Ravinia, North America's oldest music festival, stands today as its most musically diverse, presenting over 140 different events throughout the summer. These concerts run the gamut from Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend to the annual summer residency of the nation's finest orchestra, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

The 36-acre park is nestled in a gently wooded area that makes it an enchanting place to experience music. Guests can bring their own picnics or eat at one of the park restaurants.

Ravinia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating and fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. The more diverse we are, the better we can serve our community and our mission.

Our Mission

As a nonprofit organization, community engagement and music education initiatives are our mission. Over 85,000 people are served through Ravinia's Reach Teach Play programs each year, ensuring that great music remains accessible to all. We are dedicated to enabling gifted young performers to study under great teachers and perform in concert settings through the Ravinia Steans Music Institute.

The Manager, Major Gifts reports to the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts. Primary responsibilities include working collaboratively with the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts in the identification, solicitation, stewardship and recognition of individual concert sponsors ($12,500+), endowment contributors, and those making planned or commemorative gifts. Principally responsible for stewardship of donors at the $10,000 level.

 Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for targeted stewardship and cultivation of donors at the $10,000 and above level.
2. At the direction of the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts, writes and sends appeals, acknowledgement letters and general correspondence on behalf of the President and CEO, Director of Development and Associate Director under tight time constraints.
3. Manages 30 individual concert sponsor events and 6 additional special events annually in a typical summer at Ravinia. Represents the Major Gifts team at each of these events.
4. Manages Ravinia Steans Music Institute (RSMI) annual operating support, from solicitation and acknowledgement to cultivation and stewardship. Manages two annual dinners to introduce RSMI donors to the artists they support and seeks other opportunities to engage with these donors throughout the year. Attends RSMI concerts as often as possible to deepen relationships with RSMI donors.
5. Manages The Raiser’s Edge database for Major Gifts including Moves Management process and Runs regular Raiser’s Edge queries and exports in order to provide up-to-date reporting and spreadsheets detailing fundraising progress to the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts.
6. Creates and maintains detailed database of all sponsorship confirmations, events and recognition listings.
7. Researches major gifts prospects and writes in-depth profiles for the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts and the Director of Development.
8. Partners in planning, preparation and execution of Planned Giving program, including Planned Giving Advisory Committee meetings and Planned Giving Seminar.
9. Works collaboratively with department members to track major, planned, estate and endowment gifts and ensure proper donor recognition.
10. Provides administrative support for the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts through maintenance of proposal and sponsorship calendars and major gift databases, phone back-up, file maintenance, and handling of major donors’ ticketing, parking, dining or other requests.
11. Assists Manager, Donor Relations and Operations in the coordination and execution of summer Freehling Room (Ravinia’s private donor dining facility) activity. Acts as an onsite donor resource at Freehling Room during key concert evenings throughout the summer.
12. As part of the development team, assists in concert duty coverage.
13. Special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Excellent customer /donor service skills
• Knowledge of non-profit fundraising strategies, operations and procedures desired
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast paced and intense customer-focused environment
• Superior verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship skills
• Excellent judgment and professionalism in dealing with the public
• Proficient skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Education and Experience: College degree or equivalent experience required
• Minimum of three (3) to four (4) years of experience in fundraising for a non-profit organization, music/arts highly preferred.
• Experience working with mid- to high-level donors highly preferred
• Experience with The Raiser’s Edge database a plus

Typically required to work many evenings and weekends in late spring and summer months as assigned by the Associate Director of Development, Major Gifts. 

Currently Ravinia employees are working remotely.  When our offices reopen, rigorous safely protocols will be in place in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Qualified candidates should upload both a cover letter and resume.