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Artistic Director Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Art Director Experience level: 7+ years Salary: $95,000 - $140,000 Work structure: Remote Contract ... In this fully remote role, you will be responsible for the conceptual development and artistic ...

Director of Operations REPORTS TO: Chief Financial Officer FLSA STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt ... artists and patrons. This role will provide leadership on strategic and capital planning while ...

Art Director

Chicago, IL

$124.60K - $130.80K/yr

Collaborate and art-direct creative executions produced by designers, illustrators, motion artists, and external partners, ensuring quality and consistency across all outputs. * Manage multiple ...

Bartender

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.32/hr

Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, playwrights and stage managers. Steppenwolf's artistic ambitions are made possible ...

Bartender

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.32/hr

Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, playwrights and stage managers. Steppenwolf's artistic ambitions are made possible ...

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Artistic Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$45.9K

$125.5K

$151K

How much do artistic director jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for artistic director in Chicago, IL is $125,526.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,700.00 and $130,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Artistic Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Artistic Director, you need a strong background in the arts, creative vision, leadership experience, and often a relevant degree in fine arts or a related field. Familiarity with production management software, budgeting tools, and industry-standard editing or design programs is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational skills set outstanding Artistic Directors apart. These abilities are crucial for shaping artistic direction, managing teams, and ensuring successful and innovative productions.

How does an Artistic Director collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Artistic Directors work closely with a variety of departments, including production, marketing, development, and education teams. They regularly communicate with these groups to ensure that the artistic vision aligns with logistical, promotional, and financial considerations. This collaboration often involves participating in meetings, giving creative input on marketing materials, and coordinating schedules and resources for performances or exhibitions. Successful Artistic Directors foster strong, open relationships across departments to create cohesive and impactful programming.

What is an Artistic Director?

An Artistic Director is a senior leader responsible for guiding the creative vision and direction of an arts organization, such as a theater, dance company, or gallery. They select productions, oversee artistic programming, and often collaborate with artists, directors, and designers to bring projects to life. In addition to shaping the artistic strategy, Artistic Directors may be involved in casting, budgeting, and community outreach. Their work ensures that the organization's artistic goals align with its mission and audience expectations.

What is the difference between Artistic Director vs Creative Director?

AspectArtistic DirectorCreative Director
CredentialsTypically requires a background in arts, theater, or related fields; often with experience in production or performanceRequires a background in design, branding, or advertising; often with experience in visual or digital media
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in arts organizations, theaters, or cultural institutionsPrimarily in advertising agencies, media companies, or branding firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in arts, theater, dance, and cultural sectorsUsed in marketing, advertising, and media industries

The main difference is that Artistic Directors focus on the artistic vision and programming of arts organizations, while Creative Directors oversee the overall creative strategy and branding in marketing and media. Both roles require creative expertise but serve different industry needs.

More about Artistic Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Artistic jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Artistic jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Artistic Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Artistic Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Artistic Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Artistic Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Artistic Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Artistic Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Artistic Director job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,526 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
Assistant Director, Development, Arts and Humanities

Assistant Director, Development, Arts and Humanities

University of Chicago Library

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

ADV Humanities 1


About the Department

The Advancement Office engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. Advancement raises $600 million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.
A central component of Advancement, the Division of the Arts and Humanities Development enterprise is a team of three fundraising professionals who work collaboratively to secure annual, major, and principal gift support for divisional priorities and objectives, as set by the Dean, and foster increased engagement with the division. The team undertakes this work through in-person meetings, carefully curated cultivation and stewardship events, and other forms of donor engagement.


Job Summary

The Assistant Director, Development, Arts and Humanities, provides essential professional support for assigned development activities within the division, including annual giving, stewardship, and event activities. This role executes fundraising projects, including data management and content development for cultivation programs for prospective donors and the division's advisory council; and leads event planning for Advancement Arts and Humanities. This position provides professional support of assigned development activities with instruction from others. Executes fundraising projects, cultivation programs for prospective donors and for visiting committees. This role may also have donor-facing responsibilities, including qualifying, cultivating, and stewarding leadership annual giving donors and prospects over Zoom and in person.

Responsibilities

  • Manages and leads the team's stewardship program, including timely and considered gift acknowledgments, developing an annual comprehensive divisional report, gathering data on individual fund usage, compiling data into written reports, and managing report deployment.
  • Assists in the planning and execution of divisional events, including strategic engagement, cultivation, and stewardship events, as well as events involving volunteers.
  • Coordinates annual giving activity, including direct appeal efforts across all giving channels (email, mail, phone), and develops compelling appeals and other direct response materials for donors and alumni.
  • Manages the strategy for leadership annual giving donors and prospects with the goal of renewing and upgrading their support annually.
  • Supports the team by gathering information from divisional partners on events, stories, and other donor-engagement channels.
  • Reflects, analyzes, and synthesizes data to prepare program performance reports, identify and quantify opportunities to improve outcomes, and build on successful activities.
  • Provides support for Advisory Council activities, including council communications, stewardship initiatives, roster and reporting updates, quarterly newsletter management, and coordination of council meetings and faculty spotlight events, including logistics, materials preparation, registration, and stakeholder engagement support.
  • Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance, including building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
  • Has a moderate/high level of authority in drafting informational and marketing materials for review for assigned programs. Assists in developing support materials for specific fundraising activities.
  • Cultivates and maintains relationships with donors and volunteers. Establishes and maintains donor records and accounts.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

  • A minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar field.
  • Managing complex cross-team projects with multiple stakeholders.
  • Background working with volunteers.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to Advancement, including Phoenix, the University's Donor Relationship Management System.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Windows computer environment, especially Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive, Box, Adobe Suite, Marketo, Qualtrics, Oracle, Zoom, and Access.

Preferred Competencies

  • Demonstrated fluency and comfort with technology and adapt quickly to new systems and platforms.
  • Self-motivated and entrepreneurial with a demonstrated ability to take initiative.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, speak, and write effectively.
  • Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  • Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
  • Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading.
  • Enthusiasm for the mission and vision of the University and Division of the Arts and Humanities.
  • Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

Working Conditions

  • This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
  • Standard office environment.
  • Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
  • Work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.
  • This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter addressed to Hiring Committee (required)


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Alumni Relations & Development


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$63,750.00 - $75,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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