 403b, life insurance, short and long-term disability, parental leave, paid time off, and a commuter spending plan.

WORK LOCATION AND COVID-19 POLICIES

We anticipate working in a hybrid model with two to three days at our office with the other days worked remotely. While working remotely, you will have access to a laptop computer and a $25 per pay period ($50/month) stipend to offset home internet and personal phone expenses.

As part of our commitment to providing a healthy and safe workplace, CHF is requiring employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 within the first week of employment. If a vaccination is not possible, a request for a medical or religious exemption can be made with Human Resources.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND INCLUSION

The Festival is committed to providing a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace, where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and policies. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

TO APPLY

Email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to developmentjobs@chicagohumanities.org by March 18, 2022. Please format subject lines as follows: 2022 Development Database and Operations Manager: [Your Name]. Please know that we won’t consider incomplete materials or those received through a different channel.

Candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified via email. No phone calls, please. We look forward to reviewing your materials. Thank you!