Event Planner

• Referral and performance bonuses
• Retirement plan with matching contributions
• Health and insurance benefits
• Paid time off benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• And more! (see benefits list below)

• Lead the planning and implementation of Aspire's event portfolio to support organizational mission and revenue goals.
• Provide oversight for all fundraising and engagement initiatives tied to events, ensuring alignment with the Philanthropy and Marketing teams.
• Introduce improvements and creative ideas within established event frameworks to enhance donor engagement and community impact.

• Lead the planning and execution of Aspire's fundraising events from beginning to end.
• Manage Aspire's flagship event the Big City Night Gala, managing all elements, including a volunteer committee.
• Oversee sponsorship development and solicitation efforts to grow corporate and individual support.
• Manage event budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective and high-quality outcomes.
• Ensure a superior attendee experience through excellence in event logistics and delivery.

• Create and lead a robust third-party fundraising program to empower Aspire partners and supporters.
• Manage the Aspire Chicago Marathon Team, including runner recruitment, fundraising support, and event-related activities.
• Serve as a consultant and point of contact for external partners hosting benefit events, providing guidance, and representing Aspire at all partner-led initiatives.

• Act as a strategic partner to the Marketing & Events Director and Philanthropy team, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Track, analyze, and report on event metrics, making data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.

• Connect and build relationships with community leaders, business leaders, family members, Board members, and others to promote and articulate Aspire's mission, vision, and strategic needs to the greater community.
• Recommend and participate in the development and implementation of team goals, objectives, and systems contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Philanthropy team.
• Promote a positive culture that aligns with Aspire's shared values during all interactions with Aspire stakeholders.
• Actively participate in professional development to enhance knowledge.
• Complete special projects assigned.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• 4-7 years of professional experience planning and executing successful events

• Valid driver's license with good driving record

• Event Management Expertise: Deep knowledge of event planning, production, and logistics for large-scale and mid-size events, including vendor negotiations, contract management, and on-site coordination.
• Independent Leadership: Proven ability to work autonomously, taking ownership of projects from conception to completion with minimal oversight.
• Relationship-Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage and collaborate with donors, community leaders, board members, vendors, and volunteers.
• Budget & Resource Management: Skilled at developing and managing event budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and maximize return on investment.
• Communication Excellence: Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively articulate Aspire's mission and engage diverse audiences.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to adapt quickly, think critically, and resolve challenges under pressure during event planning and execution.
• Technological Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experienced with donor databases, event management software, or CRM systems (preferred).
• Attention to Detail: Commitment to delivering high-quality, detail-oriented work while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Team Collaboration: Strong ability to work collaboratively within and across teams while maintaining positive, productive relationships.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adjust work hours and availability to accommodate evening and weekend events as needed.
• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
• Commitment to Mission: Genuine passion for advancing Aspire's mission, vision, and values.

• Fundraising Acumen: Understanding of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, and sponsorship development to support philanthropic initiatives.

• Achieves Results: Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
• Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new & better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Makes Quality Decisions: Making good & timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Tackles the Tough Issues: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.

• Empower others to achieve their dreams
• Be open to new ideas
• Offer solutions to solve problems

• Be a team player and lend a hand to others
• Speak up when you see or hear something that doesn't seem right
• Show pride and take care of Aspire

• Greet everybody and be friendly
• Embrace diversity and celebrate belonging
• Treat others how you would like to be treated

• Help think of new ways to make Aspire better
• Seek feedback from others to improve
• Accept mistakes and learn from them.

• Show respect and build trust
• Be timely in responding to one another
• Take the time to get to know one another

• Health Insurance
• Vacation, Personal, Sick time available
• Sick Time - 1 Hour Earned for Every 40 Hours Worked (maximum accrual of 192 hours)
• 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Total Pet Plan

Aspire Chicago