Special Events Director

The Special Events Director oversees and implements a portfolio of annual revenue generating and stewardship events. This position collaborates with the development team and fundraising volunteers to manage all aspects of events including planning, logistics, technology, volunteers and sponsorships.

Essential Functions:

• Solicits sponsors and individual donors for cash and in-kind support by phone, in-person and through other methods.
• Collaborates with development team to create overall event strategies that align with the organization's strategic fundraising plan.
• Oversees the execution of events including working with vendors, staff, volunteers, special event committee members, donors and sponsors. Ensures that events meet goals for fundraising and community engagement.
• Oversees event contracts including negotiating with venues, vendors, service providers and suppliers to ensure that costs are reasonable and that the organization is protected from liability.
• Solicits sponsors and individual donors for cash and in-kind support by phone, in-person and through other methods.
• Assists in planning and developing event budgets and manages expenditures to ensure that events stay within budget.
• Partners with the marketing and communications team to create invitations and related materials to promote events to targeted audiences.
• Creates post-event reports and analytics in order to evaluate event outcomes with a focus on sustainability and return on investment.
• Works on departmental projects as needed.

Position Competencies:

• Successful history in soliciting and securing gifts, including cash and in-kind.
• Knowledge of event planning and technology to plan and organize all aspects of fundraising events.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, online auction management systems, fundraising and project management software.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and relationship-building skills to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Excellent coordination and project management skills required to successfully plan, organize and execute events.
• Self-started multi-tasker that is able to work independently.

Qualifications:

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Must have at least 6 years of special event experience.
• At least 4 years of fundraising experience focused on corporate underwriting is preferred.
• Previous experience with online auction technology required.