Illinois Conservatory for the Arts | Naperville, IL | Hybrid

About ICA

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts (ICA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization based in the western suburbs of Chicago. We provide pre-professional training in musical theater, dance, and more for 200+ students across Chicagoland — more than half of whom receive need based financial assistance. Our programs create real access for young artists who might otherwise never have the opportunity, and our fundraising events are the engine that makes that possible.

The Role

ICA is seeking a Corporate Partnerships & Events Associate to cultivate and secure corporate sponsorships for A Night of Broadway — our annual black-tie benefit gala featuring Broadway headliners and a full orchestra — and other ICA fundraising events throughout the year.

This is a part-time, hybrid role built for an experienced nonprofit development professional who knows how to move a corporate relationship from introduction to signed commitment.

You will be the primary point of contact for corporate sponsors: identifying prospects, initiating outreach, building relationships, presenting sponsorship opportunities, and closing support.

A Night of Broadway 2027 is scheduled for February 20 at Hotel Arista at CityGate Centre in Naperville. This is an active, immediate need — we are looking for someone who can begin cultivating prospects now.

You will have intern support for research, prospect list development, and administrative follow-through. The work of cultivation and solicitation is yours.

What You'll Do

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit corporate sponsors for A Night of Broadway and other ICA fundraising events
• Build and manage an active prospect pipeline, moving relationships from first contact through commitment
• Represent ICA at community events, networking functions, and business meetings across DuPage County and the surrounding region
• Present tailored sponsorship packages to corporate decision-makers and community foundation contacts
• Secure event underwriting, table sponsorships, and in-kind support aligned with ICA's sponsorship tiers
• Maintain relationships with existing corporate partners and steward them toward renewed or increased investment
• Collaborate with ICA leadership on prospect strategy, proposals, and donor acknowledgment

Who We're Looking For

Required:

• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, corporate partnerships, or fundraising — with a focus on event sponsorship or major gifts
• A track record of personally soliciting and closing corporate commitments, not just supporting someone else's portfolio
• Existing relationships with corporate contacts, community leaders, or philanthropic decision-makers in DuPage County or the broader Chicagoland area
• Comfort initiating outreach, making direct asks, and following up persistently and professionally
• Ability to attend in-person meetings and community events locally in Naperville and surrounding areas

Preferred:

• Experience securing gala or benefit event sponsorships for a nonprofit organization
• Familiarity with corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets, community investment programs, or charitable sponsorship frameworks
• Relationships with Chicagoland-area foundations or national corporate giving programs
• Background in arts, education, or youth-serving nonprofits

Compensation

This is a part-time contract role with a flexible schedule. Compensation is commensurate with experience and structured as a fee-for-service or monthly retainer arrangement in the range of $30 per hour for up to 20 hours per week. 

To Apply

Send a brief note and your resume to dylan.ladd@ilconservatory.org. Tell us about a corporate sponsorship or event commitment you personally cultivated and closed.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.