Development Events & Communications Lead

Friends of the Children - Philadelphia; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (medical/dental/vison

3 weeks of paid vacation

12 days of paid sick time

401K with employer matching up to 4%

Job summary

Friends of the Children - Chicago is seeking an Events & Communications Specialist to coordinate fundraising events, implement communications plans, and support development initiatives from the Chicago office. The role collaborates with leadership to drive donor engagement and program storytelling.

Ideal candidates are organized, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders across in-person and digital channels.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years in event management, communications, nonprofit development, marketing or project management.
• Experience coordinating events, volunteer activities, or community engagement initiatives.
• Experience managing social media platforms, email marketing systems, websites, or digital communications.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, website management tools, email marketing platforms, and project management systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute fundraising, stewardship, volunteer, and community engagement events, including Friendsfest, board-hosted events, cultivation gatherings, volunteer activities, and other organizational events.
• Develop and manage event timelines, project plans, and logistics to ensure successful event execution.
• Coordinate event registration, guest management, volunteer recruitment, vendor relationships, venue logistics, catering, transportation, supplies, and event materials.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, and operational plans in partnership with the Development Director.
• Coordinate and oversee in-kind donations for events and campaigns, ensuring all product needs are secured and fulfilled.
• Coordinate pre- and post-event communications and materials in collaboration with the development team.
• Support event sponsorship fulfillment and donor stewardship activities associated with fundraising events.
• Coordinate event follow-up activities, reporting, and evaluation to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Event management

Nonprofit development

Project management

Communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Website management tools

Email marketing platforms

Project management systems

Job description

Friends of the Children - Chicago is seeking an Events & Communications Specialist to coordinate fundraising events, implement communications plans, and support development initiatives from the Chicago office. The role collaborates with leadership to drive donor engagement and program storytelling.

Ideal candidates are organized, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders across in-person and digital channels.