We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

The Development Events Associate will play a crucial role in bringing The Obama Foundation's events to life for donors at all giving levels. Reporting to the Principal Engagement and Events Senior Manager, you will collaborate with the frontline fundraising and direct response teams to execute impactful events that strengthen our relationships with donors. You will serve as the project manager for both virtual and Chicago-based events for the Obama Foundation, and, in some cases, you will also support the execution of events outside of Chicago. This position is a fantastic opportunity for a creative, detail-oriented, and dedicated events professional to make a meaningful impact and enhance connections within our donor community.

As the Events Associate, Development, you’ll be reporting directly to the Principal Engagement and Events Senior Manager.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Events Execution: Lead the planning and execution of small to midsize Foundation events, specifically virtual events and in-person events held in Chicago. Act as a project manager, ensuring all event details are accurate, tracked, and shared appropriately. Drive the team towards flawless event execution by scheduling consistent planning meetings, coordinating with vendors, and regularly updating stakeholders. Draft and update necessary planning documents such as an event budget, event timeline, and project deck. As necessary, support the planning and execution of larger events.

• Events Strategy: Support the Principal Engagement and Events Senior Manager in developing and executing a virtual and Chicago-based events strategy. Review donor and post-event data to make informed suggestions on how we can further create a best-in-class events program for donors at every giving level. Stay informed on the Obama Presidential Center’s construction progress and milestones to aid in creating new event concepts, themes, or programming that generate excitement amongst donors.

• Data and Process Management: Create and maintain data systems, particularly those related to event attendance, RSVP reports, and invites. Utilize the Swoogo platform to create event registration sites. Where necessary, update event-related processes by suggesting more efficient ways to work and/or creating new templates that can be leveraged in event planning.

• Donor Communication: Draft and assist in external donor communications for Development events, including event invitation design, RSVP communication, event discussion guides, and post-event email strategy.

• Development Representative/Liaison: Support the management of cross-departmental relationships to stay up to date on Foundation activities. Where appropriate, find avenues to include donors or prospects in existing Foundation events and support the planning of those donor event elements. Support the updating of a Development events tracker so the department can cross-collaborate and/or streamline event efforts. Represent the Development team on-site at events, interacting with donors, prospects, and Foundation leadership.

• Other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes  

• Project manage virtual and Chicago-based in-person events.

• Develop and manage event lists and data (RSVP reports, invite lists, Salesforce updates).

• Create event registration sites using the Swoogo platform.

• Write copy for event materials and manage guest communications.

• Liaise cross-departmentally with the Frontline fundraising team and with donors.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated event project management experience (virtual and in-person).

• Previous experience working at a non-profit organization or cultural institution, or experience working with a non-profit or cultural institutio