Events Manager

Events Manager

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey.

NAMI Chicago is seeking a dynamic and adaptable Events Manager to support our fundraising efforts. The Events Manager will be responsible for project managing our two major events, Light the Darkness and NAMIWalks, coordinating with our Communications/Marketing staff on all events-related communications including mass emails and social media content, and supporting the Development Department on all other fundraising activities.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Event Management – Light the Darkness Gala

• Lead the planning and execution of NAMI Chicago's annual gala, Light the Darkness, driving strategy, timelines, and overall event success in alignment with organizational fundraising goals.
• Oversee all event logistics, including venue selection, vendor procurement and management (catering, A/V, décor, etc.), budget tracking, and run-of-show development.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel communications strategy (email, social media, and digital platforms) to maximize attendance, donor engagement, and revenue.
• Direct the creation and production of all event collateral, including invitations, sponsorship materials, presentations, and on-site signage, ensuring brand consistency and high-quality output.
• Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, sponsors, and vendors, ensuring clear communication and strong partnership engagement.
• Lead on-site event execution, troubleshooting in real time, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience.
• Analyze event performance, including revenue, attendance, and engagement metrics, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.

Event Management – NAMIWalks

• Serve as the project lead for NAMI Chicago's annual NAMIWalks, overseeing all aspects of planning, execution, and post-event evaluation.
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and vendor coordination, ensuring all components are delivered efficiently and effectively.
• Design and implement an integrated communications and marketing strategy to drive participant recruitment, team fundraising, and community engagement.
• Oversee the development and production of all event materials, including participant resources, promotional assets, and day-of signage.
• In partnership with the Sr. Development Associate, ensure a well-supported event through volunteer recruitment, training, and management.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with corporate partners, including the presenting sponsor, ensuring fulfillment of sponsorship benefits and meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with internal teams (development, communications, programs) to align messaging and maximize impact.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators, including fundraising totals, participation rates, and engagement metrics, using insights to inform future strategy.

Fundraising Leadership & Support

• Provide strategic leadership and execution support for additional fundraising events, including Board of Directors, Associate Board, and third-party fundraisers.
• Partner with development leadership to identify opportunities for revenue growth, donor engagement, and sponsorship expansion.
• Oversee donor communications and stewardship strategies related to events, ensuring timely, personalized, and mission-driven engagement.
• Support pipeline development through prospect research, sponsor cultivation, and in-kind partnership development.
• Collaborate with Sr. Development Associate to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of fundraising activities within CRM systems, maintaining data integrity and supporting organizational goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of nonprofit fundraising principles, strategies, and best practices, with a focus on event-based revenue generation.
• Awareness of community-centric fundraising principles and ability to apply them to events.
• Comprehensive understanding of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, including moves management and relationship lifecycle strategies.
• Strong knowledge of the nonprofit sector, including emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities impacting fundraising and donor engagement.
• Solid understanding of financial management, including budget development, forecasting, and expense tracking for events and campaigns.
• Familiarity with integrated marketing and communications strategies as they relate to fundraising and audience engagement.

Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to compellingly convey NAMI Chicago's mission, impact, and funding priorities to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in donor databases and CRM systems (i.e., Bloomerang, Salesforce, Raiser's Edge), with the ability to manage data, generate reports, and inform strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and sustain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, corporate partners, volunteers, and senior leadership.
• Experience with digital marketing tools, including email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), social media management tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite), and basic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe InDesign).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with strong attention to detail and data management capabilities.

Abilities:

• Ability to develop and execute strategic, revenue-generating fundraising plans that align with organizational priorities and growth goals.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, translating ideas into actionable plans that drive engagement and financial results.
• Ability to lead and execute event-related communications and collateral that align with brand standards and organizational voice.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges, adapt to changing priorities, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising initiative, sound judgment, and leadership in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and integrity.

Qualification Expectations:

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising or event management, with demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
• Experience managing large-scale events and cross-functional projects preferred.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support events and organizational activities.

Available Benefits:

• Company sponsored wellness activities.
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits.
• Company sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance and Long-Term Disability.
• 401k Retirement plan.
• Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Short Term Disability Coverage.
• Generous PTO.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000 per year

NAMI Chicago is an inclusive employer, we welcome and encourage BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Veterans, Differently Abled, Returning Citizens and All Who Are Dedicated to Mental Health to Apply.