Institutional Giving Manager

About Lookingglass Theatre Company

Lookingglass Theatre Company is a nationally recognized ensemble-based theatre rooted in innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Located in the historic Water Tower Water Works building in downtown Chicago, Lookingglass is committed to producing transformative theatrical experiences and fostering a culture of equity, access, and artistic excellence.

Position Summary

The Institutional Giving Manager plays a critical role in prospecting, securing and stewarding foundation, corporate, and government support for Lookingglass Theatre’s artistic work, education programs, and community initiatives. This position is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of institutional fundraising—from prospect research and proposal writing to reporting and relationship management.

Key Responsibilities

• Writing & Reporting
• Write compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, reports, and outreach tailored to funder priorities.
• Maintain a calendar of deadlines and ensure timely submission of all materials.
• Contribute to writing case statements and fundraising assets related to organizational priorities.

• Funder Stewardship
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with program officers and institutional donors.
• Manage stewardship touchpoints, coordinate site visits, funder events, and recognition opportunities.
• Prospect Research
• Identify new funding opportunities aligned with Lookingglass’s mission and programs.
• Track trends in arts funding and recommend strategic approaches.
• Collaboration & Strategy
• Work closely with the Artistic, Education, and Finance teams to gather program data and develop narratives.
• Contribute to annual fundraising goals and campaign planning.
• Database & Administration
• Maintain accurate records in the CRM system.
• Track grant outcomes, donor communications, and funding history.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in nonprofit corporate, foundation, and government fundraising.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Superior attention to detail.
• Familiarity with grant portals, databases and CRM systems.
• Passion for theatre and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Complimentary tickets to Lookingglass productions
• Professional development opportunities

To Apply

Please write to Mercedes Rohlfs, Senior Director of Development at development@lookingglasstheatre.org and include:

· A resume outlining your fundraising experience and any special skills, especially related to corporate, foundation, and government giving.

· A cover letter that helps us get to know you, your approach to fundraising, and your interest in working at Lookingglass Theatre.

Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2026.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60611