Associate, Development & Special Events

The Release Recovery Foundation (RF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to breaking down barriers to professional treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness. Too often, individuals from underserved communities are unable to access proven treatments. At RF, we provide scholarships and a supportive community to help bridge the gap between what individuals can afford and the resources they need to transform their lives. Since 2019, RF has awarded over 100 scholarships, empowering individuals regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Development & Special Events Associate will lead the planning and execution of RF's fundraising events, ensuring high-quality execution and experiences that engage donors and maximize contributions. This role requires a dynamic and highly organized individual with a strong background in development, fundraising, and event management. The Development & Special Events Associate will oversee major fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships, and expand community engagement to support RF's mission.

Key Responsibilities

• New York City Marathon Project Management:
• Oversee all aspects of RF's involvement in the NYC Marathon, a signature fundraising initiative that historically raises over $750,000
• Recruit, support, and manage a team of 115 runners participating in the NYC Marathon for RF
• Develop fundraising strategies and provide coaching to participants to maximize contributions
• Plan and execute marathon-related events, including pre-race and post-race celebrations, ensuring a meaningful experience for runners and donors
• Maintain consistent communication with all stakeholders, fostering long-term engagement
• Annual Release Gala Management:
• Lead the planning and execution of the Release Gala, which raises over $700,000 annually
• Manage event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, program development, and sponsorship fulfillment
• Oversee guest list creation, donor engagement strategies, and sponsorship outreach to ensure fundraising success
• Work closely with the ED and Board to develop a compelling event that strengthens donor relationships and increases philanthropic support
• Other Fundraising & Peer-to-Peer Initiatives:
• Plan and execute additional peer-to-peer fundraising events, including the London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, NYC Half Marathon, and other endurance-based fundraising initiatives
• Develop creative engagement strategies to attract and retain fundraising participants
• Ensure budget adherence and provide reports on fundraising outcomes
• Brand Partnerships & Sponsorships:
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain ongoing strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors and brand partners to enhance fundraising initiatives
• Secure sponsorships and in-kind donations for key fundraising events, ensuring meaningful partnerships and ROI for sponsors
• Development & Donor Engagement:
• Build and strengthen relationships with major donors, sponsors, and key stakeholders to grow RF's fundraising capacity
• Oversee donor communications, ensuring acknowledgments, updates, and impact reporting are timely and meaningful
• General Operations:
• Develop and manage volunteer opportunities to support RF's fundraising events and initiatives
• Ensure smooth operations for fundraising campaigns, tracking key performance indicators and providing reports to the ED and Board
• Maintain meticulous records of donor interactions, sponsorship agreements, and event outcomes
  
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (4 years) in fundraising, nonprofit development, or event management
• Proven experience managing large-scale fundraising events, donor engagement, and sponsorship cultivation
• Understanding of behavioral health issues and related community needs is preferred.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills (proficiency in spreadsheets, data tracking, and scheduling tools required)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a positive, energetic demeanor and the ability to inspire donors and fundraising participants
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, corporate partners, volunteers, and key stakeholders
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and fundraising software (CRM experience preferred)
  
  
  

Benefits

Salary Range: $70k-$90k depending on experience