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Museum Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Advancement Management

Campus, IL

The Director of Development's office is in the UMFA's Marcia and John Price Museum Building. Job duties are predominately performed in person with the ability to occasionally work from home. Due to ...

University of Utah

Advancement Management

Campus, IL · On-site

The Director of Development's office is in the UMFA's Marcia and John Price Museum Building. Job duties are predominately performed in person with the ability to occasionally work from home. Due to ...

University of Utah

Advancement Management

Campus, IL · On-site

The Director of Development's office is in the UMFA's Marcia and John Price Museum Building. Job duties are predominately performed in person with the ability to occasionally work from home. Due to ...

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Museum Development information

See Illinois salary details

$17K

$103.4K

$161.8K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum development in Illinois is $103,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,700.00 and $112,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Museum Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Museum Development often encounter challenges such as securing consistent funding, balancing donor relations with institutional goals, and effectively communicating the museum's mission to potential supporters. To address these, it’s important to build strong relationships with donors, stay informed about grant opportunities, and collaborate closely with curators and leadership to align fundraising strategies with the museum’s vision. Flexibility, clear communication, and ongoing professional development are key to navigating these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Museum Development vs Museum Education Coordinator?

AspectMuseum DevelopmentMuseum Education Coordinator
Primary FocusFundraising, grant writing, and strategic growthDesigning and implementing educational programs for visitors
Required CredentialsTypically a background in nonprofit management, fundraising, or related fieldsOften a degree in education, museum studies, or related areas
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, with some travel for outreach and eventsOn-site at museums, schools, or community centers
Industry UsageCommonly found in museums focusing on growth and sustainabilityCommon in museums emphasizing visitor engagement and education

While Museum Development focuses on fundraising and strategic growth to ensure the museum's sustainability, Museum Education Coordinators concentrate on creating educational programs to engage visitors. Both roles are vital but serve different aspects of museum operations, often working together to enhance the museum's overall mission.

What is Museum Development?

Museum Development refers to the process of supporting and enhancing museums through fundraising, strategic planning, audience engagement, and resource management. Professionals in this field work to secure financial support, build partnerships, and implement programs that increase a museum's impact and sustainability. Their efforts help ensure that museums remain accessible, relevant, and able to fulfill their educational and cultural missions. Museum development staff often collaborate with curators, educators, and community leaders to create lasting value for both the institution and the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Museum Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Museum Development, you need strong fundraising, grant writing, and project management skills, often supported by a degree in arts administration, museum studies, or nonprofit management. Familiarity with donor management systems (such as Raiser’s Edge), CRM platforms, and fundraising software is typically required. Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for securing financial support, building community partnerships, and ensuring the museum’s long-term sustainability.
What are popular job titles related to Museum Development jobs in Illinois? For Museum Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Museum Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Museum Development job openings:
Museum Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Development job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,371 per year, or $49.7 per hour.
Advancement Management

