Gala Director

Job Description

Job Description

THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION REQUIRING 2 DAYS PER WEEK (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY) EACH WEEK IN-PERSON AT OUR OFFICE LOCATED IN THE STREETERVILLE/MAG MILE AREA OF DOWNTOWN CHICAGO, IL.

Gala Director

SUMMARY
The Gala Director leads all aspects of fundraising and execution for the American Osteopathic Foundation’s annual Honors Gala, generating more than $1 million annually. This senior-level role partners closely with the Chief Development Officer and CEO to secure sponsorships, engage donors, and deliver a high-impact event experience that advances the Foundation’s mission. The Honors Gala is hosted in a different metropolitan city each year; therefore, out-of-state travel is required for planning and execution of the event.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Revenue Generation, Fundraising & Stewardship

• Secure corporate and individual sponsorships to build event revenue

• Curate high-value auction packages and VIP experiences

• Design and execute Fund-a-Need / Raise the Paddle campaign, including securing matching gifts and pre-event commitments

• Engage and steward donors to ensure long-term relationship development

• Event Logistics & Production

• Oversee all event logistics including venue, vendors, production, and entertainment

• Direct event programming and run-of-show

• Manage guest experience including registration, seating, and onsite flow

• Strategic & Financial Management

• Develop and manage gala budget and financial tracking

• Utilize CRM and event platforms to track revenue and performance

• Leadership & Volunteer Management

• Support and orient Board-appointed Gala Chair and committee members

• Engage volunteers and coordinate event committees

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all aspects of gala fundraising and execution

• Develop and implement annual gala strategy and budget

• Partner with leadership to meet fundraising goals

• Manage vendor contracts and event production

• Oversee auction procurement and donor engagement strategies

• Collaborate with marketing on event promotion and communications

• Coordinate volunteers and committee participation

• Conduct post-event analysis and reporting

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required

• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising or outside sales

• Proven success securing sponsorships and major gifts

• Experience managing high-level events and donor engagement

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Proficiency with CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and event platforms

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

• Ability and willingness to travel out of state to support annual gala planning and execution

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet insurance requirements

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Benefits offered:

• Health (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/HSA
• Life and AD&D
• STD/LTD
• LegalSheild/IDSheild
• 401(k) with match after 1 year
  • Roth and Traditional Pre-Tax

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

American Osteopathic Foundation is unable to sponsor work visas at this time.