Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Director of Special Events & Board Relations (48312)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Director of Special Events & Board Relations (48312)
Primary Function: The Director of Special Events & Board Relations is responsible for managing and executing high-impact special events and strengthening board engagement to advance the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC). This role provides strategic leadership and hands-on management of BGCC’s signature fundraising events and donor engagement activities, while also serving as the primary staff liaison for the Woman’s Board. This Director will collaborate closely with the Advancement team, CEO, senior leadership, and volunteer leadership to maximize fundraising results, deepen stakeholder engagement, and elevate BGCC’s visibility across Chicago.
Key Roles (Essential Job Responsibilities) Special Events
Lead the strategic planning, budgeting, and execution of BGCC’s signature fundraising events (e.g., Youth of the Year, Summer Ball, Lawn Ball, Golf Outing, etc.), ensuring alignment with fundraising goals.
Oversee event logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, program design, run-of-show, and guest experience.
Lead, coach, and supervise the Advancement Coordinators.
Develop solicitation and stewardship strategies for event sponsors, donors, and attendees. Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team on marketing, advertising, and social media strategies for all events.
Manage event budgets and maintain accurate donation and event records, both in tracking sheets and in the organization's donor database.
Ensure prompt and meaningful donor acknowledgements.
Apply creativity and an entrepreneurial approach to donor engagement and event planning.
Implement a continuous improvement process to strengthen events and drive revenue growth year over year.
Board Relations
Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Woman’s Board, ensuring strong communication and engagement.
Manage logistics and materials for board meetings, including agendas, presentations, minutes, and follow-up.
Support the CEO, VP of Advancement, and Board Chair in stewarding relationships and strengthening board culture.
Track board participation in giving, events, and volunteer activities; prepare reports as needed.
Other
Contribute to a strong, collaborative departmental culture under the guidance of the VP of Advancement, to ensure a strong departmental structure.
Demonstrate professional integrity and commitment to BGCC’s mission at all times. Perform other related duties as requested.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree required from an accredited college or university.
4–8 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a demonstrated success in event fundraising.
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
Strong organizational, project management, and time management abilities; proven track record of meeting deadlines.
Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
Experience in collaborative, cross-functional work environments.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information and discretion.
Skilled in managing multiple priorities and solving problems independently.
Proven ability to build strong donor relations and respond quickly to stakeholder needs.
Demonstrated success in managing large-scale meetings and fundraising events; knowledge and experience in major gift fundraising.
Goal-driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls.
Strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to motivate staff, board members, and volunteers.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Environmental Condition
Time is divided between the Club Support Center and 8 clubs located throughout Chicago.
Must have reliable, insured private transportation.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment Normal internal office environment. Occasional travel to locations in Chicago. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and lift frequently. Ability to lift to 25 lbs occasionally.
Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO policy, including paid holidays, to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Employee Assistance Plan: Counseling services, resources, and referrals to support overall well-being.
Life Insurance: Life insurance coverage (min 20 hours per week).
Retirement plan: 401(k) plan with employer contributions after 1 year of service.
Professional Development: Ongoing professional growth opportunities through workshops, training programs, and other learning initiatives.
Workplace Culture: Inclusive environment with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Location: Chicago, IL
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Key Roles (Essential Job Responsibilities) Special Events
Lead the strategic planning, budgeting, and execution of BGCC’s signature fundraising events (e.g., Youth of the Year, Summer Ball, Lawn Ball, Golf Outing, etc.), ensuring alignment with fundraising goals.
Oversee event logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, program design, run-of-show, and guest experience.
Lead, coach, and supervise the Advancement Coordinators.
Develop solicitation and stewardship strategies for event sponsors, donors, and attendees. Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team on marketing, advertising, and social media strategies for all events.
Manage event budgets and maintain accurate donation and event records, both in tracking sheets and in the organization's donor database.
Ensure prompt and meaningful donor acknowledgements.
Apply creativity and an entrepreneurial approach to donor engagement and event planning.
Implement a continuous improvement process to strengthen events and drive revenue growth year over year.
Board Relations
Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Woman’s Board, ensuring strong communication and engagement.
Manage logistics and materials for board meetings, including agendas, presentations, minutes, and follow-up.
Support the CEO, VP of Advancement, and Board Chair in stewarding relationships and strengthening board culture.
Track board participation in giving, events, and volunteer activities; prepare reports as needed.
Other
Contribute to a strong, collaborative departmental culture under the guidance of the VP of Advancement, to ensure a strong departmental structure.
Demonstrate professional integrity and commitment to BGCC’s mission at all times. Perform other related duties as requested.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree required from an accredited college or university.
4–8 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a demonstrated success in event fundraising.
Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written.
Strong organizational, project management, and time management abilities; proven track record of meeting deadlines.
Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
Experience in collaborative, cross-functional work environments.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information and discretion.
Skilled in managing multiple priorities and solving problems independently.
Proven ability to build strong donor relations and respond quickly to stakeholder needs.
Demonstrated success in managing large-scale meetings and fundraising events; knowledge and experience in major gift fundraising.
Goal-driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls.
Strong leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to motivate staff, board members, and volunteers.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
Environmental Condition
Time is divided between the Club Support Center and 8 clubs located throughout Chicago.
Must have reliable, insured private transportation.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment Normal internal office environment. Occasional travel to locations in Chicago. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and lift frequently. Ability to lift to 25 lbs occasionally.
Benefits
Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO policy, including paid holidays, to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Employee Assistance Plan: Counseling services, resources, and referrals to support overall well-being.
Life Insurance: Life insurance coverage (min 20 hours per week).
Retirement plan: 401(k) plan with employer contributions after 1 year of service.
Professional Development: Ongoing professional growth opportunities through workshops, training programs, and other learning initiatives.
Workplace Culture: Inclusive environment with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Location: Chicago, IL
#J-18808-Ljbffr