Museum of Science and Industry

Manager, Development Communications

Posted 8 Days Ago

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Chicago, IL, USA

In-Office

70K-80K Annually

Mid level

Other

The Role

Leads donor and member communications for fundraising and membership initiatives. Develops communication strategies, donor-centered collateral, proposals, web content, videos, and digital outreach. Manages communications calendars, content systems, project workflows, stakeholder coordination, donor recognition messaging, and targeted campaigns. Requires strong storytelling, writing, collaboration, organization, project management, and nonprofit communications expertise.

Summary Generated by Built In

About Us: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. Griffin MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry provides 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 Griffin MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in Griffin 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 Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!
The Manager, Communications is responsible for the development and implementation of communication strategies and projects that connect donor and member audiences to the Museum, adding a fresh approach to content and delivery that will be used across all fundraising and membership initiatives.
Responsibilities

Lead, plan, message and complete departmental communications from conception through production, collaborating with the content manager(s) in EA and Marketing staff who provide key support to ensure project meets the needs of the owner and is produced on time/on budget/on brand.
Create collateral that "tells the story" of how Griffin MSI programs positively impact community and fulfill our mission from a donor-centered perspective.
Develop an overarching donor communications plan that includes both fundraising and membership initiatives.
Create, manage, and distribute External Affairs communications project calendar.
Track pertinent institutional data, photography, mailing lists, promotion, and presentation materials for projects.
Oversee communication to various strategic task forces and committees.
Create and manage new system for streamlined proposal development to aid frontline fundraisers with solicitation.
Work directly with External Affairs and Development Leadership to develop custom proposals for high-level solicitations.
Partner with Stewardship, leadership, facilities and others to ensure consistent, approved language for new and updated donor recognition.
With Communications/ Marketing team, collaborate on the development and creation of targeted videos used to help tell the story of funding priorities to donors.

Create and/or edit in content management system for segmented donor and member outreach.
Manage the content on External Affairs web pages, updating as needed.
Collaborate with the Marketing Division on videos, digital media, and social media, requests for content on Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Other Duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and a Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in communications or public relations and/or non-profit experience,
Strong knowledge and experience working with a content management system is required.
Exceptional, persuasive, and a strong writer who excels at storytelling and narrative writing.
Must have Microsoft Office and Project skills.
Experience in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator preferred.
Demonstrated strong collaborative, organizational and presentation skills.
Project management experience preferred.
Self-motivated and highly organized.
Strong communication, organization and time management skills.
Familiarity with non-profit environment; Salesforce CRM experience is a plus.
Ability to gather data, analyze information and prepare reports in a fast-paced environment, with strict deadlines, and changing priorities.
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work occasional weekends and evening special events.

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 9/28/2026

Skills Required

Bachelor's degree
At least four years of experience in communications, public relations, and/or nonprofit work
Strong knowledge and experience working with a content management system
Exceptional persuasive writing and storytelling skills
Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project skills
Strong collaborative, organizational, presentation, communication, and time-management skills
Ability to gather data, analyze information, and prepare reports under strict deadlines
Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
Ability to read and interpret workplace documents and speak effectively before groups
Experience with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator
Project management experience
Familiarity with a nonprofit environment
Salesforce CRM experience
Ability to work occasional weekends and evening special events