JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF’s goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, policy influence and a working plan to bring life-changing therapies from the lab to the community. As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF has invested nearly $2B in research over the past 45 years and is sponsoring scientific research in 17 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.jdrf.org.

JDRF’s Illinois Chapter, based in Chicago, 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.

As a JDRF team member, you can look forward to interesting and challenging work, building strong relationships with fellow staff and our network of volunteers, and having a meaningful impact on the lives of everyone affected by this devastating disease.

The Development Manager, Signature Events is responsible for the successful planning and execution of a variety of Chapter wide events. Focusing on revenue from event attendees and their guests, the Development Manager, Signature Events will be expected to meet/exceed annual fundraising goals. Primary focus is on the One Dream Gala, one of the largest gala events in Chicago – regularly recognized as one of the top events in Chicago (Crain’s Chicago Business)… raising more than $9 million in 2020 with, when held in-person, nearly 2,000 guests, over 1,000 auction items, 350 night-of-event volunteers, and an exceptional committee of Gala volunteer fundraisers/partners. The Development Manager, Signature Events also serves as staff lead for the annual Real Estate Games with support from the Associate Executive Director and Signature Events team.

Responsibilities:

• Partners with and provides support of staff and event fundraisers (solicitors) to both renew annual and secure new support through table/ticket sales and donations.
• Manages a personal portfolio of approximately 50 event attendees and supports additional team member portfolios. Coordinates renewals, solicitor asks, follow-up, donor recognition and guest relations.
• Ensures that the logistics and budget/timelines are developed and met for each applicable event.
• Conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the success of each applicable event and opportunities for growth.
• Manages several key event vendors such as venue, catering, and others across all events.
• Manages the registration process and actively participates in guest list entry for all attendees, special meal requests, and seating requests with the support of administrative and temporary help.
• Oversees all registration at the events.
• Coordinates data and financial management with office operations team and consultants.
• In partnership with supervisor and team, manages and continually develops assigned committees providing leadership, cultivation, acknowledgement, material support, and assistance in building and implementing committee annual plans.
• Manages and maintains 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.
• Networks with the National/Regional staff resource team and other JDRF chapters to discuss best practices and share new ideas.
• Identifies, builds, and stewards relationships with community, civic and corporate leaders as an integral part of volunteer and donor prospect development and engagement in JDRF activities. Establishes a network and represents the organization in professional societies/organizations as needed.
• Identifies and cultivates potential new board members. Makes recommendations about development to the Chapter Executive Director.
• Helps 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.
• Manages seasonal interns, volunteers, or temp workers (as appropriate).
• Maintains a good understanding of JDRF’s mission and research cure therapeutics.
• Supports and maintains the vision, mission, priorities, and guiding principles of JDRF. Understands and serves as a key staff member in implementing the strategic direction and purpose of the Chapter.

• 4 years of work experience including 2 years of relevant fundraising experience.
• Experience with event planning logistics in a fundraising environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to interface with all levels of staff and volunteers.
• Superb interpersonal skills and the ability to actively listen.
• Team oriented focus with the ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM databases.
• Highly organized & detail oriented.
• Adaptable and flexible in fast-paced environment, able to multi-task and handle several priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take on new projects.
• Occasional evening/weekend work required as needed. Ability to travel locally, occasional overnight travel.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Some supervisory experience preferred.

JDRF supports a diverse and inclusive workforce.
JDRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.