Associate Director of Events

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Associate Director of Events is responsible for the implementation and management of a well‐coordinated, strategic approach for special events, including an annual Celebration, Women’s Board event, and other fundraising events as assigned. This individual organizes numerous patron stewardship and cultivation events each year, working closely with the Joffrey’s management, advancement, and facilities teams, as well as the Women’s Board and volunteer event committees, ensuring that Joffrey events meet financial, attendance and communications goals. The Associate Director of Events manages the Joffrey's corporate partners program and supports other sponsor activations that include special events. This position works closely with the Director of Individual Giving and Director of Major and Planned Giving to provide support for all fundraising initiatives and Women’s Board events.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Include but are not limited to the following. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

• Serve as primary liaison for Joffrey’s two major fundraising events, including the annual Celebration and the Women’s Board event:
  • Work with leadership to determine venue, date, and concept,
  • Produce event timelines, spec sheets, event logistics, staff day of duties,
  • Create and maintain the budget for the events,
  • Focus team on fundraising strategy to secure and track revenue,
  • Integrate corporate and individual sponsorship benefits at events,
  • Manages RSVPs, guest, and table lists,
  • Oversees event staff on the day of the event.
  • Provide timely status updates and financial analysis.
• Develop and plan all Women’s Board, Joffrey Circle, Subscriber, Academy and CE events.
• Manage full scope of Women’s Board meetings, from planning to execution, including being present at full board, executive, nominating, and membership committee meetings.
• Design, print, and distribute Women’s Board meeting invitations and manage RSVPs.
• Manage logistics on the day-of and leading up to an event, and manage post-event meeting planning and follow-up.
• Ensure stewardship of donors and guest experience toward ongoing participation.
• Partner with Directors on fundraising event strategy, sponsor benefits innovations, and partnership activation and cultivation.
• Develop and plan events for all corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
• Represent the Joffrey and its programs at Joffrey performances and events.
• Assist in Advancement team activities as needed to achieve the Joffrey’s fund-raising goals.
• Demonstrate consistent involvement and a continuous dedication to expanding inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility at the Joffrey.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: Undergraduate degree plus 2-3 years of progressively responsible fundraising, project management, business development or sales & marketing experience, or equivalent combination of skills and experience. Experience supporting board relationships at a non-profit organization. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Proven track record of effective project management, detail‐oriented thinking and strategic decision making. Must be able to handle multiple tasks in a fast‐paced environment. Good judgment and strong ethics. Self‐starter with excellent organizational skills and ability to excel in a team environment. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 or similar office suite platform. Familiarity with Tessitura software a plus. Deep commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion required.

WORK SCHEDULE: Weekly hours will generally be within the range of 8:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with additional evening and weekend hours as needed for performances, special events, and to meet deadlines. Regular attendance at evening and weekend performances and events is required.

APPLICABLE PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES: General mobility in office areas. Ability to operate data processing and other office equipment. Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Local travel required. Prolonged periods of standing during events. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The Joffrey Ballet offers a unique, robust benefits package to our full-time employees, including premium-free health insurance, free on-site therapy to support mental health, dental and vision coverage, free gym membership to Chicago Athletic Clubs, retirement matching, generous paid time off, complimentary tickets to all Joffrey performances, discounts on Joffrey merchandise, access to industry ticket offers, free adult classes in our Academy of Dance, half-price studio rentals, free household access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and much more.