The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (the Museum), the public face of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, is one of Chicago’s most distinctive cultural and scientific institutions. For nearly 170 years, the Museum has connected people with nature and science through exhibits, education, conservation, community science, and environmental engagement.
The Museum is entering a period of growth and ambition, with increased attendance, expanded programming, stronger community engagement, and a bold vision for the future. Planned investments in exhibitions, learning spaces, conservation, climate resiliency, and public engagement create a compelling opportunity to deepen philanthropic support.
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve as the Museum’s senior fundraising leader and a key partner to the Board, executive leadership, and staff. The CDO will lead advancement strategy across major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, events, stewardship, and campaign planning while maintaining an active portfolio of donors and prospects.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic, relationship-driven, and entrepreneurial fundraising executive with a record of securing significant philanthropic investments, building donor pipelines, strengthening development systems, and connecting donors to mission. They will be energized by the opportunity to build fundraising infrastructure and internal systems, creating structure from ambiguity while using data and fundraising technology to guide decisions. They will be a compelling storyteller, collaborative partner, and visible ambassador for the Museum’s work in science education, conservation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Candidates are encouraged to confidentially submit a resume and cover letter to Kittleman & Associates as soon as possible to ensure full consideration.
For inquiries, please contact Cory King at [email protected].
For more information about the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum please visit https://naturemuseum.org/.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - Chief Development Officer
Skills Required
- Proven record of securing significant philanthropic investments
- Experience leading major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, events, stewardship, and campaign planning
- Demonstrated ability to maintain an active portfolio of donors and prospects
- Experience building fundraising infrastructure, systems, and using fundraising technology and data to guide decisions
- Strong relationship-building, storytelling, and ambassadorial skills
- Strategic, entrepreneurial fundraising leadership and collaboration with executive teams and boards
What We Do
Kittleman & Associates is an executive search firm dedicated exclusively to nonprofit leadership. It helps nonprofit organizations identify and recruit CEOs and executive directors, combining customized search processes, analytics, sector expertise, and hands-on guidance from consultants with nonprofit leadership or board experience. The firm also advises clients on leadership transitions and succession, supporting organizations across a broad range of nonprofit sectors.
