Signature Events Manager

Job Summary

The Manager of Signature Events will serve as a collaborator in producing high profile fundraising events for PAWS Chicago and friend-raising within the community to sustain and grow our lifesaving work to end the killing of homeless animals. The only limit to PAWS Chicagos expansion of important programs is fundingthis position will enable the continuation and expansion of PAWS Chicagos No Kill model, which has led the reduction of killing in the city of Chicago by 91 percent since our founding.

The Signature Events Manager will support our donor-centric community engagement program with a focus on delivering best in class social events for PAWS Chicago. The role of the Signature Events Manager is to ensure the success and streamlined execution of our Fur Ball black tie gala, Beach Party summer social event, and Animal Magnetism, our Professional Board social event. The Signature Events Manager will also support the planning and execution of special projects such as donor stewardship events, exclusive donor dinners and Development Board activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

DRIVE REVENUE

• Collaborate with Assistant Director of Major Gifts and Community Development to develop and implement solicitation timelines for all events and meet/exceed budgeted revenue goals for each event and program.
• Actively participate in solicitations of sponsors and donors (as directed by Assistant Director of Major Gifts and Community Development).
• Develop sponsorship packages and proposals for all Signature Events.
• Ensure details of sponsorship contracts and expectations are met and exceeded, giving the best event experience possible for our sponsorship partners.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications Team to create a strategy to support ticket and auction sales for all signature events.
  • Ensure websites are launched in a timely manner.
  • Ensure save the dates and invitations are sent in a timely manner
  • Ensure Social Media and other promotional campaigns are developed and executed to support event revenue (Ticket sales, sponsorships, auction promotions, raffle and more)
• Develop and manage relationships with donors, sponsors, in-kind donors and vendors.
• Report accurate financial updates on a recurring basis to the leadership team at PAWS
• Investigate industry trends, committee ideas, vendors and possible new partners. Present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Responsible for coordinating deliverables for sponsorships.

EVENT EXECUTION

• Responsible for the event project plans and timelines, coordination with all internal and external stakeholders and successful execution of the Signature and Special Events.
• Manage all relationships and contracts for Signature Events including site selection, catering, decorations, entertainment, event volunteers and auction.
• Ensure vendors, donors, sponsors and all stakeholders receive timely communications from the Signature Events Team regarding event details and plans.
• Oversee day-to-day communication and customer service with event participants.
• Manage details for Signature Events such as:
  • Recruiting and training volunteers, managing website development, executing a communications plan, corresponding with donors and committee members, recruiting in-kind donations, following up on matching gifts, coordinating meetings and working with committees as needed, supporting mailings and follow-up phone calls as needed), reconciling event revenue and expenses, managing Give Smart event platform,
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications Team to create a project plan for all design related items and collateral, as well as a communications plan and timeline for all signature events.
• Manage Signature Event-related communications including responding to telephone and email inquiries, mailings, newsletters, social media, and off-site event coordination with a strong customer service focus.
• Manage the process for acknowledging event donors (cash, auction and in-kind), ensuring a timely, meaningful and accurate acknowledgements of donations are sent.
• Continually work to create cost efficiencies on all event and program budgets.
• Oversee all post-event activities such as: supply gathering and storage, thank yous to staff, volunteers, donors, committee members and sponsors, expense reconciliation, create and send invoices for outstanding event payments, auction package distribution, etc .

VOLUNTEER RELATIONS

• Manage event Chairs and Committees, providing for an engaging and enjoyable experience that allows supporters to give their time and talents to our events. Maximize each individuals skill set to enhance fundraising and friendraising efforts on behalf of PAWS Chicago.
• Communicate relevant PAWS Chicago news with the membership base to leverage this network as ambassadors for PAWS Chicago
• Work with and support Signature Event Committees; setting meeting dates & agendas, prepping volunteer leaders with talking points, tracking participation status, monitoring and supporting membership status and recruitment
• Collaborate with Individual Giving Team on engaging event donors in other ways throughout PAWS Chicago.

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Proactively recruit and guide activities of interns, volunteers and staff, providing direction on expectations, responsibilities and logistics to ensure seamless execution of events and meetings
• Provide timely updates and information about Signature events to PAWS Chicago Leadership and staff teams.
• Participate in other PAWS Chicago events as needed

An Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A Bachelors Degree
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising events, donor relations or a transferable field
• A demonstrated understanding of business development and donor relations
• A working knowledge of the philanthropic landscape of Chicago, understanding both events and the people who work for and contribute to non-profits.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with and motivate/lead a team
• Superior project and time management skills with the ability to multitask and pivot as needed
• Creative thinker and planner; ability to work and think independently
• Proven organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Experience with developing and maintaining relationships and partnerships with high profile clients, donors or stakeholders
• Expertise with email and Microsoft Office; Raisers Edge a plus
• Passionate about animal welfare
• Ability to lift 20lbs and be able to be on their feet for hours at a time.
• Have access to a vehicle
• Work some evenings and weekends as needed