Create fundraising events that grow our programs and further our mission.

The Associate Director of Fundraising Events is responsible for overseeing and implementing a comprehensive event fundraising program in support of Chicago Lights and Fourth Presbyterian Church. In partnership with the Director of Development, the Associate Director of Fundraising Events will be responsible to deliver multiple events that inspire participants and deepen their awareness of and engagement with the goals, mission, and values of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a comprehensive event fundraising program that incorporates
sponsorship, in-kind donations, staff, and volunteer support to raise more than 25% of
the annual fundraising budget.
• Plan and produce all current donor cultivation and fundraising events, the annual gala,
Board and Associates Board events, peer-to-peer fundraisers and more.
• Lead all event-related solicitation activities such as sponsorships, auction donations,
reservations, etc. to meet revenue goals. Engage staff, board members, and event
committee members in planning and solicitation activities as appropriate.
• Serve as primary staff liaison to all event volunteer committees including the Gala
committee and Chicago Lights Associates Board.
• Monitor event trends and make recommendations for new event formats and
opportunities to maximize existing event revenue.
• Manage all aspects of event vendor relationships including RFP process, contract review
and negotiation, onsite management, payment, and evaluation.
• Oversee all events logistics including venue selection, food and beverage, BEOs, décor,
entertainment, collateral materials, A/V, staffing, volunteer coordination, etc.
• Monitor revenue and expense budgets, timelines, and implementation plans to ensure
successful delivery of each event. Report regularly on progress.
• Collaborate with communications staff on comprehensive marketing and
communications strategies for each event including design, social media, website,
photography, event communications, etc.
• Develop targeted post-event follow-up strategies in partnership with development team
members to deepen donor engagement beyond the event.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two to three years of fundraising experience with demonstrated experience in donor
solicitation desired.
• Familiarity with donor research, event management systems, and CRM platforms desired. Experience with Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge is a plus.
• Desire and aptitude for working within a diverse, mission-driven organization.
• Commitment to the mission and work of Chicago Lights and Fourth Presbyterian Church.
• Ability to work and communicate with a wide range of external and internal constituents.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to
listen, speak, and write well.
• Strong analytical skill, able to establish priorities, manage multiple projects, and make
sound decisions with close attention to detail.
• Goal oriented and driven by results. Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-starter with the ability to take initiative and work independently, but also able to
work successfully in a variety of groups to meet objectives.
• Keen attention to detail with strong organizational skills and a commitment to accuracy,
tracking, and follow-through.
• Capable of properly handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule to accommodate committee
meetings, events, or other obligations related to the position as needed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Commitment to racial equity and social justice: Recognize the role of race, income, age,
immigration status, and other identities in shaping disparities, and work toward
amplifying community voices to advocate for equity. Recognize how your own identities
show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward
continuous learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference.

Schedule

Schedule: This role is a full-time, 40 hours per week position. Occasional evening and weekend
work hours may be required.

This is a hybrid role with two days a week in-person at a downtown Chicago location.
Other days can be remote or in-person.

Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential
functions.
• Must be able to participate in online virtual communications including email, video
conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work
sharing.
• Smoke and drug (illegal or recreational) free environment.
• Fourth Church aims for accessibility in any off-site location in its control, but some of
them may not be fully accessible.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and
scanners. Employees are required to communicate effectively via computer, via phone,
and in-person.
• This role requires frequent sitting and standing.
• Requires ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 20 lbs.

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, please note that upon accepting an
offer of employment from Fourth Presbyterian Church or Chicago Lights, you will be required
to share proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. This requirement is subject to accommodation in
compliance with applicable laws.

Apply

Please send cover letters and resumes to jobs@fourthchurch.org. Individuals with barriers to employment (under/un-employed, low-income, prior court involvement or other) are encouraged to apply. 

No phone calls, please.

Fourth Presbyterian Church and Chicago Lights are committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.