Manager of Special Events

We all work to build and maintain an inclusive and equitable work environment for our staff, volunteers, and program participants. The Manager of Special Events - reporting to the Chief Development Officer and as a part of the Fund Development team - will oversee and manage all duties related to the planning and execution of BBBSChi’s fundraising event portfolio and staff BBBSChi’s Leadership (young professionals) Board. • In collaboration with the Fund Development and Marketing team, the Manager of Special Events will manage, plan and execute the full portfolio of the agency’s annual special events, and oversee additional one-time events -- including fundraising, donor cultivation and stewardship events, mentor recruitment events and occasional match enrichment events for Bigs and Littles • Provide strategic direction to ensure strong financial outcomes and growth by identifying fundraising goals, developing and managing event budgets, creating timelines, identifying target audience and collaborating on the production of event messaging/marketing • Cultivate and nurture relationships with sponsors, donors, Board members and volunteers, including the stewardship and staffing of each stand-alone event committee • Serve as the staff liaison for the BBBSChi Leadership Board overseeing quarterly board meetings and the individual Board Committees • Oversee marketing strategies and collateral development for all events, including invitations and guest communications, sponsorship materials, marketing and communications calendars, registration websites, social media content and assets, press releases and media communications, A/V presentations and signage • Manage the selection, contract negotiation, invoicing and payment for partners and vendors, including venues, food and beverage, mobile bidding, A/V, photography/videography and experiences/entertainment • Oversee and execute on-site event operations and logistics, including food and beverage, vendor/volunteer/staff management, venue set-up and facilitation of auctions and raffles • Partner with the Fund Development team, donors and Board members to develop sponsorship packages and solicit and secure event sponsorships from both previous and new sponsorship partners • Manage risk and present post-event reports • A passion for the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters • Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to successfully lead a team • Highly organized and proactive with a strong sense of initiative and a demonstrated ability to think critically and problem solve • Excels at working in a fast-paced environment, meeting concurrent deadlines and effectively managing time and priorities • Strong communications skills, including a proven ability to communicate effectively with external partners, vendors, donors and Board members • Dynamic personality, outstanding customer service skills and strong experience with special events and sales/fundraising • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as member of a team • Creative, imaginative and relentlessly resourceful This position operates in a professional office environment on a hybrid work schedule.