Director, Special Events

Job Summary: The Network Director, Special Events will lead the overall special events efforts of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network including signature events at all network hospitals. The Network Director, Special Events is responsible for the event strategy, creative development, logistics and planning, vendor communications, budget management and production of assigned fundraising events to ensure a superlative guest experience.  This includes all logistics, working with vendors, researching viable sponsors, producing ad journals, auction catalogs and soliciting ticket/table sales, soliciting donors and businesses for gifts in kind, seating charts, silent auction and raffle items, website creation and design, eblasts and marketing strategy. The Network Director, Special Events will assist in logistical planning of other WMCHealth Network events, including internal events and symposiums. Provide leadership, strategy, and guidance to plan and implement donor cultivation and stewardship events.  In accordance with the approved fundraising strategic plan and budget, implement procedures to expand fund-raising & marketing efforts in support of WMCHealth Network through maximization of net revenues, while continuing to build awareness of the programs and services it provides for the community through the special events. 

                Responsibilities: 

• Develop strategic events direction and plans for maximizing event revenues and participation, professional programming execution, and all event logistics.
• Set measurable annual goals for special events to promote event and revenue growth, ultimately helping the foundation meet its overall goal.
• Create successful events in collaboration with other foundation team members and the marketing department to create awareness and raise funds through special events.
• Adhere to all WMCHealth, Development, and Marketing policies and procedures.
• As part of the foundation, work closely with other foundation staff, including Principal Gift Officers and Development Operations on donor outreach, solicitation lists, and follow-up for events
• Manage committees.
• Solicit in-kind donations for events.
• Management of all event related contracts.
• Obtain, evaluate, make recommendations, and process vendor proposals. Communicate with all vendors throughout the planning process, book & submit contracts and CRF to legal team, oversee rental orders, submit payment vouchers etc.
• Oversee on-site management of events logistics and event program.
• Manage Classy Live platform for on-site registration, auctions, and event logistics to ensure day-of event runs smoothly.
• Maintain event donor history, attendance, and other event-related information in Salesforce program.
• Manage design and production of event materials including save-the-dates, invitations and journals for various types of events.
• Create and maintain special events websites for publicity, registration and fundraising.  Coordination outbound communications regarding events.
• Recruit, manage, motivate, train and mentor event volunteers to work as a team and as advocates with a priority of increasing additional community awareness and philanthropic support.
• Determine all security needs, insurance coverage or special permits required for an on- or off-site event.
• Responsible for daily supervision of the Manager, Special Events- prioritizes workload, provides leadership, and guidance.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required from time to time.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Experience:

• 7 years of non-profit fundraising & event planning

Education:  

• Bachelor’s Degree, required

 Licenses / Certifications: N/A

Other:

• Knowledge of Salesforce and software applications including Classy, Fonteva and other events-based websites, as well as MS Office products & Adobe experience preferred.

• Ability to relate well and work effectively with multiple constituencies and audiences
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Attention to detail and ability to adhere to strict deadlines
• Team player committed to developing and working within a collaborative environment and to ensuring the highest customer-service orientation
• Flexible schedule as needed;  Night and weekend work when necessary.
• Valid Driver’s Licenses to travel between campuses

Special Requirements:

• Demonstrated track record of success in execution of special events, including revenue and attendance growth, strategic approaches and logistics
• Gala, Golf, and/or Walk experience highly desirable