Job Description

Job Type 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 you’re someone who thrives on details, collaboration, and a little bit of sparkle, we’d 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) Position Summary The Event Planner develops, plans and implements all fundraising and philanthropy related events. This role is critical to advancing Aspire’s mission by driving growth through increased event revenue, expanding the organization’s 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 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. Signature Events 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. Third-Party Fundraising 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. Collaboration & Reporting 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. Team Collaboration & Leadership 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. Reporting to this Position: None Requirements Education & Experience Requirements/Preferences: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience 4-7 years of professional experience planning and executing successful events Additional Licensing/Certifications Valid driver’s license with good driving record Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Requirements/Preferences 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 Aspire’s 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 Aspire’s mission, vision, and values. Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Abilities Fundraising Acumen: Understanding of fundraising principles, donor cultivation, and sponsorship development to support philanthropic initiatives. Leadership Competencies 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. Aspire Values (POWER): P = We believe anything is possible Empower others to achieve their dreams Be open to new ideas Offer solutions to solve problems O = We all own it Be a team player and lend a hand to others Speak up when you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right Show pride and take care of Aspire W = We welcome everyone Greet everybody and be friendly Embrace diversity and celebrate belonging Treat others how you would like to be treated E = We evolve and try new things Help think of new ways to make Aspire better Seek feedback from others to improve Accept mistakes and learn from them. R = We build powerful relationships Show respect and build trust Be timely in responding to one another Take the time to get to know one another Powered by Possibilities! Aspire was founded in 1960 and is recognized as a leader in providing bold, pioneering, and uncompromising services to adults with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community. In 2019, we joined forces with Northpointe Resources to be one of the most recognized and respected disability service providers across the Chicago metropolitan area, Cook and Lake County (Illinois), and southeastern Wisconsin areas. 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 Aspire’s priority is keeping our team members and participants healthy and safe. PPE is provided and regular cleaning and disinfecting regiments are followed to maintain a safe work and living environment. Hand sanitizer is available throughout our facilities. Aspire is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Aspire is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities so that an applicant may complete the essential functions of a position. The essential functions of positions are outlined in a position’s job description. To request an accommodation or if you have a question regarding what the essential functions of a position are please contact the People Team at 708.632.5502. Salary Description $63,000 per year #J-18808-Ljbffr Aspire Chicago

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