Advancement Management

University of Utah

Campus, IL

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

384th of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Details
Open Date 05/14/2026 Requisition Number PRN45049B Job Title Advancement Management Working Title Director of Development (Lead Advancement Officer) Career Progression Track M00 Track Level M4 - Senior Manager FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, with appointments, including travel, outside of those hours (as needed). The Director of Development's office is in the UMFA's Marcia and John Price Museum Building. Job duties are predominately performed in person with the ability to occasionally work from home. Due to the nature of donor engagement and Museum events, this role includes occasional evenings and weekends.
VP Area President Department 00713 - Advancement Campus Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range 70,000 to 115,000 Close Date 08/14/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
Under the supervision of the UMFA's Marcia & John Price Executive Director and the Senior Executive Director of Advancement in University Advancement, the Lead Advancement Officer (Director of Development) leads fundraising strategies and activities at the UMFA, particularly in soliciting major gifts. This role involves establishing and nurturing relationships with prospects and donors to support initiatives critical to the UMFA. The Director of Development will identify and manage an appropriately-sized portfolio of predominantly major gift prospects capable of making gifts of $50,000 and greater.
The role will work closely with the UMFA's Executive Director to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts utilizing strategic prospect and donor engagement plans, while collaborating with UniversityAdvancement staff and others to align fundraising efforts. By expanding the Museum's donor base and building upon effective engagement pipelines, this position will contribute to the success of UMFA's mission and initiatives. The Director of Development serves as a key member of the Museum's senior management team and manages a fundraising team of three at the UMFA.
The Development Specialist will oversee the following primary functions within the UMFA: administrative support for the Museum's Development team and frontline fundraisers, donor relations, and donor recognition/stewardship.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to meaningfully engage a broad community of members, volunteers, donors and art lovers to support the mission and priorities of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
Responsibilities
Major Gift donor identification, cultivation and solicitation:
  • Plans and implements strategies and goals to increase fundraising effectiveness, overseeing major gifts; local and national corporate and foundation grants and sponsorships; annual giving including an annual fundraising event/gala; planned giving and endowment strategies; and participates in and collaborates with University Advancement in the University's comprehensive campaign.
  • Oversees strategic, Museum-wide efforts in major donor cultivation and stewardship. Responsible for soliciting major gifts in coordination and partnership with the Executive Director, University Advancement, and the Museum's Board of Directors.
  • Tracks engagement and solicitation progress in the Unite prospect management database ensuring the capture of updated and accurate information.
  • Utilizes fundamentally sound fundraising practices to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects for the UMFA throughout the development cycle.
  • Establishes and effectively manages relationships with a goal portfolio of ~75 major gift prospects and donors in Unite capable of making gifts from $25,000 - $1M.
  • Expands the donor base and creates effective engagement pipelines for both new and existing major gift prospects and donors.
  • Prepares donor briefings, proposals, and follow up communications to support solicitation and stewardship efforts in a timely and professional manner.

Management of Frontline fundraising and engagement staff:
  • Sets and administers the Development Department's annual budget.
  • Works in concert with the Executive Director and University Advancement to set and pursue fundraising goals in support of the Museum's operations.
  • Supervises, motivates, and provides leadership to a team of three development staff at the Museum.
  • Ensures that predetermined fundraising goals and performance metrics are met.

Advancement Leadership
  • Collaborates and communicates with fundraising colleagues in University Advancement and across the University.
  • Serves as a key member of the Museum's senior management team.
  • Represents the Museum with the Lead Advancement Officer cohort, and to Central Advancement units.

Other duties as assigned:
  • Complete other duties assigned by the UMFA Executive Director or the Senior Executive Director of Advancement (SEDOA) or designees.


Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communication, public relations, art history, education or humanities or a related area.
  • UCareers: 8 years of directly related work experience in philanthropy; or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience in philanthropy. Assumes work equivalency (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience.
  • Possess knowledge and familiarity with the visual or performing arts, museums or other cultural organizations in order to work well with Museum staff and our donor community.
  • Planning, organization, execution, and accountability skills to meet predetermined fundraising performance goals and metrics.
  • Strong human relations and excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • High ethical standards, discretion, and confidentiality in working with donor information.
Preferences
Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising ideally for an arts and culture organization
  • Experience with CRM-style database.
  • Experience in grant and proposal writing, public speaking, and an understanding of the University of Utah's fundraising practices and policies is also preferred.
  • Familiarity with Utah's philanthropic community and knowledge of the visual arts, the larger art world, and art museums is a big plus.
  • Experience with the planning and implementation of large-scale, elegant special events, parties and galas and effectively managing volunteers is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to work well independently and on a team, always showing respect for the diverse constituencies within and outside of the UMFA. Ability to engender trust and establish actionable consensus among these constituencies is a must.
  • Great organizational skills, a calm head and a great sense of humor are a plus.
  • Team player with a positive attitude who will immerse themselves within the Utah arts, culture and higher education community and connect prospects and donors to the mission of UMFA and the University.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, sound reasoning, and great personal and professional integrity.
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary
Included in your cover letter, a statement about your beliefs regarding the impact of visual arts and museums, each as a public good.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850

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