Aspire
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Join to apply for the Event Planner role at Aspire Chicago
Join Our Team as an Event Planner!
Do you love bringing people together and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression? Aspire is seeking a creative and organized Event Planner to help us design and execute events that support our mission and engage our community. If youre someone who thrives on details, collaboration, and a little bit of sparkle, wed love to meet you!
- Referral and performance bonuses
- Retirement plan with matching contributions
- Health and insurance benefits
- Paid time off benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- And more! (see benefits list below)
Full-time
Description
Join Our Team as an Event Planner!
Do you love bringing people together and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression? Aspire is seeking a creative and organized Event Planner to help us design and execute events that support our mission and engage our community. If youre someone who thrives on details, collaboration, and a little bit of sparkle, wed love to meet you!
We Offer
- Referral and performance bonuses
- Retirement plan with matching contributions
- Health and insurance benefits
- Paid time off benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- And more! (see benefits list below)
The Event Planner develops, plans and implements all fundraising and philanthropy related events. This role is critical to advancing Aspires mission by driving growth through increased event revenue, expanding the organizations network of supporters, and delivering exceptional event experiences. This position reports to the Marketing & Events Director and collaborates closely with the Philanthropy team to align event initiatives with organizational goals, but is designed for a professional who thrives in a leadership role with minimal day-to-day supervision.
Position Responsibilities
The following represents the primary position responsibilities, but other related duties may be assigned to meet the organization's needs.
Event Leadership
- Lead the planning and implementation of Aspires event portfolio to support organizational mission and revenue goals.
- Provide oversight for all fundraising and engagement initiatives tied to events, ensuring alignment with the Philanthropy and Marketing teams.
- Introduce improvements and creative ideas within established event frameworks to enhance donor engagement and community impact.
- Lead the planning and execution of Aspires fundraising events from beginning to end.
- Manage Aspire's flagship event the Big City Night Gala, managing all elements, including a volunteer committee.
- Oversee sponsorship development and solicitation efforts to grow corporate and individual support.
- Manage event budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effective and high-quality outcomes.
- Ensure a superior attendee experience through excellence in event logistics and delivery.
- Create and lead a robust third-party fundraising program to empower Aspire partners and supporters.
- Manage the Aspire Chicago Marathon Team, including runner recruitment, fundraising support, and event-related activities.
- Serve as a consultant and point of contact for external partners hosting benefit events, providing guidance, and representing Aspire at all partner-led initiatives.
- Act as a strategic partner to the Marketing & Events Director and Philanthropy team, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
- Track, analyze, and report on event metrics, making data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
- Connect and build relationships with community leaders, business leaders, family members, Board members, and others to promote and articulate Aspires mission, vision, and strategic needs to the greater community.
- Recommend and participate in the development and implementation of team goals, objectives, and systems contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Philanthropy team.
- Promote a positive culture that aligns with Aspires shared values during all interactions with Aspire stakeholders.
- Actively participate in professional development to enhance knowledge.
- Complete special projects assigned.
Requirements
Education & Experience Requirements/Preferences:
- Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience
- 4-7 years of professional experience planning and executing successful events
- Valid drivers license with good driving record
- Event Management Expertise: Deep knowledge of event planning, production, and logistics for large-scale and mid-size events, including vendor negotiations, contract management, and on-site coordination.
- Independent Leadership: Proven ability to work autonomously, taking ownership of projects from conception to completion with minimal oversight.
- Relationship-Building: Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage and collaborate with donors, community leaders, board members, vendors, and volunteers.
- Budget & Resource Management: Skilled at developing and managing event budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and maximize return on investment.
- Communication Excellence: Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively articulate Aspires mission and engage diverse audiences.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to adapt quickly, think critically, and resolve challenges under pressure during event planning and execution.
- Technological Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experienced with donor databases, event management software, or CRM systems (preferred).
- Attention to Detail: Commitment to delivering high-quality, detail-oriented work while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Team Collaboration: Strong ability to work collaboratively within and across teams while maintaining positive, productive relationships.
- Flexibility: Willingness to adjust work hours and availability to accommodate evening and weekend events as needed.
- Confidentiality & Professionalism: Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
- Commitment to Mission: Genuine passion for advancing Aspires mission, vision, and values.
- Fundraising Acumen: Understanding of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, and sponsorship development to support philanthropic initiatives.
- Achieves Results: Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
- Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
- Cultivates Innovation: Creating new & better ways for the organization to be successful.
- Makes Quality Decisions: Making good & timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
- Tackles the Tough Issues: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
- Empower others to achieve their dreams
- Be open to new ideas
- Offer solutions to solve problems
- Be a team player and lend a hand to others
- Speak up when you see or hear something that doesnt seem right
- Show pride and take care of Aspire
- Greet everybody and be friendly
- Embrace diversity and celebrate belonging
- Treat others how you would like to be treated
- Help think of new ways to make Aspire better
- Seek feedback from others to improve
- Accept mistakes and learn from them.
- Show respect and build trust
- Be timely in responding to one another
- Take the time to get to know one another
Full Time
- Health Insurance
- Vacation, Personal, Sick time available
- Sick Time - 1 Hour Earned for Every 40 Hours Worked (maximum accrual of 192 hours)
- 403(B) Retirement Savings Plan with matching contribution
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Total Pet Plan
Seniority level
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Job function
Management and Manufacturing-
Industries
Individual and Family Services
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