Open until filled Join the Wheaton Park District as the Development Manager to advance the missions of the district's two non-profit foundations, Cosley Zoo Foundation and DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic event management and fundraising professional who is enthusiastic and passionate about engaging with the local community and making a difference. The right candidate is creative and knowledgeable about special event management, annual giving, and all facets of fundraising event planning and execution.
Qualifications: Under the direction of the Director of Marketing, Events & Development, the Development Manager is responsible for supporting the missions of the Cosley Zoo Foundation and the DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation. This position will manage all aspects of the foundation's annual giving program, memberships and annual fundraising events.
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with a concentration in business, marketing, communications, development, not-for-profit administration, or other related fields.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive event management and fundraising experience that is well documented and demonstrates a proven track record of success in developing/facilitation annual appeals, membership programs, special events, and developing and managing budgets.
- Must be a relationship builder and able to effectively engage with a diverse group of donors, prospects, board members, volunteers, grantors, sponsors, business/corporate, foundations, and community groups.
- Must have exceptional composition, writing, presentation, and communication skills.
- Must be highly organized and detailed minded with ability to multi-task and manage multiple demands, priorities, and projects.
- Experience in fundraising software applications, excellent computer skills, and able to navigate database programs and social media platforms.
- Experience in foundation/grant research and writing and some knowledge in Planned Giving and Endowments a plus.
- Must be skilled in leading and developing highly effective volunteer fundraising committees.
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends for special events and board meetings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Develop each foundation's annual giving and event strategy and involve the Executive Director, Marketing & Development Staff, Foundation Boards, and other WPD staff as appropriate.
- Provide leadership and oversight to the planning, organizing, and execution of each foundation's annual fundraising programs, to include appeals, memberships, and special events aimed to heighten awareness, grow annual revenue streams, and broaden the base of donors and support.
- Assist with planning and execution of annual board retreats.
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit major sponsors for annual special events and special projects.
- Provide leadership and support to foundation board members on their fundraising efforts and philanthropic initiatives.
- Develop and manage annual budget for each foundation.
- Work in tandem with each Foundation Board, WPD Executive Director, Zoo and Museum Directors, and Director of Marketing, Development and Special Events in the solicitation of major sponsors, and donors.
- Responsible for volunteer leadership recruitment and engagement for each foundation event.
- Assist in the research of existing and new foundation partners to prepare, submit, and manage annual grant proposals, reports, and follow-up.
- Participate and/or assist Zoo, Museum, and Wheaton Park District staff with membership promotion and retention programs and sponsorship solicitations for select annual events.
- Provide professional leadership that will contribute to creating a strong and effective development/fundraising office team, operation and working environment.
- Hire, train, manage, lead, coach, direct, schedule, discipline, motivate, evaluate, provide quarterly feedback, and recommend merit increases for assigned staff ensuring an effective and efficient department and successful District run in accordance with Department of Labor laws and District policies and procedures.
- Proactively support the V.A.L.U.E.S. (integrity, fun, commitment, adaptability & growth, kindness, and service) on a daily basis.
- Contribute to a feedback rich environment.
- Provide a high quality of customer service in a professional manner to the internal customer that will facilitate team building and exceptional customer service to the external customer.
- Follow the Wheaton Park District policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Maintain good safety awareness and follow all safety guidelines and procedures.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS - Work on special projects as assigned by the Director of Marketing, Development, and Special Events and the Executive Director.
- Attend in-service trainings and staff meetings as required.
- Serve on committees as recommended.
- Other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, ETC. Must have and maintain: a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record; and CPR/AED certified or obtain within one (1) year of employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must be able to: continuously remain in a stationary position for long periods of time with hand/arm/finger movements and use of eyes while using a computer. Occasionally position one's self to move items such as boxes of marketing supplies, etc. weighing up to 30 lbs. for special events, and move about the facility to access the copier and files.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS Must be able to: work in a standard office setting with moderate noise level; and tolerate all weather conditions while traveling to other facilities and during peak season for outdoor events with occasionally loud noise.
SALARY $70,000 - $80,000, DOQ
Salary Range
Min Mid Max
$61,625 $77,032 $92,438
BENEFITS - Health (HMO or PPO), with very low employee contribution for employee, spouse, and dependents.
- 100% employer paid dental insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents.
- 100% employer paid vision insurance for the employee
- 100% employer paid life insurance at 1.5 times your annual salary.
- Health insurance incentive up to $4,500 per year.
- FSA and Dependent Care pre-tax via payroll deduction.
- Pension Plan through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, including employer contributions
- Paid time off including 12 sick days per year, 12 vacation days, 2 personal days (pro-rated first year), 12 holidays.
- Free use of fitness center, two pools, golf, and entrance to Cosley Zoo to employees and family members eligible for insurance coverage.
- Tuition Reimbursement, discounts on merchandise, professional memberships, and other voluntary benefits.
The Wheaton Park District is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V