Events Coordinator

OVERVIEW OF CURE

Epilepsy is a complex, often debilitating neurological disorder that will affect 1 in 26 Americans in their lifetime. One-third of people with epilepsy are uncontrolled on medication, and even those for whom medications work often face horrible side effects. CURE Epilepsy is a parent-founded nonprofit that is laser-focused on research to find a cure for epilepsy. Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has raised more than $100 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to cures. The research we invest in advances innovative studies and fills critical gaps so we can learn more about the biology of epilepsy and accelerate breakthroughs in the lab to help people with epilepsy live free from seizures. Our work has already led to incredible advancements for the community, and we will continue to build on our research until we ultimately have a cure for all people living with epilepsy.

For more than 25 years, CURE Epilepsy has been on an unrelenting search for that cure.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Events Coordinator plays a key role on the Development team by supporting the planning, management, and execution of CURE Epilepsy’s fundraising and awareness events, which collectively generate over $2 million annually.

Reporting to the Director of Partnerships and Events, this position will support the fundraising for and execution of the organization’s signature events, including the annual Chicago Benefit. This position will also manage and oversee the grassroots and community fundraising initiatives on behalf of the organization. This includes serving as the primary team lead for:

• CURE Epilepsy Champions — advocates who host grassroots events in honor of loved ones impacted by epilepsy.
• Team CURE Epilepsy — athletes of all levels who participate in endurance events (such as the NYC Marathon) to raise funds and awareness for epilepsy research.

Candidates must have experience working in Raiser’s Edge or a similar platform. They must be an innovative thinker, intellectually curious, and comfortable navigating a complex, fast-paced working environment. The desired candidate will be a highly motivated, collaborative and communicative individual with the ability to manage concurrent projects, task, demonstrate keen attention to detail, and exhibit superior organizational skills. A bachelor’s degree is required or equivalent work experience. This full-time, hybrid position (in office Tuesday through Thursday) is based in Chicago. This position will have some evening and/or weekend events and may have a limited amount of travel (up to 5 trips/year) including overnight travel, weekends and/or evening events

RESPONSIBILITIES

Signature Events – 50%

• Support the Events Manager in successfully planning, fundraising, and executing CURE’s signature events:
  • Annual Chicago Night of Discovery (Chicago)
  • CURE Epilepsy Takes Manhattan (NYC)
• Work with Events Manager to ensure progress toward set benchmarks leading up to each event. Benchmarks include but are not limited to:
  • Event revenue comprised of:
    • Sponsorship
    • Ticket sales
    • Event contributions
    • Auction/raffle/other revenue depending on the event
  • Attendance goals
  • Vendor deadlines
  • Internal and external communications
• Support creation and production of all event collateral (print and digital invitations, sponsorship packets and other promotional pieces).
• Support the Events Manager in securing and overseeing all event entertainment and speakers.
• Event Guest and Donor Management
  • Take the lead in handling guest list management and all other aspects of management of the event platform and work closely with the Development Coordinator to ensure timely and proper event donation processing and maintain up-to-date event financial reporting.
  • Create invoices for all event related purchases (sponsorship, etc.)
  • Track receipt of all collateral from sponsors
  • Coordinate all database and administrative activities related to events including:
    • Maintaining up-to-date donor records
    • Tracking and acknowledgement of gifts
    • Tracking and managing sponsorship fulfillment
    • Effectively communicating with donors when appropriate

CURE Epilepsy Champions – 30%

• Develop relationships with current and past Champions to continue to engage them in our work.
• Provide fundraising tools and advise Champions in their activities.
• Order, maintain and track swag, banners, brochures, and other support materials. Send as appropriate to champions.
• Work with Chicago teammates to identify local volunteer opportunities. Also, work to identify remote volunteer opportunities.
• Some evening and weekend work is required.

Team CURE Epilepsy – 20%

• Secure spots in Chicago and NYC marathons, market to our community, and support runners in their fundraising efforts.
• Seek out additional marathons or other organized athletic events to grow the program.
• Cultivate relationships with participants and share stories with MarCom and Development team for use in communications.
• Provide appropriate reporting for athletic race partners and internal use.
• Provide back-end technical support for both Champions and Team CURE Epilepsy for the Classy fundraising platform.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• A genuine enthusiasm for CURE’s mission and the ability to promote and communicate the philosophy, values and impact of the organization to external and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate and to work effectively with multiple stakeholders
• Strong time management and organizational skills with a superb attention to detail.
• Self-starter with ability to handle concurrent projects and creatively problem solve
• A positive attitude toward work, colleagues and external constituents
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Experience in Raiser’s Edge software, or comparable donor management system.
• Special consideration will be given to persons with work experience in a voluntary health organization.
• Must possess the ability to stand for extended periods of time, carry, climb, stoop and load/unload various objects up to 20 lbs

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 1-2 years fundraising and/or event coordination experience, preferably for a non-profit organization.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $50,000-$55,000 commensurate with relevant experience. CURE Epilepsy has an attractive and competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a match, and vacation, sick, and personal days. Full benefit details will be shared with candidates.

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.

CURE Epilepsy has an attractive and competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a match, and vacation, sick, and personal days. Full benefit details will be shared with candidates.

English fluency required (written and spoken).