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Title: Development Marketing Manager

Supervised by: Director of Development

Supervises: Development Coordinator 

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time, Salary

Desired Start: April 2025 


WHO WE ARE

SkyART is a permanent fixture in the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago's South Side. Founded in 2001 with a mission to provide youth with an accessible, safe place to participate in quality visual arts programs at no cost, SkyART continues to fulfill its mission in South Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods, reaching young people through a rich variety of programs. In 2020, SkyART announced the expansion to Chicago’s West Side. Driving its mission is a deep understanding of the transformative power of art and its capacity to enhance intellectual, emotional, and social development. SkyART is a foundation from which creativity grows and individuals flourish. Participants are invited into a world of imaginative possibilities and connections that go beyond the individual, to positively impact all of the communities where we work and the city as a whole. With art at the center of everything we do, SkyART provides free, safe, open spaces where young people are empowered and connections are made.

Our work is guided by these core concepts:

  • Accessibility – we remove barriers – promoting participation in our programs, connection with other institutions and communities, and access to the broader world.

  • Responsiveness – we innovate – adapting programs to the evolving context within which we work, fostering civic engagement, cultural democracy, and social wellbeing.

  • Totality – we are committed to reaching the whole person – recognizing that every participant has a unique life experience characterized by their own needs, assets, and interests.

  • Stability – we are a consistent presence – the “third place” after home and school, where participants develop meaningful relationships and experience a feeling of extended family.

WHAT WE DO

Through interdisciplinary, process-based projects, skill-building workshops, and large-scale collaborations, SkyART encourages critical thinking and inspires creative expression for youth ages 3 to 24. In 2020 SkyART also began offering Art Therapy for Chicago youth. Using an artist-in-residence model, Teaching Artists and Art Therapists work side by side with participants, in an atmosphere of mutual esteem and shared curiosity, through our dynamic and experimental methodology, the SkyWAY. Our programs include after-school and Saturday programs at our studios; classroom and after-school programs at partnering schools, and programs ranging from one-day workshops to multi-week courses offered in coordination with organizations such as city parks and libraries, as well as other non-profit program partners.

Marketing Strategy, Management & Fundraising Alignment (35%)

  • Partner with the Development Manager to co-create annual fundraising communications strategies, messaging calendars, and segmented campaign plans.

  • Develop integrated marketing plans that support fundraising initiatives including annual appeals, Giving Tuesday, donor cultivation campaigns, stewardship communications, and capital/anniversary campaigns.

  • Create compelling fundraising collateral—including campaign branding, impact storytelling, case statements, donor spotlights, videos, and social content—to support Development revenue goals.

  • Collaborate with the Development team to refine donor journey touchpoints and elevate donor engagement across digital and print platforms.

  • Track and report marketing metrics tied to fundraising (engagement, conversion, campaign performance) and recommend data-driven adjustments.

Event Planning, Promotion & Execution (30%)

  • Co-lead planning, promotion, and execution of all SkyART fundraising events, including the annual gala, Family Table dinners, Holiday Market, open houses, exhibitions, and community celebrations.

  • Develop event branding, visual identity, messaging, and multi-channel promotional plans to drive attendance, sponsorships, and donor engagement.

  • Manage event communication timelines, invitation lists, digital ads, printed materials, run-of-show documents, scripts, and slideshow presentations.

  • Support day-of event logistics, including guest experience, photography/videography, signage, social media coverage, and partner/vendor coordination.

  • Collaborate with Development on sponsorship recognition packages, benefit fulfillment, and follow-up communications.

Brand & Communications to Support Revenue Growth (20%)

  • Create mission-driven storytelling that strengthens donor trust, highlights impact, and elevates SkyART’s visibility among funders, partners, and prospective supporters.

  • Ensure consistent brand and message alignment across all fundraising materials and event communications.

  • Expand SkyART’s footprint through strategic partnerships, media placements, and cross-promotional opportunities that support fundraising pipelines.

  • Develop content for newsletters, press releases, donor updates, annual reports, and publication-quality materials highlighting program impact and youth stories.

Market Research, Insights & Revenue Strategy Support (10%)

  • Analyze audience behavior, donor engagement trends, and campaign performance to inform fundraising strategy.

  • Track ROI of marketing and event activities connected to donor acquisition and retention.

  • Conduct research to identify opportunities for increased awareness within philanthropic circles, arts supporters, and corporate giving networks.

Other Administrative & Organizational Support (5%)

  • Collaborate with the Development Manager, Executive Director, and Program Team to ensure cohesive organizational messaging.

  • Support staff with marketing-related elements needed for program showcases, exhibitions, or community-based partnerships.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE

  • Strong attention to detail, efficiency, and accuracy.

  • Effective communication skills and the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.

  • Strong understanding of traditional and emerging marketing channels.

  • Experience with website design, content management systems, and landing page optimization.

  • Knowledge of marketing business practices including advertising, research, technology, and budgeting.

  • Excellent time management and organization skills to plan and execute both large- and small-scale projects.

  • Ability to think creatively, innovatively, and analytically to increase engagement.

  • Ability to meet deadlines, multitask, and stay organized.

YOUR BACKGROUND INCLUDES

  • Four-year degree required, preferably in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field.

  • Minimum three years of marketing experience, including at least two years coordinating marketing or advertising campaigns.

  • Proficiency with marketing-related software programs (design, analytics, email platforms, etc.).

  • Demonstrated history of planning successful product launches, events, or campaigns.

  • Proficiency across social media platforms including X/Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

  • Interest and knowledge of current events, marketing trends, and Chicago’s cultural communities.

YOUR SKILLS INCLUDE

  • Ability to organize and manage multiple projects/tasks simultaneously.

  • Proven ability to meet deadlines.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

  • Working independently, as well as collaborating with colleagues, and adapting easily to changing priorities.

  • Ability to analyze information, read situations, and solve problems.

WHAT WE OFFER

SkyART offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a competitive salary commensurate with background, experience, and position responsibilities. Depending on the position, in addition to salary, benefits for eligible employees may include:

  • Paid time off (PTO), with starting benefits of 4 weeks each fiscal year, plus an additional two (2) weeks off during the winter holiday 

  • Twelve paid holidays and one additional day off for your birthday 

  • Employee retirement account with up to 3% matching contribution from SkyART 

  • Full health Insurance benefits, including medical, dental and visio

HOW YOU APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Development@skyart.org  with ”SkyART Development Manager” in the subject line. Be sure to include your first and last name along with contact information in the body of the email. Do not call, mail or fax. Incomplete applications will not be accepted

SkyART is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SkyART does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.