Fundraising & Events Manager

Chicago Youth Centers•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fundraising & Events Manager will help Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) reach organizational fundraising goals by focusing on donor strategy, engagement, and stewardship. This role involves leading annual appeal activities, managing two institutional fundraising events, and driving a new approach to micro-fundraising events, which may include virtual events. The manager will also oversee the Auxiliary Board of young- to mid-career professionals, including their annual Shake & Stir event. CYC serves over 3,000 children and families each year and is committed to changing children's lives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (required)
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in fundraising; event and donor relationship management experience preferred
Experience with Raiser’s Edge, OneCause, or other event management or donor database software will have competitive advantage
Proven success in cultivating donors, securing gifts, and building relationships with key stakeholders
A passion for youth development and a desire to help Chicago Youth Centers grow; experience working with diverse populations preferred
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Responsibilities

Work with the Senior Director of Development to drive strategy and implementation of the annual individual giving plan focused on increased donor engagement, retention, and recapture.
Lead annual appeal (fall): create plan and timeline; work with team on mailing list, materials, website, communications; coordinate with Board of Directors and Auxiliary Board about their mailing lists; manage follow-up to supporters; compile reports and campaign analysis.
Support team in the strategy and execution of our spring appeal.
Manage a portfolio of 35-50 individual donors and prospects; create funding proposals for donor meetings.
Actively participate in the portfolio management process with the Development Team and the CEO.
Work closely with the Grants Manager to annually write and submit 2-3 foundation grant proposals to bolster knowledge of CYC’s programs and strengthen overall proposal writing skills.
Oversee annual Shake & Stir event in February, hosted by our Auxiliary Board; ensure goals are met and manage all event details, including leading the Auxiliary Board and their committees; work with Marketing & Communications Coordinator on event materials and communications; solicit sponsorships, auction items, food and beverage donations; oversee logistics and vendor management; create budget, manage expenses, and pledges.
Supports team in recruiting and managing volunteers at occasional smaller events throughout the year (corporate and Board volunteer events at CYC Centers, micro fundraising events, etc.).
Manage several elements of annual Believe in Kids Dinner incl. managing sponsorship and invitation mailings, sponsor follow-ups, attendee tracking, logistics, vendor communication, silent auction, and paddle raise.
Help CYC further develop and execute a strategy to incorporate smaller, but meaningful, individual donor events (including virtual and third-party events) designed to facilitate deeper conversation and relationship building with supporters and prospects.
Manage a diverse, dynamic, and creative group of 35-50 passionate, young- to mid-career professionals that comprise our Auxiliary Board.
Work closely with the Auxiliary Board Co-Chairs and Executive Committee to support their structure and initiatives (Shake & Stir, micro-events, third-party fundraisers, happy hours, recruitment events, volunteer events, special projects).
Ensure initiatives align with CYC’s larger fundraising plans and organization goals.