Director, Community Engagement - Upper Mid-West (Chicago, IL)

About the role

The Director of Community Engagement will lead special events in the Greater Chicagoland area, focusing on the Chicago Chip In Casino Night Gala and expanding the special events portfolio. Key responsibilities include:

• Achieve the revenue goals for assigned fundraising events
• Execute fundraising events in partnership with volunteer leadership, managing committee recruitment and retention
• Implement strategies including sponsorship and committee recruitment and retention, and integrate these with the organization's mission
• Manage the day-to-day operations of assigned events, including logistics, data entry, acknowledgements, and materials management
• Support the local implementation of global campaigns of Autism Speaks, collaborating with the area’s Outreach Director
• Manage and provide administrative support to volunteer committees
• Make presentations to businesses, organizations, and community groups to secure sponsorship, recruit teams, and manage accounts
• Integrate digital marketing initiatives, such as email campaigns, fundraising websites, and other forms of digital outreach

Primary Responsibilities

As a front-line fundraiser and ambassador for Autism Speaks, the Director of Community Engagement will:

• Raise funds by recruiting and managing volunteers, soliciting corporate sponsorships, raising awareness, and implementing fundraising and mission-related events
• Speak knowledgeably and persuasively about the mission of the organization and the variety of ways to engage

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 7+ years demonstrated success in fundraising positions
• 5 years of leading special events
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Adaptable
• Intermediate proficiency with MS Office 365, including Excel and Outlook
• Database knowledge (Stratus Live and Blackbaud Luminate preferred)
• Well-organized and detail-oriented
• High energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, diplomacy, and a positive, can-do attitude
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to support programs and events

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Building Collaborative Relationships
• Professional Behavior
• Results Driven
• Customer Orientation
• Flexibility

Pay

$75,500 - $82,000, depending on candidate’s relevant years of experience.

Schedule

Full-time position.