Director of Special Events and Corporate Relations

Director of Special Events and Corporate Relations

As a member of the Development team, the Director of Special Events and Corporate Relations is responsible for:

• Under limited direction, manage, grow in dollars and attendance and market assigned (and as developed) fundraising and non-fundraising special events with a focus on the annual gala and golf outing and Charity Preview. Functions as the lead or resource for special events; coordinates workflow and oversees on all special event functions.
• Strategic development and integration of an honorary chair system for all major campaigns and initiatives, including chair and vice-chair positions for each committee. Establishing a model for each campaign that recruits and retains three years of chairs. Recruits and engages high-level Event and Committee Chairs and high-level corporate sponsors.
• Initiates, plans, organizes and implements a wide variety of fundraising events and projects (i.e. third party, luncheons, galas, concerts, golf outings, dinners, open houses and tours, races, etc.).
• Develops, plans, coordinates and executes contracts along with all details related to assigned fundraising events according to best practices and ensures financial success of the events.
• Recruits, develops, manages and grows robust committees of volunteers with diverse social networks. Acts as liaison to donor/donor committee, ensures stewardship of donors and coordinates expectations of donor with area in which event will benefit. Works with the CDO to identify, recruit, cultivate and steward event participants/leaders to move donors up the giving pyramid within Judson Center.
• Acts as point of contact for organizations, groups, corporations and/or individuals in the community conducting special events to benefit the organization.
• Manages budget for events; ensures budgets are maintained by tracking expenses and revenue against financial goals; evaluates achievement of events success and prepares reports on results.
• Serves as the face of Judson Center in the community to market the organization and create brand awareness and recognition.
• Potential management of a small major gifts portfolio, largely derived from event participants and leaders.
• Responsible for the Corporate Relations Program with the identification and development of corporate fundraising and engagement through cultivation and stewardship programs.
• Other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications or related field required.
• Minimum five years' experience in Campaign or Event Planning or related field required.
• Experience developing Corporate Relations programs a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail

Skills required:

• Excellent event planning and organizational skills including the ability to track and analyze budgets
• Donor stewardship experience and the ability to identify, cultivate, solicit and retain donors- individual, community and corporate/organizational
• Interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to effectively represent fundraising goals, mission and purpose to prospective donors, community at large, colleagues and other external contacts as necessary
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers including the use of word processing, database, powerpoint and excel applications
• Ability to effectively promote events in community and with key stakeholders
• Ability to work successfully and efficiently under pressure in an event environment; Ability to negotiate results-oriented solutions to problems
• Experience with database systems; preferably RaisersEdge
• Experience in designing marketing collateral pieces a plus; In-Design, Illustrator, Photoshop
• Positive attitude, high energy, creativity and flexibility
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings as needed