Associate Director, Advancement Events

By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director, Advancement Events is responsible for the strategic design and implementation of all Advancement-related events, including fundraising, friend-raising, cultivation and stewardship events. The Associate Director, Advancement Events is committed to the power of events in building community, fostering affinity and inspiring philanthropy. The Associate Director, Advancement Events will work collaboratively across the team and in partnership with other departments to ensure all events are planned and executed in a way to deliver an exceptional experience for attendees and internal and external stakeholders.

The Associate Director, Advancement Events will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Associate Director, Advancement Events will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

The Associate Director, Advancement Events will:

• Strategically plan and implement an engaging annual schedule of events, aligned with organizational and team fundraising priorities. With Advancement leadership, set goals and objectives for each event related to fundraising revenue, attendance and donor engagement.

• Collaborate with Marketing team to successfully achieve brand-awareness goals and develop marketing/PR strategy, communications (e.g. save-the-dates, invitations, etc.) web content and social media.

• Manage digital infrastructure for events, in partnership with the Database Management team.

• Organize mailing lists and event-related communications, including, but not limited to, digital and print event save-the-dates, invitations, thank you-emails, etc.

• Ensure fiscal responsibility by monitoring and tracking fundraising event expenses/revenue, ensuring timely payments to vendors and fulfillment of sponsor pledges.

• Work in partnership with fundraising team to secure financial support and sponsorship for signature fundraising events (Art in Motion, Spark! and SkyRise Chicago)

• Oversee logistics planning including working with leadership to create and manage project timelines, budgets and run-of-show program details

• Solicit proposals from vendors to provide sound and visual production, food and beverages and other equipment needs.

• Manage event logistics on-site, including coordination with catering, facilities and security teams, event production, speakers, event staff and volunteers and additional activities, as applicable.

• Maintains the highest level of customer service to ensure that internal stakeholders, event participants, donors and guests have a remarkable experience.

• Conducts financial reporting and evaluation after event to ensures that each event meets or exceeds revenue goals and objectives.

• Performs all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to the Associate Vice President, Advancement.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Bachelor's degree in liberal arts, marketing or related field required. Master’s preferred.

• Minimum 5+ years of fundraising event planning experience, preferably in the healthcare or not-for-profit sector.

• Must possess aptitude for project management and problem solving in order to meet deadlines and lead projects autonomously.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced, results-driven environment.

• Working knowledge of information technology tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, fundraisi