Position Overview 

 Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 60,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. As a part of the Special Olympics Illinois team, you’ll join an energetic and hard-working group of individuals committed to transforming the lives of those we serve. 

In partnership with the Senior Director, Development, the Director, Special Events will work to further fundraising event strategy throughout the organization and manage key event partnerships to drive revenue. This role blends operational leadership (event planning, logistics, team management) with direct accountability for event-driven revenue, donor engagement, and sponsorship growth. 

The Director of Development, Special Events is responsible for setting and achieving annual fundraising goals of $2M-$3M for all signature events. This includes developing and executing strategies to maximize event revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, donations, and auctions. The Director will manage a portfolio of event donors and sponsors, report regularly on event performance, and collaborate with internal teams to ensure all fundraising opportunities are leveraged. Key fundraising events include: the Chicago Ducky Derby, Champions Ball, First Look for Charity, and ILSO Foundation Golf Outing. This position will supervise the Assistant Director, Special Events and the Assistant Director, Peer-to-Peer Fundraising.  

Primary Objective:  

To strategically lead, innovate, and execute Special Olympics Illinois’ signature fundraising events, driving year-over-year revenue growth, deepening donor and sponsor engagement, and elevating the organization’s visibility and impact through best-in-class event experiences. 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Financial Leadership 

• Own the full event lifecycle—from concept and logistics to revenue, stewardship, and post-event analysis. 
• Set, manage, and be accountable for annual event revenue goals (sponsorships, ticket sales, donations, auctions). 
• Own the event fundraising pipeline and develop and execute strategies to maximize event revenue and donor/sponsor engagement. 
• Create and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ROI. 

Event Planning & Execution 

• Lead the planning, logistics, and execution of signature fundraising events, including timelines, staffing, etc. (e.g., Chicago Ducky Derby, Champions Ball). 
• Oversee event partnerships, venues, vendors, and in-kind sponsors in partnership with the Assistant Director, Special Events. 
• Ensure seamless day-of event operations and post-event analysis, including evaluating event performance, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing improvements for future events. 

Donor & Sponsor Stewardship 

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward event donors and sponsors. 
• Partner with relationship managers and Donor Relations staff to ensure all sponsor deliverables are met and provided with timely stewardship reports. 
• Manage sponsor deliverables and provide timely stewardship reports. 

Team & Volunteer Leadership 

• Supervise Assistant Director, Special Events and Assistant Director, Peer-to-Peer Fundraising. 
• Grow and lead volunteer committees, including the Chicago Ducky Derby committee.  

Marketing & Communications 

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to develop creative briefs, event marketing strategies and communication plans. 
• Oversee event collateral, promotion, and attendee engagement. 

Data Management & Reporting 

• Utilize Salesforce CRM to track and manage event data and contacts. 
• Report regularly on event revenue, ROI, and donor engagement to senior leadership and the board. 

Other Duties as Assigned:  

• Support the Senior Director, Development with other initiatives and event-related tasks as assigned. 

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Event Leadership: Ability to design and implement event strategies that align with organizational goals and maximize revenue.  
• Revenue Generation & Financial Acumen: Proven track record in meeting/exceeding fundraising goals, managing event budgets, and optimizing ROI.  
• Donor & Sponsor Stewardship: Expertise in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding event donors and sponsors, including fulfillment and impact reporting.  
• Project & Team Management: Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects, lead teams, and oversee volunteers and committees.  
• Collaboration & Communication: Superior relationship-building, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.  
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Commitment to evaluating event performance, identifying growth opportunities, and implementing improvements. 
• Data & Technology Fluency: Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), event management platforms, and data-driven decision-making. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university 
• 5-10+ years experience in event planning and execution, nonprofit fundraising, marketing, or other relevant experience 
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding fundraising revenue goals for nonprofit events 
• Experience with event sponsorship solicitation 
• Proven success and experience in the planning, execution, and marketing of events 
• Experience leading volunteers or a volunteer committee preferred 
• Superior relationship-building and interpersonal skills which enable rapport-building with internal and external stakeholders 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail 
• Ability to work independently with some oversight  
• Computer fluency in MS Office and familiarity with fundraising platforms (e.g., Classy) and donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce) 
• CRM experience preferred 
• A continuous learner who is interested in being a proactive, positive member of the team 
• High energy and passion for Special Olympics Illinois mission 

Work Schedule & Requirements 

• Based in Chicago (with flexibility for a hybrid office schedule). 
• Reports to Senior Director of Development. 
• Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends as position demands. 
• Independent in-state travel frequently required, including some overnight and weekend travel as an essential function of position. 
• Physical mobility required: must be able to climb stairs, assist in setup and breakdown at events, stand or sit for long periods of time, and load and unload vehicles. 
• Medium work required, which involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds; requires a good deal of walking, standing, and/or sitting with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls; includes sedentary work. 
• Close visual acuity required to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines; operating motor vehicles. 
• First Aid/CPR Training and Certification required or willing to obtain within the first six months; must be able and willing to effectively administer First Aid/CPR on-site during events. 
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required. 
• Offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a background check.

Pay Rate
$60,000 - $90,000