Benjamin Hecke Email & Phone Number

Manhattan, Illinois, United States

Elected Official. Represents the Manhattan community. Advocate for the importance of having free community events to attract local public to events to build a base of community support. • Oversaw refinancing of District bond structures to capture additional revenue for District capital improvements.

Brought in to utilize experience and expertise in approaching high net worth individuals and business decision makers to partner on programs and events.Owns or manages land in 70 forest preserves including 10 designated as Illinois Nature Preserves for their rare natural features. Offers environmental, historical, and cultural education programs for students in the classroom and at visitor centers throughout Will County as well as programming for youth groups.• Created “Food Truck Friday” program attracting over 5K visitors annually.• Developed the “No Gear, No Problem” program designed to make camping opportunities accessible to individuals and families without equipment.• Coordinated District third-party vendors of recreational services that saw over 5,000 rentals in 2020.• Developed and programed District outreach based events. • Collaborated with Marketing Department to develop strategies for reaching new audiences and expand participant pool.• Represented the District at community functions across Will County and greater Chicagoland.• Solicited community partners for involvement in District programming. • Presented to community organizations on District initiatives, programs, and history. • Managed budget that included staff hours, interpretative needs, and event promotional materials.

Brought in to develop and launch a new program designed to identify and attract 1,000 or more new givers.• Created the Mid-Level Giving Program for the national organization.• Prospected and solicited donors for Annual Fund designed to fund undergraduate students. • Established and nurtured relationships with new, existing, and prospective donors. • Developed and created the budget for annual travel, donor solicitations, and stewardship needs. • Presented across the nation on the state of the national organization and impact on local needs. • Created Marketing strategies utilizing digital technology best practices for targeted campaigns to increase overall giving. • Collaborated in developing breakout sessions and donor appreciation events at National Convention. • Coordinated with local charters on restricted giving campaigns for Chapter housing needs. • Speaker at the American Leadership Academy in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico focused on leadership development of college aged men.

Valparaiso University

Managed student staff of over 200.• Oversaw intramural sports program with over 80,000 participations in 30 activities.• Scheduled staff across facilities, programming, and lifeguarding. • Conducted employee review program including promotions and disciplinary actions. • Trained over 300 individuals in CPR/First Aid. • Conducted safety management programs including AEDs, first aid kits, building evacuation plans, and first aid training to all staff. • Instructor of water safety for 6 different Northeast Indiana Law Enforcement Academy classes.

Joliet, Illinois

Was in charge of developing statistical packages as well as game notes for each game. Oversaw the the running of the hospitality room. Marketed organization to a community of 150,00 residents. Was team's third broadcaster and traveled to various locations to broadcast professional baseball.

Fort Wayne, Indiana Area

Camp Counselor at youth day camp. Led kids in sessions of over 200 participants. Oversaw programming of over 2,500 children ages 4-18 in my time as counselor.

Master Of Science (M.S.), Sports Administration

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Sports Communications, Theology

Activities and Societies: Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, Valparaiso University Student Senate, VUTV, WVUR, The Torch