The Chicago Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation 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.

Position Title:   Director of Foundation & Government Relations

Classification:  Full-time, exempt

Reports to:  Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Supervises:   With the Director of Corporate Relations, jointly supervises Coordinator of Institutional Relations

Working Relationships: Works closely with all members of Institutional Advancement, Exhibitions, Youth Programs, Adult Programs, Marketing, Membership, Tour and Accounting departments.  Also works with President and CEO to prepare for prospect cultivation and donor stewardship visits.

Overall Responsibility: Responsible for securing contributions from foundation and government sources to support CAF programs, exhibitions and general operations. Also responsible for implementing exceptional foundation and government donor relations, stewardship and communications.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• With VP and CFO, establish annual revenue goals based on institutional plans and fundraising landscape, also provide monthly report on progress toward achieving goals
• Oversee all grant proposals and supplementary documents and reports
• Act as primary contact for all foundation and government prospective and current grantors and stewards these relationships
• Organizes and participates in cultivation and solicitation meetings and site visits
• Jointly supervises and addresses professional development needs of Coordinator of Institutional Relations
• Directs Coordinator of Institutional Relations to identify new prospects
• Directs Coordinator of Institutional Relations in maintaining institutional fundraising calendar, fundraising database, and constituent management
• Proactively communicates with program and exhibit staff by facilitating fundraising meetings with each program department
• Provides guidance for developing and articulating program content, format, goals and objectives and evaluation based on funding guidelines
• Works with the Board development committee to identify and solicit new funding prospects; acts as support staff to the committee
• Oversees all grant fulfillment activities, including funder acknowledgement, reimbursement requests, and stewardship reports
• Directs information gathering and interpretation for annual report and other promotional materials

External Relations

• Serves as representative of CAF at external events as necessary

• Represents CAF in professional associations and conferences

• Works with program and exhibition staff to identify new partnership opportunities

• Maintains knowledge of current professional trends, publications and events

Skills and Attributes

• Strong multi-tasking and organizational skills, with great attention to detail and adherence to deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in Windows applications, including Word, Excel and Power Point
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge 7 a plus

Education and Experience Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Five to seven years of fundraising experience, including writing grant proposals
• Proven track record of successful fundraising in a non-profit setting

Chicago Architecture Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.