Development and Events Foundation Specialist

Location: Charlottesville, VA | Work Shift: First (Days) | Onsite role within the foundation offices

About the role

The Development and Events Associate Foundation Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing annual fundraising marketing, public relations, and communications plans, projects, and special events that build the Foundation's image and support its strategic and marketing goals. This position requires the ability to self-manage and lead projects from conception to completion, with excellent writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Event Planning and Execution:
  • Oversee a calendar of special events, managing planning, logistics, venue sourcing, catering, AV setup, event rentals, and budget management to maximize return on investment.
  • Supervise event set-up and teardown, ensuring adherence to organizational standards.
  • Manage event registrations, communications, and attendance through Blackbaud and Constant Contact CRM systems.
• Primary Staff Liaison for The Women’s Committee (TWC):
  • Develop, organize, and execute fundraising campaigns and renewal initiatives to drive revenue and membership growth.
  • Support committee efforts through strategic mission messaging, event management, and targeted outreach to enhance member engagement and volunteerism.
  • Prepare for events, boost volunteer participation, and provide comprehensive campaign reporting to foster ongoing growth.
  • Maintain accurate data and track event participants in donor management systems.
• Create and maintain reports tracking revenue and expenses related to events, in collaboration with the foundation operations team.
• Collaborate with marketing/communications teams to produce brand-compliant event materials, such as invitations, flyers, and digital outreach.
• Prepare lists and direct mailing materials for appeals, acknowledgments, and segmented event outreach.
• Coordinate website content updates related to TWC and other events, in collaboration with the Director of Annual Giving and Communication and the marketing team.
• Support the Development team in other fundraising initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required OR 6 years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, with demonstrated ability to manage data, reports, and documentation.
• Experience with website content management; Adobe Acrobat is a plus.
• 2 years’ experience in data entry and database management; experience with fundraising CRMs (Raiser’s Edge or similar) strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility, and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to $10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance – $5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down – $10,000
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria are met

Schedule

Primarily business hours with variations needed for evening and weekend special events.