POSITION TITLE: Manager of Partnerships & Events STATUS: Exempt, FT GRADE: 5

DEPT: Strategic Engagement SALARY: $55,000- $65,000

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Marketing and Communications

SUMMARY: The Manager of Partnerships & Events is responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships, overseeing special events, and leading volunteer engagement initiatives to advance the organization’s mission and revenue goals. They are directly responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and implementation for all of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s external events focused on fundraising, as well as free and public educational events designed to build organizational brand awareness and community engagement. This role will cultivate relationships with corporate sponsors, community partners, and donors while designing and executing high-impact in-person, virtual, and hybrid events that drive engagement and financial support.

COLLABORATES WITH: Strategic Engagement team, program leadership and direct service staff, IT and data personnel, and outside vendors.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event Planning & Execution

· Plan and execute virtual and hybrid events, including fundraising galas, community engagement activities, donor cultivation events, webinars, panel discussions, and online fundraising campaigns

· Manage all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, budgeting, promotion, and post-event evaluation.

· Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and implement event marketing strategies, maximizing reach and participation.

· Ensure seamless event execution by managing timelines, workflows, and risk mitigation plans.

· Leverage digital tools and platforms to maximize audience engagement and accessibility; track virtual event performance metrics and implement improvements based on data insights.

Strategic Partnerships & Business Development

· Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with corporate, community, and nonprofit partners to enhance engagement and funding opportunities.

· Develop sponsorship proposals and secure financial and in-kind support for events and programs.

· Maintain a partnership pipeline and track outreach efforts to ensure sustained relationship-building and revenue growth.

· Collaborate with internal teams to align partnership efforts with marketing, development, and programmatic priorities.

Volunteer Engagement & Management

· Develop and oversee volunteer engagement programs, including corporate volunteer days, skills-based volunteer opportunities, and community service events.

· Coordinate volunteer recruitment, training, and retention strategies to enhance long-term engagement.

· Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate volunteer partners, ensuring meaningful and mission-aligned volunteer experiences.

Budgeting & Reporting

· Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with revenue goals.

· Track and report on key performance metrics, including attendance, engagement, and financial outcomes.

· Provide regular reports to leadership on partnership growth and event success.

Team Leadership & Cross-Department Collaboration

· Supervise event and partnership contractors and volunteers as needed.

· Work closely with the marketing and development teams to align messaging and outreach efforts.

· Represent the organization at partner meetings, conferences, and public-facing engagements.

Other Duties as Assigned

· Provide general support to the Strategic Engagement teams as needed.

· Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in nonprofit marketing and communications.

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Participate in administrative and program meetings, as appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task, or other assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· 2-4 years of experience in event management, corporate partnerships, fundraising, or a related field, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.

· Proven experience planning and executing large-scale special events, volunteer programs, and virtual/hybrid events with measurable success.

· Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field (or equivalent experience) is preferred.

· Demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage corporate partnerships and secure sponsorships.

· Experience managing budgets, vendors, and event logistics while ensuring financial and operational efficiency.

Core Competencies:

· Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, handling unexpected challenges, and adjusting plans as needed.

· Budget & Financial Oversight: Ability to create, track, and manage event budgets while optimizing resources.

· Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver compelling presentations and sponsor pitches.

· Event & Project Management: Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale events from inception to completion, ensuring seamless operations.

· Marketing & Communications: Strong understanding of event promotion, sponsorship outreach, and audience engagement through various channels.

· Partnership & Relationship Building: Strong track record of developing and maintaining relationships with corporate sponsors, donors, vendors, and community partners.

· Strategic Thinking & Fundraising: Ability to align events and partnerships with organizational goals to increase revenue and brand visibility.

· Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with event management platforms, CRM systems, and virtual event tools (Zoom, Eventbrite, Salesforce, etc.).

· Volunteer Management: Experience recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for engagement programs and corporate volunteer days.

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Bachelor's Degree preferred Field of Study Preferred: Hospitality Management, Event Management, Communications, PR, Marketing, Business Administration or related field required

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: N/A

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The primary work environment includes dedicated desk space within a downtown Chicago office. This position may also require travel to other YWCA offices or off-site locations for special events. The noise level is usually moderate. Movement requirements include walking, stooping, or kneeling. There may be a need to reach, lift, or move objects, such as packages, supplies, and computers. Normal (or corrected) vision range; The ability to see color and to distinguish letters, numbers, and symbols are necessary for the work, which may require close viewing. Occasionally they may need to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Communication needs include seeing, hearing, and speaking. While in the office, there

will be periods of sitting, holding a telephone, and using computers. Reasonable accommodation may be made for an incumbent to meet the essential responsibilities of the position.

WORK SCHEDULE: HYBRID – Work from home 2 days a week, in the office 3 days a week. Normal working hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. This position will require work on some evenings and weekends. The schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency