JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested nearly $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy.

JDRF’s Illinois chapter, based in Chicago, plays a vital role in JDRF’s success. With revenues of 13.7M in FY 2017, the Illinois Chapter is the largest of JDRF’s chapters around the country. The Illinois Chapter has a strong Board of Directors as well as volunteers who are actively engaged and passionate supporters of JDRF.

This position serves as the guest experience manager on the Signature Events team at JDRF Illinois supporting event logistics for the One Dream Gala, Real Estate Games, Type One Nation, and other events as needed. The One Dream Gala is one of the largest gala events in Chicago-- regularly recognized as one of the top three events in Chicago (Bizbash) raising $5 million in 2017 with nearly 2,000 guests, over 1,000 auction items making up 450+ auction packages, 300 night-of-event volunteers, and an exceptional committee of Gala volunteer fundraisers/partners.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner with and provide support of staff and gala fundraisers (solicitors) to both renew annual and secure new support through table and ticket sales and donations.
• Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 50 donors and support additional team member portfolios. Coordinate renewals, solicitor asks, follow up, donor recognition and guest relations.
• Ensure that the logistics and budget/timelines are developed and met for each applicable event. Conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the success of each applicable event and opportunities for growth. Serve as the lead liaison and manage several key event vendors such as venue, catering, and other event vendors.
• Manage the process and actively participate in guest list entry for 2,000 attendees, special meal requests, seating requests with the support of administrative and temporary help. Serve as the director of registration at the event. Coordinate data and financial management with office operations team and consultants.
• In partnership with supervisor and team manage and continually develop assigned committees providing leadership, cultivation, acknowledgement, material support, and assistance in building and implementing committee annual plans.
• Manage and maintain accurate and complete financial records for each event. Work closely with office operations team to manage and process gala financial records and acknowledgments for approximately 1,500+ donors.
• Network with the National/Regional staff resource team and other JDRF chapters to discuss best practices and share new ideas.
• Identify, build, and steward relationships with community, civic and corporate leaders as an integral part of volunteer and donor prospect development and engagement in JDRF activities. Establish a network and represent the organization in professional societies/organizations as needed.
• Identify and cultivate potential new board members. Make recommendations about development to the Chapter Executive Director.
• Help formulate and implement strategies and tactics for chapter fundraising and Development activities to sustain continued growth, maximum penetration of core market areas and opportunities for expansion where appropriate.
• Manage seasonal, other staff, interns, volunteers or temp workers (as appropriate).
• Maintain a good understanding of JDRF’s mission and research cure therapeutics.
• Support and maintain the vision, mission, priorities, and guiding principles of JDRF. Understand and serve as a key staff member in implementing the strategic direction and purpose of the Chapter.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience required.
• 4 + years of relevant fundraising/business experience required.
• Knowledge of event planning logistics in a fundraising environment is a must.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to interface with all levels of staff and volunteers.
• Strong relationship building skills. Very good interpersonal skills.
• Computer literate and strong database working knowledge.
• Ability to travel locally required. Occasional overnight travel as needed. Occasional evening and weekend work required as needed.
• Some supervisory experience preferred.

JDRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.