AIDS Foundation Chicago's (AFC) fundraising events provide a platform to raise awareness about HIV and secure funds to advance programs and services in our community.

The Senior Manager, Special Events plays an integral role leading fundraising events to advance our event brands in the community, communicate with and engage our constituents, and cultivate new donors/participants. The role manages all activities related to events, is accountable for events income achievement, and provides a seamless and professional experience for all our event donors and guests. The role also oversees one full-time and one part-time staff member (indirectly) who support volunteer management, AFC’s Associate Board, AFC’s Peer-to-Peer fundraising technology/system and other special projects, as needed.

The salary for this position is $67,980 to $80,031 annually.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Management: Lead the coordination and execution of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago (ARWC), World of Chocolate gala (WOC), spring gala, and other fundraising events as needed, focusing on the operational aspects such as logistics, timelines, and execution to ensure a professional experience for all participants and guests
• Budget Oversight: Develop, manage, and adhere to revenue and expense budgets for each event, ensuring financial targets are met through careful planning and cost management. Collaborate with the finance team for budget approvals and adjustments
• Sponsorship Engagement: Assist in the identification, cultivation, and engagement of in-kind and monetary sponsors and donors, working closely with the development team to activate sponsorship benefits and ensure sponsor satisfaction. Play a supportive role in maximizing event impact through sponsor relations
• Team Leadership: Directly supervise the Development Communications Manager and the part-time Volunteer Engagement Specialist, focusing on operational support, performance management, and professional development. Indirectly support volunteer management and the Associate Board's activities, ensuring alignment with AFC's goals

• Marketing and Promotion: Collaborate with the Communications team to enhance event visibility and engagement through targeted marketing strategies, e-communications, and social media efforts, aiming to grow participation and fundraising success
• Reporting and Analysis: Provide comprehensive reports on event outcomes, fundraising progress, and budget status to senior leadership and relevant committees, ensuring clear communication and alignment with organizational objectives
• Vendor Relations and Contract Negotiation: Coordinate with vendors to meet event needs, and review contracts under the guidance of senior management, ensuring all agreements align with AFC’s standards and budget constraints
• Volunteer Program Management: Oversee the volunteer program related to special events, enhancing volunteer recruitment, communication, and engagement strategies to support event success

Specific Event Duties:

• For AIDS Run & Walk Chicago: Manage production timelines, budget adherence, and team support for recruitment and fundraising goals.
• For World of Chocolate: Maintain relationships with culinary partners, manage logistics, and oversee ticket sales.
• For the Spring Event: Lead planning efforts, focusing on sponsorships, logistics, and committee engagement to achieve event goals.
• Skill Development: Maintain and enhance knowledge of fundraising platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Classy, TeamRaiser) and digital marketing tools to support AFC's event strategies effectively.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly and indirectly supervise members of the events team and related staff in the external relations department.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Minimum Qualifications

Three to Five years or more experience in fundraising, relationship management, or event planning and/or sales in addition to a bachelor’s degree (Six years or more experience in lieu of degree) -- or four years or more of direct event management experience and Bachelor’s Degree. Ideal candidates possess computer proficiency in word, Excel spreadsheets, and database entry. Excellent phone and customer service skills are essential, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience using Raiser’s Edge, Classy and TeamRaiser fundraising programs is a plus. Must be able to work evening and weekends.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to effectively, accurately, and articulately present AFC information and respond to questions from groups of funders, staff, and the general public on a variety of issues related to agency programs, policies, and procedures
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form
• Must be able to interact with diverse populations and use active listening skills to determine appropriate response to callers, visitors, and others during daily activities
• Respond to participant inquiries during and outside normal business hours including weekends
• Always provide superior customer service
• Travel and transport various presentation/training materials to outside event sites
• Demonstrate customer service, provide telephone and in-person assistance
• Superior organizational abilities
• Motivate participants and volunteers
• Familiarity with database, and Microsoft Office products Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Cooperate and work with a team, while also being a self-starter
• Must become proficient in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Raiser’s Edge, Classy, Salesforce Luminate, and Teamraiser to perform the duties of this role

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment is representative of that found in a general office environment. Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 10 pounds.) Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and on the telephone.