What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fundraising Event Specialist position at Van Andel Institute?
Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.
Van Andel Institute (VAI)
is currently seeking to hire an early-to-mid-level Fundraising Event Specialist.
Are you a highly organized and creative events professional with a passion for philanthropy? VAI is seeking a dynamic Fundraising Event Specialist to join our dedicated Philanthropy Team. In this role, you'll be instrumental in bringing creative vision to life, executing impactful events that drive fundraising and community engagement.
As the Fundraising Event Specialist, you'll manage a diverse portfolio of fundraising events, cultivate corporate giving opportunities, and play a key role in the success of
the Purple Community
initiative. You'll work within a collaborative and energetic team environment, leveraging your organizational skills and creative flair to deliver exceptional event experiences.
Your Key Responsibilities in this role will include the following:
-
Event Planning and Execution:
- Execute a variety of fundraising events, including sporting events, school partnerships, and other community initiatives in alignment with the Director of Philanthropy's creative vision.
- Coordinate all logistical aspects of events, including venue selection, vendor management, and on-site execution.
- Establish and maintain detailed event timelines, budgets, and operational procedures.
-
Corporate Giving Support:
- Assist in the development and execution of corporate giving strategies and cultivation of new partnerships as it pertains Purple Community fundraising events.
- Maintain accurate records of corporate donors and sponsorships.
-
Marketing and Communication:
- Coordinate event marketing and communications, including website updates, social media promotion, and media outreach.
- Produce event collateral and marketing materials.
- Conduct interviews with local media outlets to promote VAI Purple Community events.
-
Data Management and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate event records, including donor and sponsor information, revenue, and expenses.
- Prepare event reports and analyze data to identify areas for improvement.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
What you will like most about working in the Philanthropy Department:
- Meaningful Impact: Contribute to groundbreaking research and science education.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside passionate professionals in a supportive organization.
- Creative Execution: Translate creative vision into impactful event experiences.
- Professional Growth: Develop your skills in event management and corporate giving.
- Community Engagement: Build relationships with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the community.
You should possess the following characteristics/traits:
- Exceptional Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Detail-oriented: Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and resolve challenges effectively.
- Team Player: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and volunteers.
To be a successful member of our team, we will measure the following areas:
- Professionalism
- Networking and relationship-building
- Strong technical skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Collaborative team player
- Donor and event host satisfaction
- Timeliness
- Creativity when troubleshooting
The qualifications and skills you will be required to have in this role:
- A bachelor’s degree in a business-related field and between three to five years of experience in fundraising, marketing, public/community relations, or event planning is preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with other members of the Philanthropy team, volunteers, and the public.
- Excellent organizational skills to meet deadlines.
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Word and Excel)
- The ability to work in a malleable environment with rapidly changing priorities and a variety of projects simultaneously, including work outside of the normal workday, including weekends.
Compensation and Benefits
-
All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! The salary you can expect in this Fundraising Event Coordinator role is based on your experience and skills.
How to Apply
- If you are a person who has demonstrated success in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you! Apply online now.
- In addition to your resume, provide a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role and how this position aligns with your goals. The cover letter and resume must be uploaded as one combined pdf document.
- If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Megan Doerr at Megan.Doerr@vai.org.
About Van Andel Institute
Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.
VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.
Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.
As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Institute is in downtown
Grand Rapids, Michigan
in the center of the Medical Mile
. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids
is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.
Located on the banks of the Grand River,
Grand Rapids
offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.
