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 projected to exceed $12 million 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. 

The Development Assistant serves on the Illinois Chapter’s One Dream Gala team.  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 2000 guests, over 1000 auction items making up 450+ auction packages, 300 night-of-event volunteers, and an exceptional committee of Gala volunteer fundraisers/partners.

The Development Assistant is a critical Illinois Chapter team member will Organize, implement and assist with the planning, execution and expansion of One Dream Gala and other special event activities. S/he will execute job assignments to ensure that the development and fundraising priorities of JDRF are incorporated into fundraising and development goals and objectives; understand the Foundation, Divisional, Regional and Chapter activities, operations, policies, and procedures to perform all duties and achieve goals and objectives.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide administrative assistance and/or collaborate with team to ensure staff has support required to carry out planning, execution, and responsibilities management. Help facilitate fundraising goals such as data entry, data review, report pulling, etc.
• Provide administrative support for gala planning calendar during team’s annual planning, ongoing review, and updates maintained in Outlook and planning documents. Work with staff to ensure that all deadlines are met and that progress stays on track.
• Assist with the coordination of chapter volunteer recruitment and retention to fill the chapter’s needs for assigned special events and Gala committee. Manage office volunteers to aid in gala task management, coordinate and manage nearly 300 volunteers for Gala event. Support Gala committee management such as meeting coordination, committee directory, and communications.
• Support volunteer and staff fundraising and stewardship activities such as coordinating progress reports, mailing lists, solicitations, etc. Provide support for guest list entry.
• Serve as a production assistant at assigned events and contact for volunteers. Develop a tracking system to ensure effective communications and keep the Development Director and team apprised of all relevant issues. Support the Gala team in the logistical coordination of the Gala Launch Party, One Dream Gala, and Gala committee celebration as well as other special events as assigned.
• Develop information/task timelines and systems to improve the distribution of materials and effectively manage tasks for special events as assigned.
• Review expenses and make cost-effective vendor recommendations for events and office services in partnership with staff and volunteer leadership. Ensure event expenses are coded to appropriate account and event. Maintain budget tracking; coordinate annual budgeting process, aid in forecasting and reconciliation of budget.
• Support and maintain the vision, mission, priorities, and guiding principles of JDRF. Understand the strategic direction and purpose of the organization, conforming to stated fundraising and development strategies and business needs.
• Maintain a basic understanding of JDRF’s mission and research information.
• Ensure the confidentiality and security of proprietary information.
• Perform all other responsibilities and projects as assigned by his/her immediate supervisor and senior management.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience required.
• 2+ years of office experience required.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience using databases a plus.
• Ability to learn new computer software programs.
• Development and preparation of presentations.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.
• Experience working with volunteers and in handling the logistics of special events.
• A team player that has the ability to interface with all levels of staff and volunteers. Must develop and maintain relationships.
• Effectively multi-task, establishes priorities, and work in a fast paced environment. Highly efficient in time management and can meet deadlines under pressure.
• Active listening, problem solving skills, and a keen ability to anticipate needs.
• Ability to travel locally required. Occasional overnight travel as needed.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required as needed.

JDRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.