Project Director, Community Events (Chicago)
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Chicago, IL
MDA Overview: At MDA, we believe our biggest asset is our combination of different backgrounds, cultures, and disciplines united to form one high-performing team. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generation s, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive. What we do starts with our people and the neuromuscular disease community we serve. As Americas largest voluntary health organization covering research, healthcare, and advocacy for people with neuromuscular diseases, MDA is leading the way in improving the quality of life for those living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, and dozens of related disorders many first discovered and diagnosed by MDA supported scientists and clinicians. Department Overview: The Community Events department strategically plans and executes fundraising events, oversees development operations, and cultivates volunteer engagement across the United States. Their overarching goal is to generate critical funds cost-effectively through diverse community-led events and campaigns, including National Service Partners, Muscle Walks, DIY events, MDA Supported Events, and Team Momentum. This is accomplished by strictly adhering to event best practices, maximizing operational efficiencies, and innovatively integrating volunteers into virtually every facet of fundraising. As a component of the Community Partnerships structure, the department is also responsible for effective donor relationship management and rigorous fiscal oversight, ensuring that net revenue (after expenses) from all fundraising endeavors consistently exceeds 70%. Position Description: The Project Director, Community Events plays a critical role in advancing MDAs mission by leading the execution of high-impact fundraising events that generate $400K$500K in annual revenue . This position requires a dynamic project leader with proven expertise in event management, cross-functional coordination, marketing strategy, and budget accountability. You will own a portfolio of events and fundraising initiatives from start to finishoverseeing strategy, logistics, communications, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, solution-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at managing multiple priorities, and consistently delivers exceptional results. In addition to managing a portfolio of events, this role provides direct project management support across the community events team campaigns and initiatives, partnering with the team to ensure consistency, alignment, and successful outcomes. This role directly contributes to revenue growth, pipeline development, and brand visibilityplaying a vital part in achieving MDAs fundraising goals. What youll do: Fundraising & Revenue Growth
- Execute individual business plan to exceed revenue goals and quotas specifically related to your portfolio.
- Drive fundraising success by identifying and implementing best practices to meet and exceed income targets.
- Partner with internal teams to support Fundraise Your Way and National Service Partners programs contributing over $2M in annual revenue.
- Monitor and manage program budgets with strong fiscal accountability, including forecasting and variance tracking.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, corporate partners, and volunteers to expand program reach and secure event participation.
- Represent MDA at key community and partner events as needed.
- Monitor and analyze key metrics to inform decisions and optimize future campaigns.
- Lead the planning and execution of community-based campaigns and events, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Develop comprehensive project plans and oversee timelines, workstreams, and deliverables across multiple stakeholders.
- Identify project risks, propose mitigation strategies, and ensure alignment with MDAs strategic priorities.
- Collaborate with departments including IT, Finance, Procurement, Marketing, and external vendors to ensure seamless project execution.
- Serve as a Marketing Vertical Lead, providing strategic guidance on campaign implementation, messaging, and performance tracking.
- Leverage platforms such as Salesforce and DonorDrive to manage constituent data, support campaigns, and monitor performance.
- Prepare data-driven reports, dashboards, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Lead and execute social media campaigns to support flagship initiatives like Muscle Walk and Team Momentum, driving awareness, participation, and donor engagement.
- Ensure programs are developed and executed with a focus on equity, accessibility, and compliance with MDAs mission and values.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Bachelors degree or equivalent experience; relevant field preferred.
- 5+ years of experience in project management, fundraising, or event execution in a nonprofit or similar setting.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects across multiple stakeholders and platforms.
- Strong proficiency in digital tools including Salesforce, DonorDrive, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience working with finance teams on budget management and contract oversight.
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and pivot in a dynamic environment.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly.
- Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and fostering a results-driven culture.
- A commitment to MDAs values and mission to empower individuals and families living with neuromuscular diseases.
- For fulltime employees
- Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with prescription coverage
- Health Savings Account with contribution matching and Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and/or dependent care
- Paid sick leave
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 100% contribution towards basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
- Optional additional life insurance and dependent life insurance available
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
- Generous paid time off policy, with increasing accrual rate schedule
- 16 paid holidays
- Standard 35-hour work week with flexible hours
- Remote, work from home opportunities
- Professional Learning and Development opportunities, including Leadership skills
- Company sponsored Wellness Program
Posted 2025-08-10
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