Position:              Director of Special Events 

Reports to:         Senior Director of Marketing & Development

FLSA Status:       Full Time Exempt

Description

Special Olympics Delaware (SODE) seeks an enthusiastic Director of Special Events to join its Marketing & Development team.  The Director of Special Events will be responsible for the development and execution of special event fundraisers that fuel the mission of Special Olympics.  The candidate must be proficient in online registration platforms that utilize both peer to peer fundraising and ticketed campaigns.

Major Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and execution of special event fundraisers
• Responsible for the creation of online registration for all applicable special event fundraisers and other events as assigned

• Coordinate event logistics, including registration and attendee tracking, with an emphasis on increasing retention and decreasing attrition, strengthening the SODE brand, and expanding SODE’s profile and reach into new constituent groups
• In collaboration with the Marketing & Development team, help create and oversee the design of event communications, invitations and promotional materials on all marketing platforms to include social media
• Working closely with the Director of Volunteers, recruit, train, and manage volunteers to assist in the execution of special events
• Manage volunteer committees for events, including developing goals and objectives for committees, facilitating meetings and leading members to successfully complete the goals and objectives established
• Create and adhere to project budgets and timelines for special events
• Track and collect funds raised for special events including monitoring progress of registrants
• Analyze registration and revenue data post-event to maximize future opportunities

• Communicate with event participants, respond to queries in a timely and professional manner
• Ensure communication methods and tools used during and after events provide a positive and memorable experience for all participants, supporting staff, and volunteers with a focus on retention of all involved
• Working with the Marketing & Development team, design fundraising strategies to meet the current and future revenue needs of SODE
• Candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment and possess the ability to multitask
• Collaborate with staff to implement the best written, visual, and audio content that supports special events, initiatives and campaigns taking place
• Responsible for the management, setup and tear-down of assigned events; contributes to other events when necessary
• Assist in other duties within Marketing & Development or other areas as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university, preferably in marketing, business, communications, or a related area
• Proven work experience in nonprofit event management (ideally 3 years)Established proficiency and practical experience using Classy or a comparable giving platform that enables nonprofits to connect supporters with the causes they care about via event registration and donation opportunities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a particular emphasis on writing talents
• Highly organized with the ability to successfully handle multiple projects, prioritize work, and adapt easily to changing priorities while meeting critical deadlines
• Proven ability to work as a team player with various groups and organizations
• Ability to exercise good judgment and diplomacy in dealing with volunteer leadership
• Understanding of the mission and function of Special Olympics Delaware or similar charity
• Willingness to travel statewide and work a 40+ hour work week; night and weekend work will be required at times
• Able to occasionally lift and move 25-50 pounds
• Must be able to pass a background check

Compensation

• Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications

Application Details

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirement to:

David Halley

President & CEO

Special Olympics Delaware

619 S. College Avenue

Newark, DE 19716

or

david.halley@sode.org

Special Olympics Delaware is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves and can do their best work.  We do not discriminate based on any characteristic or status protected by applicable law.