Griffin Museum of Science and Industry · 1 week ago
Principal Gifts Officer
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff
$160K/yr - $170K/yr
10+ years expThe Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere, dedicated to inspiring curiosity through science. The Principal Gifts Officer will lead fundraising efforts, overseeing the growth of the museum's principal giving program and collaborating with senior leadership to secure major gifts.
Art
Hiring Manager
Candance Chow
Responsibilities
Oversee and assure the vitality and growth of Griffin MSI’s portfolio of principal gift donors and prospects ($5 million+ capacity), ensuring that relational assets are carefully stewarded and expanded using a team approach
Build and ultimately maintain a personal portfolio of approximately 40–50 high-level prospects and donors, actively cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding principal gifts
Secure major gifts from prospects within the portfolio, as part of cultivation toward larger, principal gifts
Over time, expand the portfolio and integrate a planned-giving strategy and its associated goals
Provide strategy and coaching for colleagues responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding principal gifts outside of SD-PG’s portfolio
Identify, analyze, and qualify prospects and donors to maximize giving and ensure portfolios align with best practices
Develop and implement engagement, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, bringing in senior leaders as appropriate to deepen donor connection
Partner with the CDO, the President/CEO, and other leaders on all principal gift solicitation strategies, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and philanthropic vision
Build strong relationships with key Board members, the President/CEO, and other Museum executives to advance principal giving efforts
Collaborate with the External Affairs team to ensure stewardship, fiscal responsibility, and data integrity across donor records, gift processing, and acknowledgment workflows within the portfolio
Engage internal department leaders and, as appropriate, members of the Board of Trustees to support major and principal gift fundraising
Contribute to cross-departmental alignment that strengthens systems, donor communications, and operational excellence
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and 10 or more years of experience in fundraising with a successful track record of proactively securing multiple 7- and 8-figure gifts
Working knowledge of and experience implementing best practices in principal and major gift fundraising
Deep understanding of the role of research, prospect strategy, and data-driven systems in major and principal gift work
Exceptional relationship-building skills and comfort interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences
Demonstrated success in building and sustaining significant philanthropic relationships on behalf of mission-driven organizations
Highly collaborative mindset with experience leading teams to set goals, align on strategies, and achieve stretch fundraising outcomes
Strong internal partnership skills, with comfort collaborating across organizational functions to support high-impact fundraising
Discretion and sound judgment; commitment to confidentiality and maintaining trust in donor relationships
Excellent communication skills across oral, written, and interpersonal settings; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and fundraising systems
Ability to travel locally or domestically as assigned
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
10 Company Holidays
401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth), including a generous employer match
Robust Voluntary benefit plans, including transportation, legal, and many others
Free onsite garage parking
Company
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is one of the world's largest science museums.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Chevy Humphrey
President & CEO
Recent News
2025-09-24
Chicago Tribune
2025-08-30
2023-06-29
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