| After School Matters provides Chicago high school teens with high quality, after-school and summer opportunities to explore and develop their talents while gaining critical skills for work, college and beyond. Since 1991, more than 200,000 teens have participated in our hands-on, project-based after-school and summer programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Programs take place at locations throughout the city including Chicago public high schools, Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library locations, community organizations, downtown at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts and in Belmont Cragin at the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center for After School Matters. For more information, visit www.afterschoolmatters.org. Summary of Position: A key member of the development team, the Senior Manager of Events & Donor Relations will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive event fundraising strategy that promotes the mission and organizational goals of After School Matters. The Senior Manager of Events & Donor Relations will be a strategic thinker with strong project management skills and a proven track record for implementing highly visible, complex fundraising events resulting in significant revenue. This employee will have a keen ability to leverage available data, organizational resources, and partnerships to design, document, and implement a systematic and integrated donor relations program that fosters donor stewardship and cultivation. Utilizing best practices, the Senior Manager of Events & Donor Relations will implement numerous fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events as well as collaboratively manage all programmatic events. The Senior Manager of Events & Donor Relations is a member of the Development Leadership Team. Major responsibilities for this position include: Major Duties and Responsibilities: - Oversee and implement an annual comprehensive event fundraising program that incorporates in-kind, volunteer, and sponsorship support to ensure financial goals of the organization are met on an annual basis.
- Responsible for the management and stewardship of a portfolio of both individual and corporate donors and prospects.
- Monitor event trends and make recommendations for new revenue sources and to maximize existing event revenue.
- In collaboration with the Senior Director of Development, design and implement new fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events.
- Oversee targeted post-event follow-up strategies in partnership with the Senior Manager of Foundations & Corporations.
- Manage relationships with event consultants and vendors including RFP process, contract and price negotiation, on-site management, payment, and quality evaluation.
- Oversee and steward the Gala Arrangements Committee.
- Review and recommend new opportunities for partnership with outside organizations, including joint fundraising efforts and pro bono projects.
- Pursue new opportunities for third-party fundraising and manage ongoing relationships with existing partners.
- Develop and monitor event budgets to ensure revenue and expenses are kept within established boundaries.
- Provide detailed financial summary reports for Board and executive leadership.
- Design and implement project plans incorporating key benchmarks and targets, including complex logistics, timelines, and detailed budgets.
- Oversee all logistical details of events including venue selection, food and beverage, BEOs, décor, entertainment, collateral materials, transportation, audio/visual, staffing, volunteer coordination, etc.
- Secure and coordinate all appropriate permits and licensing prior to events, as well as ensure legal, health and safety obligations are met.
- Manage Raiser’s Edge database processes and procedures for events to ensure accurate, efficient data entry of donor/participant information, proposals and actions.
- Collaborate with Communications Department on comprehensive marketing and communications strategies for events, including collateral materials, website design, signage, photography, videography, and event communications.
- Develop and monitor timelines and promotional schedules for events, working with communications staff to ensure adequate and proper promotion.
- Visit website regularly to ensure event sections are up-to-date and current.
- Provide direct supervision of the Volunteer and Development Coordinators.
- Other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands: The physical demands here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. - Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
- Must be able to lift 25 lbs. or more at times.
Work Environment: - After School Matters’ Senior Manager of Events and Donor Relations will be required to work nights and weekends when necessary.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: - Solid background and demonstrated competence in fund development, specials events and donor solicitation and cultivation.
- Experience developing marketing materials and donor communications.
- Ability to work and communicate with a wide range of external and internal constituents including C-Suite executives, development staff, program staff, finance staff, and ASM leadership.
- Outstanding written and presentation skills to persuasively convey the mission of After School Matters to diverse external constituencies.
- Ability to function independently in a fast-paced, high volume, multi-faceted, results-oriented work environment.
- Ability to analyze issues, identify priorities, manage projects and make decisions expeditiously while maintaining a close attention to detail.
- Demonstrated strong analytical skills, including an ability to synthesize large amounts of detailed information and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue. Strong commitment to producing measurable results.
- Team oriented with a full understanding of the dynamics of working with a diverse group to meet organizational goals
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications and Raisers Edge
Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree required
- 6 to 8 years of experience managing special events in a nonprofit setting
- A proven track record of success in soliciting and securing gifts and sponsorships from individual and corporate constituents.
- 3 or more years of supervisory experience
- Cook County residency required
How to Apply Submit a cover letter and resume at http://afterschoolmatters.applytojob.com/apply EEO: After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income. |
