Development Operations Manager

Kohl Children's Museum

The Chicago area boasts only one institution that focuses exclusively on providing interactive exhibits and programming for young children ages birth to 8. Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago has long been recognized nationally as a model for its integration of play and learning within a fun environment and one that encourages curiosity, creativity and self-discovery. After 20 years at its original home in Wilmette, the Museum opened a new, $18.1 million Silver-level LEED (Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design) facility in Glenview in October 2005. More than 330,000 children, their families, caregivers and educators visit the Museum’s 17 hands-on, interactive exhibits each year to direct their own play and learning experiences in a safe, intimate environment. All exhibits and programming align to the State of Illinois Learning Standards for children up to 3rd grade, and adhere to the principles of universal design, welcoming guests with any level of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional ability.

The Museum also conducts numerous outreach activities, including its flagship Early Childhood Connections program, providing professional development for teachers and childcare providers along with free field trips for classrooms in low-income neighborhoods and children who are risk of academic failure. Everyone at Play, which opens the Museum exclusively for families with children with special needs, is a program offered several times during the year.

Come see for yourself why we're the Place Where Awesome Lives!

https://www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org/

Position Details

Development Operations Manager
Job
Full-time
Office/WFH
100% remote
8/12/2025
Northern Illinois
Glenview, IL

The Development Operations Manager will provide support to the fundraising team by managing the donor database, processing donations, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of donor information, conduct prospect research and assist with grant preparation and writing for institutional funding. The Manager will work closely with development staff to streamline fundraising processes, implement best practices for data management and analysis, support the entire team with accurate lists and reports, and advise on the most efficient, effective, and personalized ways to produce needed outcomes. This team member will support all fundraising campaigns and activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Development Operations

  • Manage and maintain the donor database (Altru); ensure records are updated and accurate
  • Process donations and ensure contributions are booked in the correct account in Altru and confer with Accounting when necessary
  • Produce timely, personalized and accurate gift acknowledgement letters and receipts
  • Generate and analyze fundraising reports, event lists, donor profiles, and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making.             
  • Assist in planning, executing, and reviewing for accuracy lists and other collateral for fundraising campaigns, events, and donor stewardship
  • Support donor communication efforts through generating lists for email campaigns, newsletters and personalized correspondence
  • Train others as necessary to maintain the integrity of the information entered in the database
  • Implement and maintain systems for donor name recognition; accurate and updated lists for signage, annual reports, website, and more
  • Prepare reports as requested from the Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations and Director of Individual Giving including Trustee scorecards
  • Update and maintain current Board, ancillary boards, and donor lists to ensure record accuracy in database and shared files
  • Manage donor solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship mailings

Institutional Funding

  • Conduct prospect research to identify institutional major gift prospects
  • Work with Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations to create strategy and prioritize opportunities for institutional funding
  • Assist in drafting grant applications of $5,000 and under, with the guidance of the Director of Institutional Giving and Development Operations
  • Coordinate with the Development Associate to compile application and report materials for institutional funding proposals and track progress on department’s gift opportunities list          

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Attend Museum and donor activities/events, as needed
  • Assist in answering department phone lines and directing calls as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned   

THE IDEAL CONDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Four to six years’ Development experience
  • Experience working in and maintaining a donor database management system is an absolute requirement
  • Demonstrated ability to manage details, work both collaboratively and independently
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint; proficiency with Altru, Financial Edge Systems, and other Blackbaud products (or requirement to be fully trained within 3 months of hire)
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and generate actionable insights.
  • High level of integrity and trustworthiness managing confidential information
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required; demonstrated ability to write clear and grammatically correct communications
  • Prospect research experience preferred
  • Efficient time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently   
  • Ability to prioritize and handle tasks in a timely and efficient manner; strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail
  • Ability to participate in cross-departmental projects

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Flexibility with work schedule, as necessary, to support weekend scheduling and/or evening activities
  • Valid driver’s license, own vehicle and good driving record

Salary Range: $48,700.00 To $54,800.00 Annually.


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