The Manager of Special Events oversees the following two campaigns:
Students of the Year (SOY) is an exciting leadership development and philanthropy program in which high school students and their teams to fundraise over seven (7) weeks. The team that raises the most money is crowned with the title “Students of the Year” at the SOY Grand Finale celebration in the spring and receives a scholarship to the college or university of their choice. The Manager, Special Events provides the students with a high level of support and guidance, as well as training and resources in order to lead successful campaigns and develop meaningful skills.
The Leukemia Cup Series is a campaign for power boaters and sailors in the Chicago-land area. The Manager, Special Events supports their fundraising efforts and works with volunteer committees who plan several events during the summer.
- Implement organizational best practices with regard to recruiting and managing high level volunteers, revenue generation activities, expense and fiscal controls and marketing/promotions and logistics resulting in chapter revenue growth and achievement of revenue goals.
- Oversee all aspects of large fundraising campaign(s) to include Students of the Year and Leukemia Cup Regatta.
- Provide input into the development of a strategic plan for Students of the Year and Leukemia Cup Regatta, including fundraising goals, budget recommendations, vendors, volunteer goals, timelines,.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Students of the Year and Leukemia Cup Regatta, including fundraising efficiency (cost/expense), community engagement, event satisfaction, overall success of the campaign and suggest improvements.
- Ensure revenue goals are attained by partnering with chapter leadership to identify, recruit, manage and steward volunteer committees and fundraising campaign participants.
- Act as an on-site manager during the campaign fundraising event, overseeing activities, staff, vendors, and volunteers to ensure satisfaction of participants, and resolutions of problems.
- Develop positive volunteer interactions through recruitment, mentoring, and providing comprehensive support for volunteer leadership and participants to develop and achieve personal fundraising plans, while focusing on the mission of LLS.
- Partner with Special Events Campaign Specialists, and act as a resource when needed and assigned.
- Identify, cultivate and lead campaign volunteers/donors/teams/participants by developing and implementing campaign appropriate strategies and relationship cultivation activities for successful recruitment, acknowledgement and retention of volunteers/donors/teams/participants
- Identify and network with corporations, community groups, schools, and key donors to engage their support of LLS fundraising campaign(s).
- Collaborate and partner on shared services department. Including logistics, marketing, volunteers and operations to ensure campaign standards are being met, and a high-level of event day experience is achieved.
- Maintain a working knowledge of the LLS's mission and programs to promote the Society's fundraising, research, and patient initiatives.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
The Manager, Special Events may also help support the Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) campaign, where adults engage in a spirited competition to earn "Man & Woman of the Year" titles by raising money for ten (10) weeks in the spring. Every dollar counts as one vote, and the titles are awarded to the man and woman with the most votes at the MWOY Grand Final celebration in June. Specific responsibilities to be determined and may change over time.
- At least four (4) years of experience in nonprofit event-based fundraising; committee leadership experience preferred
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, resourceful and committed to excellence
- Professional demeanor
- Experienced in giving presentations to multiple audiences
- Capable of balancing multiple priorities effectively and meeting deadlines
- Highly organized and strong attention to detail
- Customer service driven
- Solid computer skill
- Valid driver’s license
- Flexibility to work several evenings and weekends (average 5-6 evenings and 1-2 weekend days per month).
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) does not accept resumes from third party recruitment/search firms. Please do not forward resumes to LLS employees or any company locations or email addresses. LLS is not responsible for any fees related to resumes not solicited by LLS Recruiting. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.