Events and Sponsorships Director

Events and Sponsorships Director

The Les Turner ALS Foundation provides comprehensive care and support services to people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their families. Through research, support services, and advocacy, we strive to improve the quality of life for those living with ALS and ultimately find a cure for this devastating disease.

Position Description

The Events and Sponsorships Director is responsible for developing, securing, and managing sponsorships, partnerships, and strategic alliances that support the organization’s events and broader brand initiatives. This role is also responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of events—from concept to completion—ensuring alignment with business goals, sponsor deliverables, and audience engagement targets.

This is a high-impact role because a significant percentage of our revenue is secured through our events and sponsorships.

Reports to

Chief Development Officer

Key Responsibilities

Sponsorship & Partnership Management (55%)

• Develop and implement sponsorship strategies to secure financial support that meets or exceeds targeted event revenue.
• Monitor event revenue and expenses to ensure they align with budget and fundraising performance goals.
• Identify, pitch, and negotiate with prospective sponsors, tailoring proposals to align with partner goals and audience demographics.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with sponsors and partners.
• Manage sponsor fulfillment and ensure all contractual obligations are delivered accurately and on time.
• Track and report on sponsorship revenue, KPIs, and ROI.
• Create sponsorship assets, packages, decks, and post-event reports to demonstrate value and performance.
• Manage in-kind opportunities and requests.
• Collaborate with Communications and Support Services teams to align sponsorship activities with our brand messaging

Event Planning & Execution (45%)

• Plan and execute a calendar of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events (e.g., our Hope Through Caring Gala, ALS Walk for Life, Team Race for ALS at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and other partnership events)
• Assist third-party event hosts to plan and execute their events as needed (e.g. golf outings, car washes, employee giving events)
• Manage all event logistics, including budgeting, venue selection, vendor negotiation, AV, signage, staffing, post-event wrap-up, etc.
• When consultants or vendors are engaged for events, manage scope of work, deliverables, timelines, budgets, and overall performance.
• Oversee guest experiences and ensure a high experience quality throughout all event touchpoints.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to market events, increase attendance, and drive engagement.
• Monitor event performance, collect feedback, and implement improvements for future events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of experience in sponsorship, partnerships, ideally within the not-for-profit sector.
• Proven track record of securing and managing high-value sponsorships.
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Experience in end-to-end event management.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Must have a car and a valid driver’s license.
• Flexibility to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and/or events.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Virtuous) and event fundraising software platforms (e.g., GoFundMe Pro).

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience ($80,000–$85,000).
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan with organizational match, generous paid time off, ten paid holidays, summer hours, and disability and life insurance.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the ALS community and contribute to finding a cure for ALS.

Our team works a hybrid schedule – generally 60% in the office. Located in Skokie, IL, the office is easily accessible by car and CTA/Pace public transportation.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position to cpaesel@lesturnerals.org

The Les Turner ALS Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, religion (creed), national origin (ancestry), age, marital status, disability, military status, sexual orientation or gender expression.

The Events and Sponsorships Director is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The Foundation complies with the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.