Director of Events and Partnerships

OVERVIEW OF CURE EPILEPSY

For more than 25 years, CURE Epilepsy has been on an unrelenting search for that cure. CURE Epilepsy was founded by Susan Axelrod and a small group of parents of children with epilepsy who were frustrated with their inability to protect their children from seizures and the side effects of medications. Unwilling to sit back, they joined forces to spearhead the search for a cure. Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has raised more than $100 million to fund epilepsy research and other initiatives that will lead the way to cures for the epilepsies.

As the nonprofit leader in epilepsy research and the only organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy, CURE Epilepsy has worked to shift the focus from merely managing symptoms to understanding the causes of this complex condition. With 3.4 million Americans and 50 million people worldwide living with epilepsy, CURE Epilepsy is committed to funding breakthrough research that will transform the lives of people with epilepsy as we lead the search for a cure.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Events & Partnerships is a senior member of the Development team, responsible for leading CURE Epilepsy’s fundraising events and corporate engagement strategy. This role will manage two staff members and collaborate across departments to grow revenue, deepen industry partnerships, and strengthen CURE Epilepsy’s visibility through high-impact events and sponsorships.

The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraising professional who combines strategic thinking with hands-on event leadership and relationship-building skills. This position is based in our Chicago Office with a hybrid work schedule (in office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Signature Events 40%

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of CURE Epilepsy’s signature fundraising events (currently NYC and Chicago), ensuring exceptional experiences that align with the organization’s mission and brand.
• Work with current and past board members and volunteers to identify, recruit, cultivate, and support dynamic host committees and volunteer leaders to expand event reach and revenue. This will focus primarily in Chicago and NYC.
• Identify strategies and tactics to implement to maintain and grow revenue for signature events including but not limited to: creative sponsorships, ancillary fundraising, partnerships, etc.
• Set and achieve annual event fundraising goals, focusing on growth in corporate sponsorship.
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop compelling marketing, storytelling, and recognition opportunities for sponsors and attendees.

Industry and Other Corporate Partners 40%

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for CURE Epilepsy’s industry partners, which include approximately 30 pharmaceutical and biotech companies, ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Work closely with scientific and marketing communications leadership to identify new partnership opportunities aligned with CURE Epilepsy’s research, education and awareness activities.
• Partner with pharma and biotech companies in the epilepsy space to create opportunities to advance CURE Epilepsy’s mission and highlight partners’ activities for the benefit of the epilepsy community. This will include annual partnership agreements for awareness, education and research activities. Ensure timely follow-up, stewardship, and impact reporting.
• Follow the epilepsy pharma and biotech space to engage new potential partners to join us in our mission.
• Develop and implement a strategy to grow other corporate revenue through event sponsorships, unrestricted support, cause marketing, and programmatic partnerships.

Other Events and Leadership 20%

• Oversee additional partnerships with other nonprofit organizations or events including the evaluation of potential new partnerships with events/nonprofits that generate revenue for CURE Epilepsy.
• Oversee and guide the CURE Epilepsy Champions and Team CURE Epilepsy programs ensuring excellent participant stewardship that maximizes revenue.
• Manage and mentor two staff members focused on event logistics, fundraising, and donor engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, event management, and corporate partnerships. A preference for experience in a health-related nonprofit and working with the pharma industry.
• Proven success in managing seven-figure fundraising events, including logistics, programming, and fundraising.
• Experience securing corporate partnerships (e.g., sponsorships, cause related marketing, and programs) to further the mission of a nonprofit.
• Strong people management skills and experience managing staff, leading teams and motivating volunteers.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with donors.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high personal standards for the quality of output.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders with professionalism and creativity.
• Passion for CURE Epilepsy’s mission and comfort engaging with individuals impacted by epilepsy.
• Proficient technology skills including some experience with Raiser’s Edge or a comparable donor management system, event management systems, and giving platforms.
• Passion for CURE Epilepsy’s mission and the ability to promote and communicate the philosophy, values and impact of the organization to external and internal stakeholders.
• Special consideration will be given to persons with work experience fundraising for scientific research.

BENEFITS

The position includes a full range of benefits, retirement plan match, and time off opportunities.

CURE Epilepsy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CURE Epilepsy is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff; individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CURE Epilepsy does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

The position includes a full range of benefits, retirement plan match, and time off opportunities.

English fluency required (written and spoken).