Chief Development Officer

ACCA seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to design, lead, and grow a best-practice fundraising program during a pivotal time of momentum.

Located on Stolp Island in downtown Aurora, Illinois, The Paramount Theatre and its parent organization—the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) serve more than 350,000 patrons annually across a growing campus that includes Paramount Theatre, River Edge Park, Copley Theatre, Stolp Island Theatre, Paramount’s Meyer Ballroom, and the Paramount School of the Arts. We are committed to making the performing arts accessible for every age and socioeconomic background, introducing the magic of live theater across generations to encourage expansive imaginations and broad views of people and the world, and contributing to the future stability and growth of Aurora’s downtown.

ACCA operates four venues:

• River Edge Park (6,000 capacity outdoor venue)
• Paramount Theatre (1,843–seat landmark theatre with the nation’s largest musical subscription base)
• Copley Theatre (165–seat intimate venue)
• Stolp Island Theatre (brand new 98–seat theatre)

ACCA produces and presents more than 500 performances each year—from a nationally recognized Broadway Series to concerts, community programs, and arts education for learners of all ages. We are also home to the Paramount School of the Arts, based in the John

C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center. Our commitment to artistic excellence is reflected in our awards, including a total of 26 nominations across six productions for the 2025 Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards, the most of any Chicago-area theatre. At the heart of ACCA’s work is a belief in personal and community transformation through accessible, inclusive, and inspiring arts experiences. Our work is underscored by a public commitment to equity, social justice, and inclusion.

ACCA seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to design, lead, and grow a best-practice fundraising program during a pivotal time of momentum.

Reporting to the President & CEO and serving on the senior leadership team, the CDO will shape a comprehensive development strategy, prepare and launch a multi-million-dollar comprehensive campaign, and personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and institutional partners. The CDO will lead and mentor a high-performing team, deepen a culture of philanthropy across the organization, and serve as an engaging ambassador for ACCA in the community.

• Lead with Strategy:
  Establish a cohesive, data-informed development plan aligned to organizational priorities. Partner closely with the President & CEO, Board, and senior colleagues to set clear goals, forecast revenue with accuracy, and integrate development with programming, marketing, and finance.
• Grow Major Gifts & Campaign:
  Build and manage a robust portfolio, advancing six- and seven-figure relationships through thoughtful moves management. Design campaign strategy and infrastructure, match funding opportunities to donor interests, and ensure effective benchmarking and reporting.
• Inspire and Elevate the Team:
  Hire, coach, and retain top fundraising talent. Set priorities and metrics, foster collaboration and transparency, and invest in professional development so the strong internal fundraising team can do its best work.
• Champion a Culture of Philanthropy:
  Engage Board members, internal stakeholders, and volunteers as partners in philanthropy, and model donor‑centric storytelling that links gifts to impact across all our programs.
• Advance Brand & Community Presence:
  Serve as an enthusiastic external ambassador, build relationships that expand visibility and resources, and communicate ACCA’s mission with warmth, clarity, and purpose.

• Team Leadership and Development: Set clear direction, priorities, and measurable goals for the development team. Hire, mentor, and retain top fundraising talent while fostering collaboration and transparency. Establish systems for accountability, professional development, and staff growth.
• Major Gifts and Campaign Leadership: Personally manage and solicit a portfolio of major…