Development & Events Manager

ASSOCIATION FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT • Elgin, IL

9d • $52,000 - $52,000

About The Position

The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges; those who have suffered a trauma; and those at risk, to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose. We are looking for a Development & Events Manager who demonstrates this mission and wants to work for an organization that makes a difference in the community. The Development & Events Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of AID signature fundraising events and event-driven development initiatives. This role manages all AID fundraising events, oversees event-based donor cultivation and sponsorships, and supports broader development efforts through relationship building, stewardship, and community engagement. This position is instrumental in expanding fundraising capacity, strengthening community and corporate partnerships, and increasing organizational visibility and engagement. As a member of the Resource Development Team, this role collaborates across fundraising, advocacy, community engagement, and marketing to advance shared team goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising event management
• Demonstrated success managing fundraising events with defined revenue goals
• Leadership and supervisory skills including mentorship, collaboration and performance evaluation
• Knowledge of Chicago metro area foundations, corporations and philanthropic community
• Experience securing sponsorships, donations, and in-kind support
• Experience working with boards and volunteer committees
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement fundraising plans and campaigns that align with department and organizational goals
• Strong relationship building ang interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire donors, volunteers, board members, and community members
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate the organization’s mission, vision, values and impact to diverse audiences
• Strong leadership, organization, and project management skills with attention to detail and professional demeanor
• Creative problem-solving skills with proactive, positive approach to challenges and opportunities
• Be self-motivated and able to work independently while contributing as a collaborative team member
• Ability to envision and execute major projects
• Excellent time management skills and follow through
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to assist with event set-up and break down
• Proficient in DonorPerfect or equivalent donor management software, event management software, Microsoft Office, and Sharepoint, Copier, postage machine, scanner, telephone with voice mail system
• Must attend all fundraising events, some evenings and weekends required
• Position requires use of employee’s personal automobile. Employee must have a valid driver’s license and minimum amount of auto liability insurance as defined in the AID personnel policies.
• Position requires use of employee’s personal cell phone with a monthly stipend provided for use
• Maintain current knowledge of AID policies and procedures
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with frequent interruptions
• Positive, enthusiastic attitude and sensitivity to the needs of AID clients
• Flexibility to work, attend meetings, events, development-related commitments, and relevant trainings in evenings and on weekends
• Commitment to professional development and staying current on fundraising best practices
• Maintain membership and active participation in at least one community-based club or organization that promotes networking, relationship building and fosters resources for AID

Nice To Haves

• CFRE or other Fundraising Certification is a plus

Responsibilities

• Design, coordinate, and implement logistics for AID signature fundraising events, ensuring alignment with donor engagement strategies and best practices including: 2 major fundraising events annually (benefit auction and advocacy walk) At least 1 new major fundraising event within first year At least 4 auxiliary events which include raffles and other smaller events throughout the year
• Design, coordinate, and implement all logistics for annual awards banquet, including collaboration with leadership and programs to identify honorees
• Coordinate and execute the annual holiday client gift project, including donor outreach, procurement of gifts and donations, volunteer coordination, inventory management, and distribution to clients across program locations
• Research, evaluate, and implement new event and fundraising concepts to generate revenue and increase community awareness and visibility of AID
• Create and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and expense evaluations of events
• Recruit, train, and supervise event and project committee members and volunteers to support successful event and project execution
• Serve as primary administrator for fundraising event software, including event setup, day-to-day use, reporting, and data accuracy
• Generate revenue from private and corporate sector through event attendance, sponsorship and in-kind growth
• Procure, track and manage event sponsorships and in-kind donations
• Cultivate, solicit and steward relationships with current and prospective donors with an emphasis on long-term engagement
• Collaborate with Development and Community Engagement Director and the Marketing team to develop fundraising event materials, donor letters, sponsorship packages, and solicitation strategies
• Partner with the Data Entry Specialist to maintain accurate entry of event donations in DonorPerfect, ensure timely donor acknowledgment, and reconcile gift records with final event reports
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate the Data Entry Specialist, providing ongoing feedback and conducting annual performance evaluations
• Participate in community events, workshops, and outreach activities to raise awareness of AID and build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders
• Build and steward strong internal partnerships with program staff, leadership and board members to advance fundraising and engagement efforts and foster a culture of philanthropy
• Work with the Board of Directors Advocacy & Resource Development Committee to strengthen community engagement and philanthropic support
• Collaborate with RD team members to evaluate, refine and advance fundraising and engagement strategies aligned with department and organization goals and financial goals
• Organize and maintain event and department storage areas to ensure efficient access, proper inventory, and safe storage of materials
• Contribute to broader team initiatives and provide support across Resource Development priorities as needed

Benefits

• $1000 sign on bonus for full-time
• 21 Days of Paid Time Off plus 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, Critical Illness and accident insurance
• 401K with a 3.5% company contribution after one year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees