Director of Special Events

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of the Wish Ball and other signature and stewardship events, overseeing logistics, vendor management, timelines, and overall event delivery.
• Own event revenue performance, including sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions, and donor giving, and develop annual event plans aligned with organizational fundraising goals.
• Identify and implement strategies to grow event revenue through innovative sponsorship models, donor engagement tactics, and fundraising initiatives.
• Partner with Event Chair(s) and recruit, engage, and manage a high-performing Host Committee to drive fundraising results, attendee engagement, and community visibility.
• Oversee development of sponsorship packages and support the cultivation and solicitation of corporate partners and individual donors.
• Ensure exceptional sponsor and donor experiences by managing deliverables, recognition, and all event-related communications, including invitations, stewardship, and follow-up.
• Design and execute meaningful event experiences that deepen donor engagement and satisfaction.
• Oversee the planning and execution of additional fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events throughout the year, ensuring alignment with donor engagement strategies and organizational priorities.

Budget & Financial Management

• Develop and manage comprehensive event budgets, ensuring financial goals are met or exceeded.
• Track revenue and expenses, providing regular financial updates and post-event analysis.
• Optimize cost efficiencies while maintaining a high-quality donor experience.

Donor Strategy & Pipeline Development

• Partner with individual giving, major gifts and corporate teams to maximize event-related revenue and engagement.
• Cultivate, steward, and solicit event donors, with a focus on transitioning high-potential supporters into major gift pipelines.
• Leverage events as a strategic tool for donor acquisition, retention, and upgrading.
• Support post-event donor stewardship plans and follow-up strategies to deepen relationships.

Team Leadership, Management & Collaboration

• Directly manage the Special Events Manager, providing leadership, coaching, and performance oversight.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team environment.
• Work closely with Development, Corporate Engagement, Major Gifts, and Marketing teams to align event strategies and messaging.
• Ensure seamless integration of event efforts into the broader fundraising ecosystem.
• Collaborate on promotional strategies, storytelling, sponsorship materials, and donor communications.