Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Director of Special Events & Board Relations
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Job Location : Club Support Center - Chicago, IL
Position Type : Full Time
Education Level : 4 Year Degree (Bachelors)
Salary Range : $90,000.00 - $100,000.00
Travel Percentage : Up to 50%
Job Shift : Full Time Hours Overview
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
Special Events 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 managing large-scale meetings and fundraising events. Knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising. Goal-driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls. Strong leadership, sound judgement, and the ability to motivate staff, board members, and volunteers. Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members, and other volunteers. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite Environmental Condition
Time is divided between the ClubSupport 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 need to travel to locations in Chicago. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and lift frequently. Ability to lift to 25 lbs occasionally. Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future. Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO policy, including paid holidays, to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Employee Assistance Plan: Our EAP offers access to counseling services, resources, and referrals, ensuring you have the tools you need to thrive in all areas of life. Life Insurance: Life insurance coverage to provide peace of mind. (min 20 hours per week) Retirement plan: The 401(k) plan including employer contributions after 1 year of service. Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional growth opportunities through workshops, training programs, and other learning initiatives. Workplace Culture: We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization.
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Position Type : Full Time
Education Level : 4 Year Degree (Bachelors)
Salary Range : $90,000.00 - $100,000.00
Travel Percentage : Up to 50%
Job Shift : Full Time Hours Overview
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
Special Events 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 managing large-scale meetings and fundraising events. Knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising. Goal-driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls. Strong leadership, sound judgement, and the ability to motivate staff, board members, and volunteers. Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members, and other volunteers. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite Environmental Condition
Time is divided between the ClubSupport 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 need to travel to locations in Chicago. Ability to bend, squat, climb stairs, and lift frequently. Ability to lift to 25 lbs occasionally. Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and future. Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO policy, including paid holidays, to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Employee Assistance Plan: Our EAP offers access to counseling services, resources, and referrals, ensuring you have the tools you need to thrive in all areas of life. Life Insurance: Life insurance coverage to provide peace of mind. (min 20 hours per week) Retirement plan: The 401(k) plan including employer contributions after 1 year of service. Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional growth opportunities through workshops, training programs, and other learning initiatives. Workplace Culture: We foster a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and respected. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the organization.
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