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Museum Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Museum of Science and Industry

Manager, Events

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

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 · On-site

$63K - $65K/yr

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

Annual Giving Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$62K - $81K/yr

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

Annual Giving Manager

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$62K - $81K/yr

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

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL

$102K - $104K/yr

Supervise and manage engineers including training and personal development * Oversee the ... The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free ...

Field Museum

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$102K - $104K/yr

Supervise and manage engineers including training and personal development * Oversee the ... The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free ...

Field Museum

Chief Engineer

Chicago, IL

$102K - $104K/yr

Supervise and manage engineers including training and personal development * Oversee the ... The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free ...

MCA

Development Operations Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.88 - $26.10/hr

We have an opening for a Development Operations Coordinator to join the Development department at ... General mobility throughout the museum. BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE: * Individual and ...

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All JobsMuseum Development JobsMuseum Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Museum Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18K

$109.9K

$172K

How much do museum development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum development in Chicago, IL is $109,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,300.00 and $120,000.00 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 Chicago, IL? For Museum Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Museum Development jobs near you
Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center

Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$62K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position: Conservation Ecologist, Chicago Region
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Keller Science Action Center
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 Field Museum's Keller Science Action Center translates museum science and expertise into action for conservation and quality of life. We are seeking a Conservation Ecologist to support work in the Chicago Wilderness region, where we collaborate with a wide network of partners to advance conservation on the ground in Chicago, Kankakee County, and Northwest Indiana, with the potential to extend into other areas.
The successful candidate brings strong knowledge of regional conservation context and natural and human communities, a passion for collaborative interdisciplinary research and fieldwork, and taxonomic expertise in at least one focal group, and a dedication to quick and tangible results. This experienced conservation ecologist will contribute to the strategy, methods and future direction of the Chicago Program, and will work with team members to develop and implement effective, collaborative approaches oriented to decision-making for conservation and people's well-being.
This position is hired on a 3-year term with potential for renewal, is based at the Field Museum in Chicago and reports to the Sr. Director of the Keller Science Action Center. The work involves regular local field work, and 10-20% of the year devoted to regional travel.
Review of candidates will begin June 8 and continue until the position is filled.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide ecological and taxonomic expertise to Action Center conservation efforts.
  • Lead initiatives within the Chicago program with an interdisciplinary team that includes ecologists, social scientists, and educators.
  • Collaborate as a lead scientist in the Chicago region including planning, fieldwork, and technical reporting to establish and sustain conservation that benefits local communities.
  • Manage key relationships with partners and help establish new partnerships that advance our conservation and well-being goals.
  • Work closely with Action Center staff and partners to synthesize insights and outcomes across particular experiences and generate understanding to leverage results at larger landscape scales.
  • Support the monitoring, evaluation, and iterative improvement of the program.
  • Contribute to grant proposals, technical reports, and other materials for dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, that support the creation or management of conservation landscapes.
  • Support the creation of conservation tools and training opportunities for conservation professionals, scientists, and other stakeholders.
  • Integrate ecological expertise into the development of long-term conservation strategies in collaboration with other Action Center scientists and partners, identifying and implementing opportunities to expand conservation programming and funding.

Experience and Qualifications (Required):
  • Advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife science, or related conservation science field
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in applied conservation science, including fieldwork and project implementation
  • Demonstrated experience working in the Chicago region or a similar large metropolitan ecosystem where conservation occurs across an urban-natural mosaic and at corridor/landscape scales.
  • Experience managing projects and competent working both independently and in a team
  • Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills: able to structure ideas clearly and to communicate them in English to a wide range of audiences
  • Proficiency with digital work platforms such as MS Office and Google Workspace
  • Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred
  • Experience receiving input from local communities to shape their research.
  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders

Applications must include the following:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• A minimum of three professional references
Equity Commitment
The Keller Science Action Center is committed to a workforce that is diverse and inclusive and the Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Field Museum strives to create a working environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and that promotes human dignity among all staff. Realizing that good relations between co-workers are an integral part of job satisfaction, the Field Museum strives to create a climate of mutual respect among all employees.
Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision by Keller Science Action Sr. Director
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours and Shift:
35 hours
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers' United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
Pay Range: $62,000-$70,000
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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