About the Position

The Active Transportation Alliance produces several events each year, including one of the nation’s largest biking events, Bike the Drive, held over Labor Day weekend. The Volunteer and Events Manager is an important member of the Events Team with two essential roles: 1) recruit, train and manage roughly 300 volunteers for special events; and 2) assist with event registration, production and management. This position is a permanent, full-time hybrid position under the direct supervision of the Managing Director of Events. There will be some travel around the city and region, requiring some (varied) evenings each month and occasional weekends, including Labor Day weekend.

About the Organization
Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization. Our vision is a Chicago region abundant with walking, bicycling, and public transit options to create healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities. In partnership with thousands of members, hundreds of volunteers and a wide spectrum of community partners, our dedicated team has been working for several decades to create more opportunities for people to travel safely, actively, and enjoyably.

Active Transportation Alliance is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We work to practice the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do.

Active Transportation Alliance is a small organization doing big work and that means team members take on projects outside department or role-specific expectations from time to time; we go all in to support each other and our success.

About the Role – Key Accountabilities

1. Volunteer Program

• Recruit, assign, train and nurture volunteers (both individuals and groups) for a variety of event volunteer positions.
• Manage all pre-, post- and day-of-event volunteer activities. In-person attendance is required.
• Oversee our Volunteer Committee including managing calendar invites, agenda setting, and engaging with committee members
• Coordinate all volunteer communication both oral and written.
• Build and manage volunteer database records.
• Manage and update volunteer materials such as manuals, job descriptions, surveys and phone lists.

2. Event Registration and Management

• Lead event planning and execution of Bike to Work Challenge and one Advocacy event (timing late Jan/early Feb)
• Co-manage the online event registration system (Haku) including writing and managing website copy, managing online merchandise and membership sales, and other functions.
• Assist with transitioning Bike Challenge registration and trip tracking software to Haku.
• Assist with event production including venue research and related communications.
• Answer and direct public inquiries about events via phone, email and social media.
• Supervise the special events intern.

3. Other

• Participate in obligatory organization-wide events and activities.
• Participate in the implementation of ATA’s office-wide Racial Equity Action Plan.

The Must-Haves

We understand that people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. If you believe you have the skills to succeed in this role, regardless of your professional or educational background, we encourage you to apply.

• Great communication skills, including verbal and written.
• Ability to successfully multi-task and self-start.
• Appreciation for team-based work environments.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Energy and enthusiasm for in-person events.
• A passion for the transformational nature of walking, bicycling and transit on social and racial equity, community livability and sustainability; or willingness to learn and embrace same.
• A commitment to Active Transportation Alliance’s mission, vision and goals.
• Valid drivers license and comfortable driving around Chicago.
• Although not required, preferred special events experience, especially with large outdoor events.
• Physical Requirements: Able to:
  • Lift and carry items up to 25 lbs.
  • Operate a computer.
  • Sit at a desk for extended periods.
  • Stand, walk and be on your feet outdoors for extended periods.
  • Communicate and exchange information, adhere to deadlines.

Position Details

Start Date: This position is available immediately with a start date as soon as possible.
Term: This is a permanent, full-time hybrid position based out of Active Transportation Alliance’s office in Chicago.

Benefits include:

• 15 days paid vacation
• 10 days paid personal/sick time
• 15 paid holidays
• Employer-supported HMO, PPO and HSA health insurance plan options
• Vision insurance
• Dental reimbursement plan
• Life and long-term disability insuranc
• Short-term disability/medical/family leave
• Pre-tax transit benefit
• 401k retirement plan
• Flexible work environment with hybrid in-office and remote workplace options