Director, Special Events

Title of Position:     Director, Special Events                                         FLSA Status:    Exempt

Department:            Development

Reports to:                Associate Vice President, Stakeholder Engagement  

Salary:                        $90,000

Positions reporting to this position:       None

Purpose of the Position 

The Director of Special Events is an experienced fundraising professional responsible for a portfolio of revenue generating events.  Reporting to the Associate Vice President, the Director of Special Events will serve as the lead for event planning and production management and work with the Associate Vice President on revenue generation.  The Director is a creative and entrepreneurial professional with the ability to execute high quality special events that meet or exceed annual goals. The Director has exemplary relationship building skills and plays a critical role in managing high-level fundraising events and securing funding for Win.

Responsibilities:

• Develop the overall management plan for major fundraising events.
• Provide budget management, acquisition, cultivation, and retention of event participants, solicit corporate sponsorships, provide pre- and post-event follow up, provide committee recruitment, manage event committees, and maintain timelines on all design materials. 
• Coordinate vendor production schedules and manage venue contracts, save-the-date invitation design, media loops, printing and mailing, caterers, photographers, videographers, and consultants for each event. 
• Support AVP of Stakeholder Engagement in developing and managing run of show and production of major fundraising events.
• Track and manage ticket sales and sponsorships, draft correspondence and solicitation mailings, and execute sponsorship benefit elements.
• Manage database for all event donors and contributions.
• Maintain practical methods to track multiple priorities with competing timeframes and resource needs.
• Develop and coordinate post-event analytics to ensure continued success of events and sustainability. 
• Support the AVP of Stakeholder Engagement in developing and maintaining close working relationships with Win board members, event chairs, committees, and honorees. 
• Lead relationship manager for Win Partners and the Impact Party.
• Work with key stakeholders including trustees and Win senior staff to meet budget goals with a strong focus on return on investment (ROI).
• Develop an event evaluation process to highlight a ROI analysis. 
• Provide proactive problem-solving while managing event logistics which include signage, catering, registration, volunteers, staffing, and talent management. 
• Work with the communications team to identify and implement ideas on effective marketing strategies and campaigns that highlight Win events. 
• Research and present potential new donor prospects and key industry stakeholders to the Associate Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement and the Senior Vice President of Development.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule that may include evenings and weekend events as needed.
• Other related duties as assigned.  

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to sit at a computer for a majority of the work day.
• Must use public transportation to travel to Win sites and other related meetings and events.

Qualifications: 

• Commitment to Win’s mission, vision, and values.
• BA plus and five (5) years of experience in event management executing high profile fundraising events. 
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills with superior attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Salesforce experience a plus.
• Knowledge of graphic design, photography, video editing, InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator a plus.

Core Competencies: 

• Event Planning and Management:   Executes high quality fundraising events that meet or exceed annual goals. Proven skills in cultivation and retention of event donors. Experience maintaining timeline and managing event communications.
• Budget Management: Ensures detailed budgets are created for each event. Coordinates vendor production schedules and manages venue contracts. Understands how to evaluation event success through an ROI analysis and provide recommendations to increase performance in future years.
• Customer Service and Relationship Management:  Understands how to engage and cultivate event donors with an eye toward growing their relationship with and support of Win. 
• Applies and Develops Expertise:   Demonstrates depth of knowledge and skill and applies technical knowledge to solve a range of problems.  Keeps informed about cutting edge methodology in his/her area. Pays attention to detail. Develops and meets challenging but achievable goals.  Understands consequences.  Manages time and problem solves effectively.

WIN’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION HIRING COMMITMENT

Our most effective service to our community comes from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experience. As a result, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment.  Win actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.