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Job Title


Foundation & Government Giving Officer


Company : Griffin Museum of Science and Industry


Location : chicago, IL


Created : 2024-09-16


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

About Us : The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI's mission - to inspire the inventive genius in everyone - is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum provides programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin MSI's garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you! The Job: The Foundation and Government Giving Officer is responsible for identifying, recruiting, and managing existing and prospective government donors and provide leadership and coordination in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors. This is a hybrid position that requires occasional weekend and special event availability. Responsibilities Manage a government fundraising portfolio and relationships with government partners, creating greater awareness of the Museum's mission; prepare senior and volunteer leadership for engagement with these partners. Work with city, state and federal agencies to remain aware of upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP's) and identify possible funding opportunities and to leverage government relationships for museum-related events and causes. Collaborate with division leaders relative to proposals and all related tasks. Directly manage the core activities for government fundraising including identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donors, developing letters of inquiry, grant proposals, impact reports (including synthesizing technical research and evaluation reports), and other essential communications; project, track, and report contributed income. Collaborate with other divisions to align the Museum's priorities, needs, and programs with the funder's objectives and ensure accurate presentation of information. Develop and direct the comprehensive foundation for stewardship in collaboration with external affairs colleagues. Provide back-up support and collaboration in Foundation Giving efforts. Represent the Museum at meetings and events related to government relations. Ensure the development of letters of inquiry, grant proposals, impact reports, and other essential communications are achieved as well as a comprehensive prospect research strategy. Create, maintain, and adhere to a calendar of proposal and reporting deadlines. Arrange, coordinate, and facilitate government-related site visits as needed. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required with four (4) to six (6) years of related development experience. Experience with Federal Grants, State and City Funding opportunities preferred. Some people management experience is a plus. Demonstrable skills in successfully preparing proposals to government agencies. Exceptional people and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate in a dynamic and engaging way is required. Experience in supporting new government relationships and managing the cultivation and stewardship process. Ability to work in partnership with other Griffin MSI directors and leaders. Must be a high-integrity team player who is results-driven and organized. Must be a poised and resourceful individual who is supportive, diplomatic, personable and able to manage multiple priorities. Extreme focus on compliance with government guidelines and reporting channels. Demonstrated ability to build strong and sustaining giving programs. Must be able to work occasional evening and/or weekend events as required. Some travel may be required. Language: Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization. Mathematical: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as basic math, percentages, pro-ration, etc. Reasoning: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concreate variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Our DEAI Mission The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles. Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.