Engagement and Events Specialist

Role: Engagement and Events Specialist

Classification: Audience Specialist I

Last Update: 5/23/2025

Reporting to: VP of Development

Role Description:

The Engagement and Events Specialist is an integral member of the development team and a cross-departmental colleague. They are responsible for executing and growing BGA’s fundraising and engagement events, ensuring seamless timelines, logistical implementation, innovation and collaboration.

The Specialist also project manages the development team’s engagement plan, collaborating with internal and external partners to implement donor-specific newsletters, print and digital assets and cohesive branding initiatives and opportunities that amplify the organization's philanthropic impact and foster audience growth.

Organization:

For over 100 years, the Better Government Association has been the only non-profit holding power to account through investigative and solutions-focused journalism and advocating for action that creates a better Illinois for all.

We accomplish this in three ways:

• The Illinois Answers Project, our Pulitzer Prize-winning newsroom, exposes systemic failures and elevates the stories that matter most.
• BGA Policy transforms findings into legislation and reform through rigorous research and coalition-building.
• Our Community Engagement team works with residents, local leaders and advocates to dismantle systemic barriers across Illinois.

With philanthropic contributions accounting for nearly 100% of the budget, partners and supporters ensure the full scope of this critical work.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Engagement Events

• Collaborate with Development, BGA Policy and the Illinois Answers teams to produce and manage BGA’s Signature Events: Beyond the Byline, Featuring the Driehaus Foundation Awards and the Annual Luncheon & Celebration.
• Develop comprehensive strategies and plans for all BGA fundraising events and civic engagement events. This includes managing donor-related events and offerings, such as the Ink + Impact series, Second Century Council convenings, cultivation dinners, and pipeline-building receptions.
• Oversee event execution, including budgeting, timelines, logistics, communications, branding, sponsorships and ticket sales status, sponsor/donor recognition, RSVPs, vendors and in-kind contributions.

Branding and Communications

• Project manage the BGA's development engagement plan with internal and external partners, ensuring monthly touchpoints, donor-specific newsletters and print and digital assets to support contributed revenue goals.
• Plan and execute branding opportunities and communication strategies to enhance the organization's philanthropic footprint and engage its audience, supporting the fundraising pipeline and ensuring consistent messaging across all channels.
• Collaboratively manage and produce video content, interviews, and reels; draft concepts and scripts; liaise with videographers, crew and needed BGA staff.
• In collaboration with the social media and newsletter editor, develop and implement social media strategies and development email campaigns to promote events and engage stakeholders.
• Design, produce, and manage branded signage and merchandise to enhance brand visibility and awareness.

Administrative

• Collaborate effectively within a team environment to fulfill additional responsibilities to support organizational goals.

Is This the Opportunity for You?

You’re someone who thrives at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and relationship-building. You understand what motivates donors and supporters—and you love building experiences and communications that deepen their connection to a mission you believe in.

You think like a project manager, enjoy crafting compelling content, and get excited about transforming a big idea into a well-executed event or branded asset. You can juggle deadlines and moving parts, and you don’t just meet expectations, you help raise the bar.

You find joy in collaboration, value clear communication, and bring positive energy to a team. You’re a proactive, thoughtful contributor who moves your work forward while supporting and elevating others. You’re not afraid of the details, and you know they’re what make events and engagement efforts shine.

You’re curious, driven, and motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact. If you’re passionate about creating a more transparent, accountable, and equitable government in Chicago and Illinois—and want to be part of a team that shares that drive, this could be the perfect role for you.

Qualifications:

While preference will be given to candidates who meet all listed qualifications, we encourage applicants who possess a strong combination of relevant skills and experience to apply. We value diverse perspectives and recognize the potential for individuals to contribute meaningfully to our mission.

• Passion for fundraising, storytelling, and the BGA’s mission.
• Commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and equity in both internal teamwork and external partnerships.
• 3–5 years of experience planning and managing fundraising and/or engagement events, with demonstrated success in building donor relationships and supporting annual giving strategies.
• Understanding of donor lifecycle and best practices in donor cultivation, stewardship, and engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a high-performing team.
• Strong organizational, creative, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a dynamic, solutions-focused environment.
• Experience with event logistics and budgeting, as well as branded content creation, digital communications, and donor-facing collateral.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an eye for detail and a collaborative spirit.
• Working knowledge of Canva and Mailchimp preferred; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge and project management tools like Asana is a plus.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings or weekends for donor or community events, with advance notice and schedule coordination.

Compensation and Benefits

This role is a full-time position with a salary of $70,000. Benefits include health and dental insurance, vision benefits, a comprehensive paid time off package, a commuter spending plan, 401K retirement plan, remote work opportunities, and more. The Better Government Association and its Illinois Answers Project newsroom are unionized through SAG-AFTRA. This role, like all BGA positions outside of leadership, is part of the bargaining unit.

Work Location

BGA staff work remotely two to three days a week and from the office the remainder of the time. Each employee receives a BGA laptop and a $50 monthly stipend toward cell phone expenses.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion

The BGA is committed to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees, regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities in our departments, programs, and policies. We’re committed to cultivating and upholding a culture of inclusion and connectedness for all employees. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and actively work to ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter (no more than one page) outlining your interest in the BGA and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of this role. We’re especially interested in hearing about your event and engagement experience, and any examples of donor-facing communication or content strategy work.

If interested in this role, please complete our online application form.

Email your cover letter and resume to jobs@bettergov.org.

Please format the subject line as:

Engagement and Events Specialist: [Your Name]

We will begin reviewing submissions immediately and consider applicants while the posting remains on our website. Candidates selected for an interview will be notified via email. Please note that incomplete submissions will not be considered.

We look forward to reviewing your materials. Thank you!