Director of Individual Giving

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Individual Giving leads strategy and execution for the Music Institute of Chicago’s individual giving program, with a focus on building a comprehensive, multi-level pipeline of donor support.

This role is responsible for advancing donor engagement through clear, consistent, and mission-aligned communications while driving growth across annual, mid-level, and major individual giving, with emphasis on sourcing new donors from the student population and the greater community.

As a senior member of the development team, the Individual Giving Director partners closely with leadership to shape donor-facing materials and ensure alignment with institutional priorities. This individual will bring a disciplined, data-informed approach to donor strategy, balancing relationship management with scalable communications and program execution.

• Lead strategy and execution for individual giving across all donor levels
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, with responsibility for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Support a comprehensive individual giving program that builds a strong pipeline from entry-level through major gifts
• Maintain clear goals, benchmarks, and growth strategies for individual philanthropy

• Oversee development of clear, consistent, and mission-aligned donor communications
• Partner with leadership to develop donor-facing materials, campaign messaging, and case content
• Ensure alignment across all fundraising communications, including appeals, stewardship, and campaign outreach

• Create and execute an ambassador program, including strategy, engagement, and support for volunteer advocates across MIC departments
• Equip ambassadors with messaging and tools to effectively represent MIC and expand donor reach
• Tie the program into overall fundraising initiatives

• Collaborate closely with marketing and communications to align messaging and timing across channels
• Partner with the Development Manager to ensure accurate and actionable donor data
• Work with development colleagues to ensure coordinated donor strategies across individual, institutional, and campaign giving
• Maintain and manage an integrated communications calendar

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on individual giving
• Experience developing and executing multi‑channel fundraising strategies
• Deep proficiency in CRM systems and standard Office tools
• Strong understanding of donor communications, segmentation, and engagement strategy
• Demonstrated success managing donor portfolios and closing gifts, including face‑to‑face asks
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with senior leadership
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and operate independently
• Ability to work onsite at the MIC office 3 days a week
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required

The Music Institute of Chicago is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We value diversity of backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives, and we believe these differences strengthen our institution and enrich the educational experience for our students.

MIC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.