Job Description

About UsThe Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) exposes guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The 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 MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in 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 Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Job: The Coordinator, External Affairs will be responsible for supporting the VP, External Affairs and Chief Development Officer in leading strategic plan implementation and philanthropic support for MSI.

Responsibilities

General Administration and Project Support

• Prepare for all meetings and events, including the preparation of slides, briefing memos, meeting confirmations, etc.
• Manage the calendar, travel arrangements, mail and calls
• Prepare and maintain division budgets as needed, and manage purchase orders, invoices, and expense reports
• Oversee division equipment and supplies
• Manage external consultant and contractor relationships, as needed, to support various projects
• Schedule and manage division meetings and serve as liaison to other Griffin MSI divisions

Philanthropy Support

• Support the VP, External Affairs and Chief Development Officer on tasks related to donor management
• Prepare draft communications and proposals as needed
• Utilizes CRM database to maintain, record, and report on all donor activities
• Serve as project coordinator for various division initiatives

Executive and Strategy Support

• Manage Strategic Plan KPI’s and materials
• Maintain philanthropic giving policies and other confidential records

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Three to five years of related work experience, non-profit or fundraising experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• Must be exceedingly well organized, flexible and enjoy the administrative challenges of working with a growing team
• Must have ability to interact with staff (at all levels) in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient.
• Must possess a high level of professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high-level of confidentiality.
• Must possess expert level of written and verbal communication skills, strong decision-making ability, analytical skills and attention to detail are equally important.
• Strong note taking or meeting minutes skills
• Excellent calendar management skills, including the coordination of complex executive and committee meetings.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
• Must be proficient in MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Possess the ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Demonstrate an ability to finesse and prioritize changing priorities and leadership requests.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings or weekend events
• Language
  • Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
• Mathematical
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as percentages, pro-ration, etc.
• Reasoning
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Physical
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • 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, or crouch.
  • The employee must 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 $55,000 - $65,000.

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

Position created on April 13, 2026.

Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.