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Aspire Chicago

Event Planner

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Type:
Salary
Rate:
Range $63,000.00 - $68,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee assistance program
Referral bonuses
performance bonuses
Total Pet Plan

Job Description

Aspire was founded in 1960 and has grown to become a respected leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community. In 2019, Aspire joined forces with Northpointe Resources, making it one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, including Cook and Lake County in Illinois, and southeastern Wisconsin. Their long-standing commitment and mission have been to empower individuals and foster a supportive and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

Aspire is currently seeking a creative and organized Event Planner to join their ... Show More

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • 4-7 years of professional experience planning and executing events
  • Valid driver's license with good driving record
  • Deep knowledge of event planning, production, and logistics for large-scale and mid-size events
  • Proven ability to work autonomously with minimal oversight
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Skilled at developing and managing event budgets
  • Outstanding communication skills
  • Ability to adapt quickly and solve problems
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and event management software
  • Commitment to detail and quality
  • Strong collaborative skills
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
  • Ability to handle sensitive information professionally
  • Passion for the organization's mission

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • 4-7 years of professional experience planning and executing successful events
  • Deep knowledge of event planning, production, and logistics for large-scale and mid-size events, including vendor negotiations, contract management, and on-site coordination
  • Proven ability to work autonomously, taking ownership of projects from conception to completion with minimal oversight
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage and collaborate with donors, community leaders, board members, vendors, and volunteers
  • Skilled at developing and managing event budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and maximize return on investment
  • Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills to effectively articulate Aspire's mission and engage diverse audiences
  • Ability to adapt quickly, think critically, and resolve challenges under pressure during event planning and execution
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experienced with donor databases, event management software, or CRM systems
  • Commitment to delivering high-quality, detail-oriented work while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Strong ability to work collaboratively within and across teams while maintaining positive, productive relationships
  • Willingness to adjust work hours and availability to accommodate evening and weekend events as needed
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity
  • Genuine passion for advancing Aspire's mission, vision, and values
  • Understanding of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, and sponsorship development to support philanthropic initiatives
  • Leadership competencies including achieving results, building effective teams, cultivating innovation, making quality decisions, and tackling tough issues

Job Duties

  • Lead the planning and implementation of Aspire's 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 Aspire's 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 Aspire's 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 Aspire's shared values during all interactions with Aspire stakeholders
  • Actively participate in professional development to enhance knowledge
  • Complete special projects assigned

Job Qualifications

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Job Location

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