Assistant Director, Development, Smart Museum

Department

ADV Smart Museum

About the Department

The University of Chicago Advancement team cultivates lifelong connections with more than 220,000 alumni, current students, parents, and friends worldwide, building community through intellectual, professional, and other meaningful experiences on campus, around the world and online. Advancement empowers every division, school, department, and institute to thrive, generating support for esteemed faculty, pioneering researchers, visionary practitioners, and ambitious students.

During the Chicago Minds campaign, Advancement seeks to raise over $1 billion annually. This unprecedented philanthropic effort is designed to stretch the boundaries of what is possible, fueling bold discovery and amplifying the University’s global impact.

Our work is rooted in the belief that meaningful connection and lasting experiences inspire ambassadorship and enduring commitment. We champion a culture of innovation and excellence, inviting every member of our community to participate in a future defined by creativity, intellectual rigor, and shared purpose. Through collaborative partnerships, strategic stewardship, and investment in talent, Advancement is reimagining alumni and donor engagement while ensuring UChicago remains a catalyst of impact for generations to come.

As the fine arts museum of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art (the Smart) is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. Through strong scholarly and community collaborations and a welcoming approach to its exhibitions, collections, publications, research and teaching, and public programs, the Smart plays a dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking received histories, introducing new perspectives, and engaging diverse communities—locally, nationally, and internationally. For more information, please visit Smart’s website.

Smart Museum of Art Development works collaboratively with colleagues across Advancement and the Museum to build and sustain philanthropic support that aligns with the Museum’s priorities and objectives. This work involves qualifying, cultivating, stewarding, and securing gifts and grant awards from individuals and institutions, developing meaningful donor relationships, and fostering deepened engagement in the Museum for short- and long-term benefit.

Job Summary

The Assistant Director of Development reports to the Smart’s Director of Development and works closely with colleagues across Advancement, UChicago Arts, and the Museum. This position provides professional support of assigned development activities with instruction from others. Executes fundraising projects, cultivation programs for prospective donors and for visiting committees. This role supports annual giving, the SmartPartner membership program, institutional philanthropy (foundation, government, and corporate), and gifts of art. The Assistant Director leads stewardship and gift acknowledgment processes; maintains shared calendars, agendas, and process documentation; and coordinates donor visits, events, and stewardship reporting across the Smart staff.