Deputy Director of Development

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ABOUT MARWEN

Marwen is an arts education organization created to educate and inspire young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Since its inception, Marwen has provided free visual art classes to over 15,000 young people, reaching every one of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.

Founded in 1987, the no-cost studio and pathway programs exist for young people in Chicago who want to explore visual arts and do not have access to arts programming due to financial and systemic barriers. Marwen offers what is often out of reach: access to quality arts education, academic and career counseling, a welcoming community, and professional development opportunities that transcend the classroom. Art isn’t simply a subject at Marwen, it’s a pathway for growth, self-discovery, and a brighter future. Marwen holds the following values: Belonging, Lived Experience, Joy, Collaboration, and Imagination.

Over the years, Marwen has offered a variety of art courses to its young artists. Some of Marwen’s courses include ceramics, photography, oil painting, animation and even speed drawing. A recent facility expansion and renovation created more studios, allowing Marwen to add more courses and reach even more students. Courses are facilitated by teaching artist teams. Marwen programming includes:

• Studio Programs which provide free, youth-centered courses and workshops and paid residences for 6-12th grade artists. Young people are encouraged to explore a variety of mediums, connect with a support community, and discover their agency through visual artmaking.
• Youth Pathway Programs are youth-centered opportunities bridging studio and creative practices through commissioned projects, paid internships, individualized mentorship, and professional development for accessing educational and career pathways.

Alumni Initiatives help Marwen alumni of all ages connect with growth opportunities in their creative and professional practices. There are also opportunities to engage with fellow alumni and with our current community of young people and families through mentorship and special events.

Marwen’s Emerging Teaching Artist (META) Program a year-long initiative crafted for emerging artists, is dedicated to amplifying voices from marginalized communities and cultivates supportive collaborative teaching environments, empowering youth to harness their creative potential.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Marwen seeks an experienced and innovative fundraiser who believes in the power of young people, community, and the arts to lead its development efforts. The Deputy Director of Development (“DDoD”) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and implementation of all fundraising activities with the goal of raising $3M in contributed revenue annually.

Additionally, the DDoD will oversee the strategic growth and sustainability of grants and fundraising events revenue, while focusing on major donor engagement, retention, and expansion. The DDoD is responsible for a major donor portfolio with mostly $10k - $25k gifts.

As the staff lead for the Donor Relations and Development Committee of the Board of Directors, the DDoD will engage board members in fundraising strategies and activities. They will also support the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committee by presenting revenue plans and forecasting budget updates. The DDoD will also lead the engagement and fundraising activities of the Associate Board, in collaboration with the Senior Manager of Donor Relations. As a spokesperson for Marwen, the DDoD works closely with the Director of Programs to fully understand and articulate program goals and impact.

Read and Download Full Position Profile here.