FLSA: Exempt
40 hours per week
Organizational Summary
Franciscan Outreach is a leading provider of homeless services in Chicago. We operate as a system of support for people who are marginalized and experiencing homelessness, and we empower them to gain the stability they need to transition into permanent housing. Grounded in the Franciscan tradition, we serve everyone regardless of their beliefs, and we do not require participation in religious services. We are committed to working together as an inclusive community that promotes equal treatment and opportunity for all, and we strive to create a caring, safe, and supportive community that embraces and uplifts everyone, especially the guests we serve.
Position Description
The Special Events and Community Engagement Manager owns the events and community engagement that bring the mission of Franciscan Outreach to life. This role leads the planning and execution of the signature gala and the full calendar of fundraising and community events, builds and oversees the volunteer program across Franciscan Outreach, and serves as a connection to the community.
The Manager supervises the Volunteer and Communications Coordinator, who runs volunteer coordination and the organization's social media and website presence, and partners closely with the Senior Director, the giving managers, and the Development Operations Coordinator so that every event advances relationships and revenue.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Signature gala and special events (35% of time)
- Lead the planning, logistics, and execution of the annual gala, including the fiftieth anniversary celebration.
- Manage event budgets, vendors, timelines, and run of show.
- Coordinate event committees and volunteers.
- Partner with the giving managers so that guest lists, cultivation, and follow-up advance donor and funder relationships.
- Collaborate with the Individual Giving Manager on donor cultivation events, running the logistics while the Manager owns the guest list and the cultivation goals.
Community and volunteer engagement (30% of time)
- Design engagement activities with the program team and guest community to meet individual and organizational needs and to protect the privacy and dignity of the guests we serve.
- Set the direction for the volunteer program, including community evenings, skill-sharing classes, meal service, a community garden, and welcome kit assembly.
- Supervise the Volunteer and Communications Coordinator, who recruits, schedules, and stewards volunteers, and runs the organization's social media and website presence.
Fundraising and third-party events (15% of time)
- Lead execution of the Chicago Marathon, Virtual March Madness, Winter Walk, Hope for Homes, and Giving Tuesday activities.
- Coordinate corporate and civic service projects in partnership with the Institutional Giving Manager.
In-kind donations (10% of time)
- Identify, solicit, track, and acknowledge in-kind gifts in coordination with program staff.
Content sourcing and sponsorship support (10% of time)
- Ensure events and volunteer activities are captured for storytelling, working with the Volunteer and Communications Coordinator and always with attention to guest consent and dignity.
- Collaborate with other team members to create robust and active storytelling activities.
- Support the Senior Director in cultivating corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
Skills and Abilities
- Proven event planning experience.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to manage several events at once.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Volunteer and community engagement experience.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to dignity-centered work and to the mission of serving guests.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
- Three or more years of experience in event management, volunteer coordination, or community engagement.
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends for events.
- Access to reliable transportation for local travel to events and meetings.
Health and Safety Requirements
- Ability to lift approximately 20 lbs.
- Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards through administrative updates compliant with federal law.
- COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all employees. Accommodation requests will be considered in compliance with applicable laws.
Additional Requirements
All staff are expected to abide by the policies of Franciscan Outreach, including, but not limited to, rules governing ethics, confidentiality, honesty, and integrity. All staff are expected to act in good faith and in keeping with the mission and values of Franciscan Outreach, and to contribute to a positive, respectful, and accepting environment for the guests we serve.
Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This description provides a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list. The employee in this position may be required to perform additional duties to meet the needs of the organization.
Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service and marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60607
