Special Events & Donor Relations Specialist

Summary: Under the direction of the Director of Development, plan and implement events intended to steward existing members and donors, and/or introduce potential prospects to the Center.

Job Duties:

• Center staff lead for Rendezvous Royale, interfacing and planning with partners and contractors.
• Manage the Center’s signature gala, Patrons Ball, working with staff and community volunteers.
• Identify prospects and solicit sponsorships for Patrons Ball; other events as directed.
• Coordinating with the Development office, assist Trustees and Advisors in developing and planning off-site member and donor relations events.
• Assist the Development office in creating “touchpoints” to steward members and donors year-round, and implementing of same when required.
• Effectively work with Center staff, both in development and other departments, to ensure efficient and excellent events.
• Manage all aspects of Center-sponsored Development events, including but not limited to budgeting and timely invoicing, guest lists, invitations, registration and payment processing, menus, set-up, seating arrangements, volunteer recruitment and training, logistics, and post-event debrief.
• Use Center databases such as Raiser’s Edge and other applicable Center software as directed, and within established processes for accounting, event set-up, and other logistical details.
• Develop and implement event templates, checklists, and other organizational devices.
• Coordinate social events occurring during Center Board of Trustee meetings.
• Occasional evening and weekend work and travel.

•  Ability to bring a high level of professionalism to event design and management
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Analytical thinker and solutions-oriented when challenges arise.
• Self-motivated and tactful.
• Demonstrates good judgment.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines with flexibility.
• Ability to build and successfully work within relationships with Center colleagues, Board members and Advisors, high level volunteer leadership, vendors, and event volunteers.
• Projects a professional and mature image; articulate, personable, and projects confidence and competence, even in intimidating situations. 
• Sense of humor.

• No direct reports, however, works closely with volunteers in carrying out these duties, and will need to direct staff, vendors, and volunteers in some situations.

• Four-year college degree.
• Experience in high-end event planning preferred.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office products, specifically Word and Excel. 
• Understanding of database usage such as queries and report generation.
• Experience working in a professional environment.
• Non-profit experience preferred.