Director of Events

Saint Ignatius College Prep - Chicago, IL

Description: The Director of Events at Saint Ignatius College Prep is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing Gloriam, the school’s primary gala event, and other Parent Organization events. This role involves managing all aspects of event logistics, from securing equipment and coordinating volunteers to budgeting and vendor negotiations. The Director will also work closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and leadership team to ensure fundraising goals are met, target revenue growth is achieved, and effective communication strategies are developed for each event. This full-time position requires excellent organizational, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple events and projects. The Director of Events represents the Mission Statement of Saint Ignatius College Prep and its Jesuit Catholic values.

Job Summary

Gloriam Event Project Manager

Leads planning and implementation of Gloriam, the school’s primary gala event.
Responsible for organizing all auction items, set-up, registration and check-out processes, entertainment, volunteers, and all other aspects and decisions for the event.
Coordinates with the Operations Department all available equipment (tables, chairs, etc.) Orders all needed equipment. Is responsible for the physical layout of the event. Coordinates with all involved to facilitate set-up.
Partner with Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Major Gift Officer (MGO) team to ensure a unified Gloriam solicitation strategy, taking into account NXT constituent assignments and long-term cultivation strategy of constituents.
Using historical data provided by the Finance Office, partners with CDO and leadership team to target and maintain established Fundraising Efficiency KPI, focusing on target KPIs established by President, CDO, CFO, and Director of Events.
Partner with CDO and leadership team, using historical data to develop Gloriam Event budget aligned with target Fundraising Efficiency KPI. Present project budget prior to 2027 fiscal year. Present finalized project budget 120 days prior to the event.
Present all Gloriam Vendor Contracts to CDO for approval prior to execution, and present year over year cost difference for those contracts.
Partnering with CDO and Major Gift Officer team, target and attain minimum 10% net year over year revenue growth for Gloriam Event.
Plays a significant role in working with the Director of Accounts and Information Management, CDO, and President in bringing forward prospective Gloriam Donors at the $50k+ level. Leverage Wealth Screening Data and Institutional knowledge to identify and, in partnership with CDO and Gift Officers, solicit Sponsorships at the 50k+ level.
Log all material constituent actions related to Gloriam gifts in NXT, and log NXT Opportunities for new Sponsorships, updating and maintaining Opportunity pipeline on an ongoing basis.
Partner with CDO to provide Director of Marketing and Communications with Gloriam communication timeline inclusive of Social Media, Email, Video Production, and Website Communications. Schedule should be provided 90 days prior to the event.

Parent Organization Coordinator

Coordinate and attend regular meetings of the Parent Organization.
Oversee and submit all Parent Organization expenses. Ensure events do not result in net losses, and implement appropriate event fees to cover Parent Org expenses.
Partner with CDO and leadership team, using historical data to develop the Parent Organization budget.
Add Parent Organization events to the shared department Google Calendar.
Work directly with the officers of the Parent Organization and the events they coordinate or participate in including but not limited to:
New student events
First Friday Masses
Mini Class Night
Faculty appreciation incentives
Annual events that include; Incoming Students of Color Reception, Backyard BBQ, Trivia Night, Freshman Parent Speed Meeting, Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshmen socials, Post Prom coordination, etc.

Other Event duties

Provides insight and support as needed for Benefactors’ Receptions including but not limited to:
Invitations
Communications with students
RSVP’s
Refreshments, nametags, and seating

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent training and/or experience.
Excellent writing and communication skills.
Ability to achieve measurable goals and deadlines.
Must have high energy and excellent decision-making skills.
Must be comfortable interacting with diverse constituents and the greater public.
Must have excellent public speaking skills and time management skills.

NOTE: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, Administration reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, or technological developments. Salaried full-time employees are generally expected to work 40-55 hours weekly with a typical work schedule and events). Weekend and evening responsibilities are routine.

Additional Information: This position is eligible for the usual and customary benefits that are provided by the School.

Salary Range: $90,000-$125,000

Saint Ignatius College Prep

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