Manager, Corporate Development

Company Description

Ravinia® is both North America’s longest-running not-for-profit music festival and its most artistically diverse. Over 100 different events by a mix of classical, rock, pop, jazz, R&B, indie, and country performers make up a typical summer season on our two open-air and two indoor stages. Each year the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is featured in six weeks of concerts, many with Chief Conductor Marin Alsop. During the same summer months, the Ravinia Steans Music Institute provides young professional classical and jazz musicians with career-advancing training and concert settings.

Offstage and year-round, Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play education programs engage 85,000 children and adults—in schools with little to no music curriculum, in our Chicagoland communities, and at our 36-acre park—in our mission to make music equitably accessible to all.

Ravinia embraces diversity in all forms and is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment for all staff, musicians, guest artists, audiences, and community members. Ravinia is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to identify new corporate prospects throughout the Chicago area that align with Ravinia’s priorities. (60%)

• Initiate contact with prospects, including participating in solicitation meetings and phone calls, and follow up on proposals and correspondence to potential new corporate donors.
• Work with the Development, Marketing and Data Analytic Research Team (DART) departments to strategize and identify new companies to coordinate priorities.
• Generate donor reports, profiles, and meeting briefs to support the fundraising process; manage related data and reports in Audience View, Ravinia’s database.
• Occasional opportunity to work with the CDO, Board members and President/CEO on strategy and solicitations.
• Work with Corporate Relations manager to facilitate corporate sponsor entertainment, including arranging concert ticketing, parking, and providing assistance as needed for clients prior to and during events.
• Utilize donor management software and other tools to identify prospects, track donations, analyze fundraising data, manage relationships, and track progress towards goals.
• Write proposals and complete cyber grant applications and reports for corporate sponsors as needed.
• May assist with research of potential Foundation donors as needed.

• Other duties as required

Qualifications

In this highly visible role, our ideal candidate will possess the following characteristics:

• Superior verbal and written communication and relationship development skills.

• Creative thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage and oversee multiple projects simultaneously while attending to details.
• Excellent judgment and professionalism in dealing with a variety of publics.
• Computer literacy is required. Familiarity with Google Suite and Audience View website/database would be highly desired, but not required.

• Ability to work extended hours and weekends during the summer season and as needed in the off-season is required.

• All Development staff are required to work at Ravinia’s three major events and other events as needed.

Education and Experience

• A minimum of three to four years of experience of relevant frontline fundraising, relationship management, and/or complex program management experience is preferred, including previous experience soliciting 5- and 6-figure gifts.

• Experience ideally in corporate relations at an arts organization, but not required.

• A bachelor level degree is required.

Work Environment

• 
  In-person preferred: As part of a small team inside an organization that produces live in-person concert experiences, this role will be predominantly in-person during the summer season, with the opportunity for a more hybrid work schedule during the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
• Collaborative and Inclusive: You will work with a team of passionate and dedicated professionals who value inclusive decision-making processes, all voices, regardless of hierarchy, will be heard.
• Innovative and Dynamic: You will be part of a dynamic and innovative arts organization committed to creating unforgettable live music experiences for our community.
• Fast-Paced and Exciting: In this role, you will work in a fast-paced and exciting environment, with opportunities to attend live concerts and oversee events that engage with artists, patrons, and other music lovers. At Ravinia, we have seasonal peaks and valleys: while we might have more extended hours in the summer, we strive to balance that in the quieter fall and winter months.
• Professional Development: You will have the opportunity to pursue continued professional development opportunities to sharpen your skills.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $70,000-$75,000

Benefits: Excellent health and welfare benefits including comprehensive time off, generous retirement savings plans, learning and mentorship opportunities, access to various staff working groups, and a general admission season pass to Ravinia events.