This position is responsible for assisting the Walk Manager with the overall event execution and fundraising goals of the Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the fastest-growing walk program in the country, ranking as the third-largest peer-to-peer fundraising event in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL at the Illinois Chapter Office this position requires frequent travel within the assigned territory.
The Chicago Walk Event Specialist will share in the responsibility with the Chicago Walk Manager in achieving the recruitment and revenue goals for the million dollar Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Walk Specialist is primarily responsible for increasing the number of teams through various recruitment efforts, educating and coaching all teams with the latest fundraising resources, recruiting and training new volunteer committee members, and coordinating Chicago Walk day logistics.
- Through volunteer networks, prospect, cultivate and steward Chicago Walk to End Alzheimer’s teams, sponsors and walkers to achieve fundraising goals.
- Execute plan for maximizing team participation to achieve revenue goals by providing fundraising training and support.
- Responsible for planning several key logistical aspects of the Walk as assigned by the Walk Manager
- Build relationships with key volunteers, participants, and community leaders as well as existing and new corporate partners.
- Increase overall corporate engagement within the Chicago Walk by expanding the current involvement with Corporate Teams, Edward Jones, and National Teams.
- Work closely with the volunteer planning committee to assist them with team recruitment, logistics, marketing, retention, and all wrap around events.
- Engage with the volunteer planning committee to organize outreach activities that promote the Alzheimer’s Association mission, including community presentations and corporate engagement opportunities.
- Continuously produce new fundraising ideas to coach and mentor Chicago Walk Teams.
- Must be able to work weekend hours during Walk to End Alzheimer’s season (September and October)
- Actively participate in learning opportunities for professional growth and self- improvement.
- Ensure Walk to End Alzheimer’s standards are being followed.
- Responsible for other duties as assigned.
- 2-3 years of proven experience in recruiting and mobilizing volunteers to achieve goals
- 1-2 years of proven experience in event planning or event management
- Preferred peer-to-peer fundraising experience or equivalent sales background
- Confident, goal-oriented, positive self-starter able to work independently with limited supervision and collaboratively with internal and external partners
- Ability to manage large numbers of volunteers at different levels of expertise with diplomacy
- Deep understanding of the Chicago market and culture
- General knowledge of standard fundraising techniques
- Ability to work with diverse communities and demonstrate inclusion
- Excellent interpersonal skills including verbal and written
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 50% within the assigned territory by car. Travel in this case, is considered time spent away from the office, in the community, to fulfil the job goals
- While most such travel is same day, occasional overnight travel or air travel may be required. Must have valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle, good driving record and proof of automobile insurance
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for the job
- Ability to bend, stoop, lift and transport up to 50 lbs. of materials
- Strong computer skills, proficient with Microsoft Office products and social media; experience with, or ability to rapidly learn, Luminate/Convio software
- Ability to approach a project with creative and original thinking