Events & Communications Specialist

Position Summary  

E vents & Communications Specialist serves as a key member of the Development Team and plays a central role in coordinating fundraising events, implementing communications strategies, and managing a variety of development projects and administrative functions.

This position is responsible for coordinating special events and donor engagement opportunities, executing communications across digital platforms, maintaining development materials and ensuring the successful implementation of development initiatives. The Events & Communications Specialist works closely with the Executive Director, the Development Director, the Development Operations & Donor Relations Manager, the Grants, Institutional Giving & Impact Manager, and the Strategic Communications Consultant to support the organization's fundraising, stewardship, communications, and engagement goals.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with strong project management skills and an ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. 

Position Responsibilities  

Events Management & Engagement  

• Coordinate and execute fundraising, stewardship, volunteer, and community engagement events, including Friendsfest, board-hosted events, cultivation gatherings, volunteer activities, and other organizational events. 
• Develop and manage event timelines, project plans, and logistics to ensure successful event execution. 
• Coordinate event registration, guest management, volunteer recruitment, vendor relationships, venue logistics, catering, transportation, supplies, and event materials. 
• Manage event budgets, timelines, and operational plans in partnership with the Development Director. 
• Coordinate and oversee in-kind donations for events and campaigns, ensuring all product needs are secured and fulfilled, in collaboration with the Director of Development and Executive Director. 
• Coordinate pre- and post-event communications and materials in collaboration (leadership briefings, attendee communications, etc.) with the development team. 
• Support event sponsorship fulfillment and donor stewardship activities associated with fundraising events. 
• Coordinate event follow-up activities, reporting, and evaluation to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement. 
• Support site visits and engagement opportunities for donors, funders, board members, corporate partners, and community stakeholders as needed in collaboration with other team members. 
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment, communications, scheduling, and engagement for development-related activities and events. 

Communications Implementation & Digital Channels  

• Implement communications plans developed by organizational leadership and communications partners. 
• Maintain and update the organization’s website to ensure content remains current, accurate, and aligned with organizational priorities. 
• Draft and execute annual appeals (with assistance from Strategic Communications Consultant and Development Operations and Donor Relations Manager). 
• Coordinate and execute social media content, scheduling, and posting across organizational platforms. 
• Manage email communications, digital newsletters, event invitations, and related communications through designated platforms. 
• Write donor acknowledgement letter templates, including updating the general letter template once per trimester and for specific appeals as needed, and maintain templates in LGL and Teams 
• Track and report communications performance metrics and engagement data. 
• Coordinate development and distribution of print and digital collateral materials. 
• Support implementation of annual communications calendars and campaign schedules. 
• Maintain brand consistency across communications channels and materials. 

Development Administration & Project Coordination  

•  Maintain inventories of development materials, event supplies, and donor engagement resources. 
• Coordinate production and distribution of development materials, presentations, and collateral. 
• Manage development project timelines and support implementation of departmental priorities. 
• Maintain blue folders, case statements, impact reports, and other donor-facing materials. 
• Serve as primary liaison to printers, photographers, videographers and other communications vendors. 
• Support preparation of presentations, briefing materials, and event resources for development staff and leadership. 
• Assist with maintenance of development procedures, documentation, and organizational systems. 

Team Support  

•  Provide logistical support for fundraising campaigns, donor engagement activities, and organizational initiatives. 
• Support program and operations teams on special projects with approval from organizational leadership. 
• Participate in cross-functional development initiatives and departmental planning. 
• Contribute to the development of operational procedures, process documentation, and best practices. 

Qualifications  

•  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. 
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in event management, communications, nonprofit development, marketing, project management, or a related field. 
• Experience coordinating events, volunteer activities, or community engagement initiatives. 
• Experience managing social media platforms, email marketing systems, websites, or digital communications. 
• Strong project management and organizational skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, website management tools, email marketing platforms, and project management systems. 

Preferred Competencies  

•  Event planning and logistics 
• Communications strategy and implementation 
• Digital marketing and social media 
• Volunteer coordination 
• Board support and administration 
• Strategic planning 
• Project management 
• Cross-functional collaboration 

Success Measures  

• Successfully execute fundraising, stewardship, volunteer, and community engagement events. 
• Maintain accurate and timely board documentation and administrative support. 
• Implement communications activities according to established schedules and organizational priorities. 
• Maintain current and accurate website, social media, and digital communications channels. 
• Provide high-quality project coordination and logistical support for development initiatives. 
• Support achievement of fundraising and engagement goals through effective event execution and communications implementation. 
• Demonstrate strong collaboration and responsiveness across development, program, operations, and leadership team. 

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive benefits are available, including health insurance (medical/dental/vision), life insurance, 3 weeks of paid vacation, and 12 days of paid sick time per year. We also offer a 401K Program with employer matching up to 4% after the initial 90 days of employment.

Salary: $63,888 Annually

Reports to: Development Director

Location: Chicago, IL

Friends of the Children - Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.