Special Events Coordinator

SOMN (Special Olympics Minnesota) is a chapter of the world’s largest organization advocating for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, and through current sports, health, and leadership programs engaging people with and without disabilities, provides a positive impact for Minnesotans of every age and every ability.

Position Summary:

This position will play a pivotal role in the planning, coordination and execution of a variety of fundraisings events, with a particular focus on Polar Plunges. You will also provide support for and be a liaison to a variety of other Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and fundraising events. In addition to working on the Special Events team, you will work closely with both the Schools and Corporate Sponsorship team on mobile Polar Plunge events.

Reports to: Special Events Manager

Position Responsibilities

Event planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with the Special Events and Schools teams to plan and execute 20-30 Cool Schools events each year.
• Assist in scheduling and logistics for mobile Polar Plunge events ensuring proper resource allocation and overall efficiency.
• Support the development and implementation of the Event Manager program to enhance event operations without increasing staff burnout.
• Work with a large variety of stakeholders in the planning and execution of other fundraising events as assigned.

Support for Mobile Plunge Events:

• Provide year-round support for all mobile plunge events.
• Aid in the future planning and growth of Cool School Mobile Plunges, including scheduling and organization.

LETR Support:

• Actively recruit new LETR agencies, focusing on expanding our regional presence.
• Develop and send communications to potential agencies, present at meetings, and engage with communities not currently engaged with Special Olympics Minnesota.

Administrative Support:

• Provide administrative assistance to your team, manage eblasts, email inboxes and other communication for events.
• Support special projects, including the 2025 LETR International Conference and the 2026 USA Games Torch Run Final Leg.
• Mobile Polar Plunge events
• Run mobile Polar Plunge events for schools and corporate partners.
• Learn to drive a truck and mobile plunge trailer to and from these events.
• Maintain all equipment related to mobile Polar Plunge events.

Position Requirements

• Experience in event planning regarding fundraising or nonprofits preferred, but not required.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• 1-3 years of event experience

• Excellent written and oral communication skills to collaborate effectively with team members and external partners.

• Proven experience in customer service with demonstrated ability to connect with others and help various stakeholders achieve their goals.

• Must be able to pass a background check and have a clean drivers record.

• Experience with CRM systems (such as Raisers Edge), and Microsoft Office Suite, preferred.

• Ability to work independently at times.

• Access to a vehicle as transport to and from events.

Environment

• Hybrid schedule.

• Working outdoors - Some events are outdoors, such as sports events, Polar Plunges, and others. The number of events per year will vary and change seasonally. In heavier seasons, typically would not exceed 50% of time in a single week but could be up to 100% of your time in some instances.

• Working in hazardous environments - Work at outdoor events may include work in cold or warm temperatures which may require appropriate clothing or other protection to maintain health and safety. Some work may occur in winter conditions and will require accommodation for cold, snow and ice.

• Travel will be required for some events, including the occasional overnight trip to run events multiple days in a row.

Benefits:

Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance; Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K plan, Flexible Time Off and Paid holidays.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Special Olympics Minnesota is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Minneapolis, MN 55402

Salary : $50,000