Contract Museum Programming Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI's mission - to inspire the inventive genius in everyone - is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provide programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI's garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!
The Manager, Events, is responsible for managing all aspects of events in support of the Museum's mission and Development goals. The primary responsibility of this position is to help strategize and effectively plan, organize, promote, manage, and deliver high quality events to strengthen donor relationships and increase contributions to the Museum. The Manager, Events, oversees the execution of Development, Membership, External Partner, and Presidential Donor-related events, as well as the programs and activities of the Museum's two longstanding donor groups, the President's Council and the Black Creativity Council.
Responsibilities

• Manage all event logistics, including timelines, budgets, contracts, vendor relationships, staff support, and on-site execution.

• Create promotional strategies and communications for events.
• Coordinate invitation and event related material designs, in collaboration with event

organizers and Communications and Marketing staff.

• Manage post-event evaluation, including budget reconciliation, data tracking, and supporter follow-up.

• Create and maintain institutional event memos.
• Manage event registrations and guest lists.
• Maintain accurate database records.
• Supervise event volunteers and interns.
• Create and manage all event sponsorship-related initiatives and solicitations and solicit external individuals and organizations for support when appropriate.
• Support auxiliary board meetings and provide administrative and logistical assistance to

volunteer leadership and event committees.

• Represent the Museum when interacting with prospective supporters, vendors, and the public.

• Assists with departmental initiatives, particularly those related to fundraising and donor engagement.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a Minimum of four (4) years related experience with fundraising events and/or donor stewardship events.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills including developing timelines, budgets, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of Salesforce CRM or comparable.
• Must demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, set priorities, maintain an organized schedule and observe and respect deadlines.
• Proven ability to work with all levels of management, Board of Trustees, etc.
• Project management experience preferred.
• Self-motivated and highly organized.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work occasional weekends and evening special events.
• High level of initiative and exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Strong collaborator who works well with multiple stakeholders involved in team projects.

Language:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, scripts, standard operating procedures, etc.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of guests and employees.

Physical:

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to speak loudly and clearly
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000.
This fulltime position is eligible for benefits including:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
An attractive time off program including vacation, sick, and personal days
10 Company Holidays
401(k) plans (Traditional and Roth) including a generous employer match
Robust Voluntary benefit plans including transportation, legal, and many others
Free onsite garage parking
This position was posted on 6/30/2026
Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.
Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.