Event Specialist - Military Veterans

As one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. When you join our team, you have a direct impact on a meaningful mission, and you can help save lives every day. If you share our passion for helping people, join us in this excellent career opportunity. Work where your career is a force for good. 

We are committed to the diversity of our workforce and to delivering our programs and services in a culturally competent manner reflecting the communities we serve.  Our work environment is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive with a focus on building allyship and a culture of belonging that empowers all team members. Come to learn, grow, and succeed while sharing your passion for making a difference.  

The Red Cross supports a variety of cultural and community resource groups for employees and volunteers. From the Ability Network, our Asian American & Pacific Islander Resource Group, the Latino Resource Group, and Red Cross PRIDE, to the Umoja African American Resource Group, our Veterans+ Resource Group, and the Women’s Resource Group, these networks provide connections, mentoring and help give voice to important concerns and opinions. 

At the American Red Cross, your uniqueness can shine! 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW :

The American Red Cross is seeking an Events Specialist who will be responsible for the success of Chapter fundraising events throughout Illinois. You will plan, coordinate and implement events in collaboration with staff and volunteer leadership.  Our events are designed to raise funds for and promote community awareness of Red Cross services.  You will also develop and execute plans to identify, cultivate, solicit and recognize event underwriters/sponsors and other event participants and provision of staff support for relevant committees. 

This is a hybrid work position which includes a mix of virtual and in-office work weekly.  The position also requires travel for face-to-face meetings with vendors and committee meetings as needed.  Prefer a candidate who lives in the Los Angeles area.

WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE GOOD: 

Event planning:  Serves as the lead for the region’s special event planning; Creates and collaborates with other development staff on special events project plans & participates in budget development. Monitors event outcomes including revenue and expenses and results in order to increase special event program growth.  Manages implementation, and production of all fundraising events including vendor relationships, budgets, and event logistics. 

Provides leadership and guidance to assigned event chairs and committees.  Directs the activities of and serves as the primary staff liaison to the volunteer committees for assigned chapter special events. 

Events Material Development:  Collaborates with Communications and Marketing to develop materials related to events including media releases and photo sessions.   

Research and donor development: Researches, identifies, cultivates and solicits new and existing donors for monetary and/or in-kind gifts to support chapter special events. Recognizes potential for increased donor involvement and capitalizes on opportunities to grow existing relationships. Identifies event sponsors for potential enhanced or increased partnership opportunities with the chapter. 

Relationship development:  Develops effective working relationships with donors, volunteers, government and foundation representatives to nurture their connections to the Red Cross.

Provides volunteer or staff work direction and administrative support.  

Pay Information:  This is a full time, hourly position, eligible for full benefits. The position is budgeted at $23.00-26.00/hr.

WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED: 

High School or equivalent required. 

Minimum 7 years of related experience and documented success in event planning or equivalent combination of education and related experience required. 

Skills & Abilities: Leadership ability with exemplary interpersonal, verbal, listening and written communication skills. Partner internally and externally with others to develop the organization. Must be open, friendly, and comfortable with diverse groups with the ability to network effectively and establish long-term relationships with the community. Ability to resolve conflict and promote cooperation, commitment, momentum, and pride. Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong skills in planning and problem-solving. Capable of directing and working effectively with donors, volunteers, staff, and committees in a wide range of activities while under pressure and/or deadlines. Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

May need to travel and participate in meetings and conferences (Peoria, Chicago, Quad Cities) 

A current valid driver's license and good driving record is required. 

* Combination of candidate’s education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to description’s minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted). 

Physical Requirements:   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The work environment will consist of moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phones and printers, light traffic). The employee must have the ability to work in a small cubicle and have the ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time. 

WHAT WILL GIVE YOU THE COMPETITIVE EDGE: 

Experience in project management, vendor management and fundraising budgeting.   

Experience in nonprofit event planning.

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BENEFITS FOR YOU: 

We take care of you, while you take care of others. As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive benefits help you in balancing home and work. With our resources and perks, you have amazing possibilities at the American Red Cross to advance the learn. 

•   Medical, Dental Vision plans 

•   Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts 

•   PTO + Holidays 

•   401K with 5% match 

•   Paid Family Leave 

•   Employee Assistance 

•   Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term 

•   Service Awards and recognition 

*LI-POST

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