Development Engagement and Events Specialist

Better Government Association; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Better Government Association seeks a Development Engagement and Events Specialist to manage fundraising efforts and engagement initiatives. The role requires strong project management skills, a passion for storytelling, and experience in donor relationship building. With a focus on collaboration and creativity, the candidate will execute key events that support the organization's mission for transparent government.

Benefits

Health and dental insurance

401K retirement plan

Remote work opportunities

Comprehensive paid time off package

Monthly stipend for cell phone expenses

Qualifications

• Passion for fundraising and storytelling in line with the BGA’s mission.
• 3-5 years of experience planning and managing fundraising events.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute fundraising and engagement events.
• Collaborate on development engagement plans and donor-specific communications.
• Oversee event logistics including budgeting, timelines, and vendor management.

Skills

Fundraising

Storytelling

Project Management

Creativity

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

Canva

Mailchimp

Raiser's Edge

Asana

Job description

Development Engagement and Events Specialist

Join to apply for the Development Engagement and Events Specialist role at Better Government Association

Development Engagement and Events Specialist

Join to apply for the Development Engagement and Events Specialist role at Better Government Association

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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.

Ifinterestedinthisrole,pleasecompleteouronlineapplicationform rather than applying through LinkedIn.

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!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

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