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Museum Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Field Museum

Senior Director, Business Enterprise

Chicago, IL · On-site

$155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Business Development & Partnerships * Lead the Museum's portfolio of business partners, including retail, food and beverage, photography, tourism, and other commercial relationships. * Cultivate and ...

Field Museum

Senior Director, Business Enterprise

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Business Development & Partnerships * Lead the Museum's portfolio of business partners, including retail, food and beverage, photography, tourism, and other commercial relationships. * Cultivate and ...

Field Museum

Senior Director, Business Enterprise

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Business Development & Partnerships * Lead the Museum's portfolio of business partners, including retail, food and beverage, photography, tourism, and other commercial relationships. * Cultivate and ...

Museum of Science and Industry

Manager, Events

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Field Museum

Annual Giving Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$62K - $81K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, the Field Museum has aimed to connect us all to the ... development for each appeal. * Analyze appeal results, renewal and upgrade rates, donor response ...

Field Museum

Exhibitions Production Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborates with design and development. May engage in direct production activities as needed ... Museum experience is essential. * Demonstrate proficiency with shop tools, equipment, and carpentry ...

Field Museum

Exhibitions Production Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborates with design and development. May engage in direct production activities as needed ... Museum experience is essential. * Demonstrate proficiency with shop tools, equipment, and carpentry ...

Field Museum

Exhibitions Production Supervisor

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborates with design and development. May engage in direct production activities as needed ... Museum experience is essential. * Demonstrate proficiency with shop tools, equipment, and carpentry ...

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

HR Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.75 - $28.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring ... Ensure project plans and timelines are developed, track progress, and review tasks to meet ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMuseum Development JobsMuseum Development Jobs in Illinois

Museum Development information

See Illinois salary details

$17K

$103.4K

$161.8K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,371 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Senior Director, Business Enterprise

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position: Senior Director, Business Enterprise
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Special Events and Group Sales
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!
The Senior Director of Business is responsible for developing and executing the Museum's business enterprise strategy to maximize earned revenue, enhance guest experiences, and strengthen strategic partnerships. This role provides leadership across business development, vendor and concession management, retail and food service partnerships, tourism and group sales, ticketed experiences, special events collaboration, and other revenue-generating initiatives.
The Senior Director will oversee a diverse portfolio of business enterprises and external partners, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the Museum's mission and strategic goals. Working cross-functionally with Finance, Marketing, Development, Operations, Technology, Exhibitions, and Guest Experience teams, this leader will identify and implement innovative revenue opportunities while maintaining exceptional service standards for guests and partners.
Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Revenue Leadership
  • Develop and execute comprehensive business enterprise strategies that drive sustainable earned revenue growth and support organizational objectives.
  • Manage museum-wide calendar for space usage as it relates to events, prioritizing a balance of mission-based events and revenue-generating events.
  • Establish and achieve annual revenue, pricing, attendance, and unit-sales targets across multiple business lines.
  • Identify, evaluate, and launch new revenue-generating opportunities through strategic partnerships, guest experiences, programs, and services.
  • Develop pricing strategies and revenue optimization plans for daytime admissions, ticketed experiences, rentals, tours, and other business offerings.
  • Monitor industry trends, competitive benchmarks, and market opportunities to inform business strategy and decision-making.

Business Development & Partnerships
  • Lead the Museum's portfolio of business partners, including retail, food and beverage, photography, tourism, and other commercial relationships.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with external vendors, operators, sponsors, and strategic partners.
  • Negotiate, administer, and oversee vendor contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, service standards, and financial performance expectations.
  • Conduct annual business reviews and performance assessments with partners and vendors.
  • Lead RFP development, vendor selection processes, contract negotiations, and ongoing relationship management for key service providers.

Revenue Operations & Enterprise Management
  • Oversee day-to-day management and performance of business enterprise operations to ensure achievement of revenue and guest satisfaction goals.
  • Support the management of the beverage programs and related business operations, ensuring effective inventory control, pricing, licensing, distribution, and regulatory compliance.
  • Monitor commissions, revenue-sharing agreements, and partner financial reporting.
  • Utilize attendance forecasts and business analytics to optimize operational planning and partner performance.
  • Ensure effective use of business systems and sales tools, including POS platforms, CRM systems, financial planning tools, and sales management applications.
  • Support the operational execution of internal and external events in collaboration with the event account managers.

Sales & Market Development
  • Support business-to-business sales initiatives, including tourism sales, group sales, event rentals, tours, ticket packages, and strategic partnerships.
  • Support the Sales Director in the development and implementation of sales strategies designed to maximize attendance, engagement, and revenue.
  • Collaborate with Marketing to develop integrated promotional strategies targeting both consumer and business audiences.
  • Establish goals, performance metrics, and sales objectives that support organizational growth targets.
  • Analyze sales performance and market trends to identify growth opportunities and improve conversion rates.

Guest Experience & Brand Alignment
  • Ensure business enterprise operations and partnerships enhance the Museum's guest experience and support institutional strategic priorities.
  • Monitor visitor feedback and satisfaction metrics, implementing action plans with partners to improve service delivery.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align business offerings with Museum exhibitions, programs, and strategic initiatives.
  • Champion innovative guest experiences that increase engagement, visitation, and revenue.
  • Support operational efficiencies as it relates to event setup while protecting the daytime visitor guest experience.

Leadership & Team Development
  • Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team responsible for business enterprise functions.
  • Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities for staff.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and customer service excellence.
  • Develop operational standards that strengthen sales, relationship management, and business development capabilities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely with Finance, Marketing, Operations, Development, Technology, Exhibitions, Guest Experience, and other departments to achieve organizational objectives.
  • Support strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and business performance reporting.
  • Ensure efficient coordination between internal teams and external partners to drive operational excellence and revenue growth.
  • Represent the Museum in industry, community, and business partner engagements as appropriate.

Skills and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Marketing, Finance, Museum Studies, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in revenue generation, business development, hospitality, attractions, museums, cultural institutions, tourism, entertainment, or related industries.
  • Demonstrated success managing complex business partnerships, vendor relationships, and revenue-generating operations.
  • Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, pricing strategy, contract management, and performance analysis.
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple business lines simultaneously.
  • Excellent negotiation, relationship management, and communication skills.

Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision by Vice President, Visitor Services & Business Operations.
Supervision Exercised:
Provides general direction and task supervision to Special Event Managers, Business Enterprise Operations Manager, and Hospitality & Tourism Sales Director.
Work Hours and Shift:
Monday to Friday, depending on event schedule and museum attendance
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605
Union Representation: Not Applicable.
Pay Range: $155,000/Annually
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

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