Development Events Specialist

About the Role

The Development Events Specialist is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising and stewardship events that advance the Give Kids The World mission and philanthropic goals. Reporting to the Events Manager, this position manages event logistics from planning through post-event evaluation while leading the procurement, organization, and execution of live and silent auctions.

The Development Events Specialist works collaboratively with Development, Marketing, volunteers, vendors, and community partners to deliver exceptional experiences for donors, sponsors, and guests.

Responsibilities

• Event Planning & Logistics
  • Develop and maintain detailed event timelines, production schedules, and task lists.
  • Manage event registration, seating, guest lists, and attendee communications.
  • Assist in managing event setup, execution, and breakdown.
  • Recruit, schedule, and supervise event volunteers.
  • Monitor event budgets, invoices, contracts, and expense tracking.
  • Conduct post-event evaluations and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Auction Procurement & Management
  • Develop and implement an annual auction procurement strategy.
  • Solicit auction items from businesses, corporate partners, donors, and community organizations.
  • Build and maintain relationships with auction donors and procurement volunteers.
  • Track procurement goals and maintain accurate auction inventory.
  • Prepare auction packages, descriptions, values, and display materials.
  • Coordinate auction software, item entry, packaging, and checkout processes.
  • Oversee silent and live auction logistics before and during events.
  • Coordinate item delivery, pickup, and donor acknowledgments following each auction.
• Collaboration & Donor Engagement
  • Partner with Development staff to identify auction opportunities through corporate partners and donors.
  • Work with Marketing to develop promotional materials and event communications.
  • Support stewardship efforts for sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, and event participants.
  • Assist with additional fundraising initiatives and special projects as assigned.
• Physical Demands
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Willing to work evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events.
  • Assist with event setup and breakdown.
  • Able to travel occasionally for events as needed.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing fundraising events and donor engagement initiatives.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage and motivate external fundraisers and donors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CRM systems.
• Ability to operate a motorized vehicle, including a battery-operated golf cart.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Must meet acceptable attendance and punctuality requirements, which are essential functions for the position.
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum of two years relevant work experience; or a combination of education and relevant work experience equal to six or more years.
• 3+ years of fundraising, event management, or donor relations experience in a non-profit setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Salesforce CRM for fundraising management and donor engagement.
• Professional certifications such as CFRE or event management certifications.
• Experience in third-party fundraising outreach and corporate sponsorship management.