Events Manager - Peoria, IL

The Catholic Diocese of Peoria is a faith-based organization dedicated to serving both the spiritual and practical needs of its community in central Illinois. Operating from the Spalding Pastoral Center, the Diocese encompasses a wide range of ministries, social service programs, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach efforts. As an integral part of the Catholic Church's mission in the region, the Diocese focuses on nurturing parish life, supporting religious education, and facilitating charitable activities that make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families within its jurisdiction.

The Diocese is currently seeking a dedicated and dynamic Events Manager to join its team in a full-time capacity. This new role will be crucial in strengthening the Diocese's fundraising and social outreach through carefully planned and expertly managed events, both virtual and in-person. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Events Manager will be responsible for the creation, promotion, and execution of all major diocesan events. The salary range for this position is competitive, set between $50,000 and $60,000 annually, reflecting the importance and responsibility associated with this role.

As Events Manager, the successful candidate will take full ownership of the lifecycle of diocesan events which are designed not only as opportunities for community engagement and fellowship but also key financial support mechanisms for the Diocese and its foundations. Events may vary considerably in size and format ranging from large-scale fundraising galas and banquets to smaller ministry gatherings and innovative digital events such as webinars. The individual in this position will work closely with various stakeholders, including diocesan leadership, external vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and other departments such as Development and Communications to ensure consistent, high-quality event delivery.

This role demands a professional who possesses a strong blend of project management, communication, and creative skills. The Events Manager will supervise vendors, volunteers, and staff to ensure seamless event operations. They will play a critical role in identifying and securing sponsorships and vendor partnerships that align with the Diocese's mission and event goals. Managing ticketing platforms and fundraising activities will occur in close coordination with the Development team to maximize event revenue and participant engagement.

Candidates for this position should be able to demonstrate proven experience managing both in-person and virtual events, effectively juggling multiple priorities while nurturing collaborative relationships. A familiarity with ticketing or event management software and a creative approach to problem-solving will be highly valued. While experience with virtual events is preferred, it is not mandatory, which reflects the Diocese’s openness to innovation and new ideas.

The Events Manager role also emphasizes professional growth and ongoing learning. The position offers opportunities for advancement, on-the-job training, and incentives designed to reward outstanding performance. Beyond the core professional responsibilities, the Diocese is committed to supporting the health and well-being of its employees through comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans. Additional benefits such as a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and generous paid time off are included. Office hours are primarily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with the expectation of occasional evening and weekend hours tied to specific event needs.

Overall, this position offers a unique opportunity to serve within a faith-centered organization, contributing both to its mission and community engagement through meaningful event programming. The ideal Events Manager will combine organizational expertise, communication finesse, and a passion for fostering community spirit. By managing the Diocese’s events effectively, this role will help to ensure sustainable support for its vital programs and ministries, helping to make a difference in many lives within the community.

Strong written and verbal communication
experience running in-person events
experience operating and managing ticketing platforms
problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
creative thinking demonstrated by past successes
proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
proven ability to work effectively in teams
8:30 to 4:30 pm office hours with occasional event specific requirements for nights and weekends
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