Job Title(s): Events and Volunteer Associate
Department: Development
Reports To: Director of Development
Direct Reports: NA
Classification: Exempt
Date: 7/16/24
Company Overview
Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. To date, CHIL has served nearly 2,000 young people, administering tailored, wraparound services, including interim and transitional shelter, workforce and education programming, clinical case management, life-skills training, and more to help youth permanently escape the cycle of homelessness. CHIL's programs and services are youth affirming, supportive, and rooted in harm reduction and trauma-sensitive care. With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s west side and a recently enacted three-year strategic plan outlining a comprehensive vision of program expansion and service innovation, CHIL is uniquely positioned to meet the emerging needs of young people experiencing housing instability and provide the resources and care they need to achieve sustainable independence.
Primary Responsibilities
Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. With a newly renovated base of operations, increased capacity to serve greater numbers of youth, a slate of new and expanded programs, and a recently enacted strategic vision guiding growth and service delivery over the next three years, CHIL is primed to become Chicago’s premier agency serving young people experiencing homelessness.
To help us achieve our goals and ensure Chicago’s youth receive the services they need to successfully break the cycle of homelessness, CHIL is seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to work on the planning and execution of events and managing volunteer activities that advance our mission and engage our community.
Job Duties:
Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Sleep Out: Chicago - Growth and Coordination:
- Work collaboratively with CHIL’s Marketing & Communications Manager and other team members on the planning and execution of CHIL’s annual flagship fundraising and awareness building event: Sleep Out: Chicago.
- Manage sleeper engagement – including recruitment, retention, messaging, support, and logistics.
- Develop and coordinate tailored Corporate (or other group) Sleep Outs throughout the year.
- Research the viability of a Chicago-based NOBS-like event, potentially focusing on Chicago’s theater or comedy communities.
Donor Cultivation and Stewardship Events:
- Coordinate annual calendar of donor cultivation and stewardship events, partnership with programs team and external groups.
- Work with Associate Director of Development, Donor Relations, to plan and coordinate donor cultivation and recognition events throughout the year.
Youth-Facing Events Coordination:
- Collaborate with programs and external vendors/partners to organize youth-focused events, including:
- Workforce events.
- Recurring annual events such as Pride Fest, Juneteenth, Holiday celebrations, etc.
- CHIL Prom.
Volunteer Program Management:
- Develop a calendar of onsite and virtual volunteer opportunities.
- Coordinate with volunteer groups for routine clothing closet organization, clean-up, and inventory.
- Reintroduce used clothing donations by developing website forms, working with individuals and groups, and vetting donations.
- Recruit and coordinate reception desk volunteer opportunities and other needed administrative duties.
Fundraising Coordination:
- Explore additional peer-to-peer volunteer opportunities, including applying for and managing CHIL’s Chicago Marathon Charity fundraising team.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in event management, nonprofit management, communications, or related field preferred.
- Proven experience in event planning, volunteer coordination, and project management.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Passion for CHIL's mission and commitment to serving youth experiencing homelessness.