Fundraising and Events Assistant

If you are passionate about creative writing, non-profits, and love to go to a ton of fun events, this is the perfect job for you!  We have festivals, fundraisers, small parties, big parties, and love all things literary.  We just need someone to help us put it all together.  It’s a great opportunity to launch your career in event planning, fundraising, and pulling off magical feats with our Events Director. We welcome and encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups.    

Stories Matter Foundation is Chicago’s premier writing organization. We are a 501 (c) 3 organization with a mission to build communities of storytellers trained to question, explore, celebrate, and change their worlds using the power of story. Our three pillars consist of StoryStudio Chicago, our creative writing school; The Chicago Stories Project that develops writing programs with community partners; and the Chicago Review of Books, Chicago’s flagship book review publication. Creative writing, storytelling, and readers are at the core of everything we do.    

Joining Stories Matter Foundation means having a direct and measurable impact on supporting the arts in Chicago, and – now that we’re online – everywhere in the world. We love books, writers, readers, storytellers, and bringing like-minded people in the literary community together.  

Title:  Fundraising and Events Assistant

Reports to:  Fundraising and Events Director

Working hours:  20 hours per week.

Work Location:  Stories Matter Foundation / StoryStudio Chicago office at 4043 N. Ravenswood.

Responsibilities:

• Laying the groundwork – setting and confirming event dates; identifying diverse, talented groups of writers to invite; scouting locations; and all other tasks related to managing the events we have throughout the year.
• Administrative support – Researching caterers and other event-related vendors; effectively and promptly communicating with talent, participants, and everyone involved.  Answering questions, following up to ensure necessary information is received, and tracking everything in a comprehensive, understandable spreadsheet.
• Physical support – attending the events and representing Stories Matter Foundation; thinking quickly on your feet for troubleshooting and logistics, including anything from fixing presentation equipment to answering questions to handing out flyers, your job is to make it possible for attendees to say “that was the best event I’ve ever been to.”
• Managing small to midsize events – this is where you make things all your own in executing on the established goals and objectives such as readings, small awards ceremonies, and meet-ups.
• Volunteer Management – meeting with and overseeing our Ministry of Lit volunteers.

Requirements:

• 1-2 years higher education, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in a fast paced environment and ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Passion for creative writing and non profit organizations.
• A roll-up-your sleeves, get it done attitude and approach to work.

Pay/Benefits:

• Competitive salary for 25 hours per week
• Fun atmosphere and supportive co-workers
• 20% off of all StoryStudio Chicago Classes

To apply:  Submit a resume and cover letter to us at info@storystudiochicago.org  Be sure to include contact information for two professional references.