Events Specialist

Beacon Hill Staffing Group, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Beacon Hill Staffing Group, LLC is recruiting an Events Specialist in Chicago for a mission-driven nonprofit. You will plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising and community events, manage attendee communications, and track budgets and outcomes to support fundraising goals.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), 2+ years in event planning or nonprofit settings, strong organizational and communication skills, and experience with vendor contracts, budgets, and donor databases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of event planning, fundraising, hospitality, nonprofit, or related experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with donors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Experience managing event budgets and vendor contracts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with event registration software, CRM systems, or donor databases preferred.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Passion for the nonprofit sector and commitment to the organization's mission.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute in-person events ranging from small meetings to large-scale events for 300+ attendees.
• Manage event timelines, project plans, budgets, and scheduling to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate venue selection, contracts, catering, transportation, audiovisual needs, and event logistics.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and event participants.
• Develop event registration processes and oversee attendee communications.
• Track event budgets, invoices, payments, and expenses.
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and ensure recognition opportunities are delivered as promised.
• Collaborate with development, marketing, and program teams to support fundraising and engagement objectives.
• Assist in creating promotional materials, event invitations, signage, and event-related communications.
• Manage guest lists, seating arrangements, nametags, and registration materials.
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers for events.
• Provide on-site event management and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Track event attendance, fundraising results, and post-event metrics.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and provide recommendations for process improvements.
• Support stewardship activities and follow-up communications with donors and attendees.
• Maintain accurate event records and databases.
• Assist with annual fundraising campaigns and special projects as needed.

Skills

Event planning

Fundraising

Nonprofit experience

Communication

Organization

Budget management

Vendor contracts

Donor databases/CRM

MS Office

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Event registration software

CRM systems

Donor databases

Job description

Beacon Hill was founded to set a new standard in search, career placement and flexible staffing. Beacon Hill is hiring an Events Specialist on behalf of one of our clients in Chicago. Join a mission-driven nonprofit organization where your creativity, organizational skills, and passion for community engagement will help deliver impactful events that support our mission and strengthen relationships with donors, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Position Overview

The Events Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a variety of fundraising, donor engagement, educational, and community events. This role will manage event logistics from start to finish, ensure exceptional attendee experiences, and support the organization's fundraising and outreach goals. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and passionate about making a difference through meaningful events.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute in-person events ranging from small meetings to large-scale events for 300+ attendees
• Manage event timelines, project plans, budgets, and scheduling to ensure successful execution
• Coordinate venue selection, contracts, catering, transportation, audiovisual needs, and event logistics
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and event participants
• Develop event registration processes and oversee attendee communications
• Track event budgets, invoices, payments, and expenses
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and ensure recognition opportunities are delivered as promised
• Collaborate with development, marketing, and program teams to support fundraising and engagement objectives
• Assist in creating promotional materials, event invitations, signage, and event-related communications
• Manage guest lists, seating arrangements, nametags, and registration materials
• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers for events
• Provide on-site event management and troubleshoot issues as they arise
• Track event attendance, fundraising results, and post-event metrics
• Conduct post-event evaluations and provide recommendations for process improvements
• Support stewardship activities and follow-up communications with donors and attendees
• Maintain accurate event records and databases
• Assist with annual fundraising campaigns and special projects as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years of event planning, fundraising, hospitality, nonprofit, or related experience
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with donors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and community partners
• Experience managing event budgets and vendor contracts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience with event registration software, CRM systems, or donor databases preferred
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure
• Passion for the nonprofit sector and commitment to the organization's mission

Beacon Hill is an equal opportunity employer and individuals with disabilities and/or protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

California residents: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Company Profile

Founded by industry leaders to set a new standard in search, career placement and flexible staffing, we deliver coordinated staffing solutions with unparalleled service, a commitment to project completion and success and a passion for innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.

Our niche brands offer a complete suite of staffing services to emerging growth companies and the Fortune 500 across market sectors, career specialties/disciplines and industries. Over time, office locations, specialty practice areas and service offerings will be added to address ever changing constituent needs.

Learn more about Beacon Hill and our specialty divisions, Beacon Hill Associates, Beacon Hill Financial, Beacon Hill HR, Beacon Hill Legal, Beacon Hill Life Sciences and Beacon Hill Technologies by visiting www.bhsg.com .

Benefits Information

Beacon Hill offers a robust benefit package including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and federal and state leave programs as required by applicable agency regulations to those that meet eligibility. Upon successfully being hired, details will be provided related to our benefit offerings. We look forward to working with you!Beacon Hill. Employing the Future (TM)