Development Manager

Rebuild is non-for-profit artistic project on Chicago’s South Side, founded by artist Theaster Gates in 2010. Innovating at the intersection of cultural, archival, and land stewardship, Rebuild operates and manages a constellation of formerly disused and dispossessed sites, including The Land School, Kenwood Gardens, the Listening House and Archive House (formerly Dorchester Projects), the 6 Flat, Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative, the Stony Island Arts Bank and a number of artist residences.

Through nearly two decades of investments in space and artists, Rebuild has built an ecosystem of venues and vehicles for experimental artistic practice, contemporary archival stewardship, and radical hospitality across four city blocks. Headquartered at The Land School, the project aims to create the conditions for artistic autonomy and community self-determination through art, culture, public programming, and urban planning.

Rebuild Foundation is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Development Manager to lead the implementation of our development initiatives. In collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of The Land School and General Manager, the Development Manager will play a pivotal role in strategizing, planning, and executing fundraising efforts, donor engagement, partnership development, and grant writing. This role is integral to our mission of securing funding to support our artistic and community-driven projects and ensure compliance with funder requirements.

This position is structured as a 90‑day, fixed‑term contract role. At the conclusion of the contract period, and contingent upon organizational needs and mutual agreement regarding performance and fit, the role may be considered for extension or potential transition to a regular, full‑time position. This statement does not constitute a guarantee of continued employment.

• Initially setting up operational infrastructure for new internal development function; then expanding individual giving, foundation support, and corporate partnerships; driving strategy across annual giving, major gifts, grants, and sponsor ships; partnering closely with leadership and the Board to unlock new opportunities; and helping position Rebuild for long-term sustainability and growth.
• Cultivate relationships with prospective individual donors, build and sustain meaningful, mission‑aligned relationships and nurture existing donor relationships to enhance engagement and retention.
• Manage a strategic portfolio of individual donors and prospects through research, cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation.
• Lead, develop and grow individual giving efforts, including proposal development and donor reporting.
• Coordinate and participate in donor meetings, events, and networking activities and collaborate with other Rebuild Foundation departments to identify and establish strategic partnerships.

• Research and identify potential grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and other funding sources.
• Evaluate alignment between grant requirements and Rebuild Foundation’s mission and program priorities.
• Develop persuasive and compelling grant proposals that effectively communicate Rebuild Foundation’s goals, programming, and impact to the artistic community.
• Collaborate with other departments to gather necessary information and data for proposals.
• Develop grant proposal strategy, tracking system, outlines, timelines, and milestones in collaboration with the General Manager.
• Create comprehensive project budgets and narratives that align with grant guidelines.
• Ensure timely submission of all grant applications and project deadlines.

• Plan, organize, and execute fundraising events, experiences, and donor cultivation activities.
• Support corporate sponsorship strategy and execution, expanding sponsorship and underwriting opportunities across programs and events.
• Prepare and coordinate invitations to special events, Rebuild programming and VIP functions.
• In partnership with Director of The Land School, manage VIP, Donor, Funder communications for special events,…