Director of Fundraising & Events

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Director of Fundraising & Events is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and growth of the organization’s fundraising events and community fundraising initiatives. This position oversees a comprehensive portfolio of signature events, third-party fundraisers, peer-to-peer campaigns, and volunteer-led fundraising activities that generate revenue, expand community awareness, and strengthen donor engagement.Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director ensures every event delivers an exceptional guest experience while maximizing philanthropic return on investment. This leader develops sponsorship opportunities, manages event committees, cultivates donors through events, and builds a sustainable fundraising event strategy that supports the organization’s long-term philanthropic goals. This is a non-supervisory role.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESEvent Fundraising StrategyDevelop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising event strategy aligned with organizational revenue goals.Establish annual fundraising, sponsorship, attendance, and donor engagement objectives for each event.Evaluate the financial performance and return on investment of all fundraising events and recommend improvements.Identify opportunities to expand event revenue through sponsorships, auctions, ticket sales, donor experiences, and fundraising technology.Signature Event ManagementLead planning and execution of all signature fundraising events from concept through post-event evaluation.Oversee event budgets, timelines, logistics, vendor relationships, contracts, and production.Ensure events reflect the organization’s brand, mission, and donor experience standards.Manage event registration, guest communications, seating, recognition, and stewardship.Coordinate event volunteers and committees to support successful execution.Sponsorship DevelopmentDevelop sponsorship packages and customized partnership opportunities.Cultivate and solicit corporate sponsors and event underwriters.Steward sponsors before, during, and after each event to encourage long-term partnerships.Ensure all sponsorship benefits and recognition commitments are fulfilled accurately and on time.Community FundraisingDevelop and grow third-party fundraising opportunities benefiting the organization.Build relationships with community groups, businesses, schools, and civic organizations interested in hosting fundraising events.Provide guidance, resources, and support to community fundraising partners.Expand peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives and employee giving campaigns connected to events.Donor EngagementUtilize fundraising events as strategic cultivation and stewardship opportunities.Collaborate with Major Gifts, Individual Giving, and Corporate Philanthropy staff to identify prospective donors and strengthen existing relationships.Develop meaningful recognition and stewardship opportunities for event supporters.Coordinate follow-up communications, impact reporting, and donor appreciation activities.Marketing & CommunicationsCollaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to develop promotional campaigns that increase attendance, sponsorships, and fundraising.Support social media, email marketing, printed materials, and event communications.Ensure consistent messaging and brand standards across all event materials.Financial ManagementDevelop and manage event budgets.Monitor revenue and expenses to achieve or exceed fundraising goals.Track sponsorship fulfillment, auction revenue, ticket sales, and other fundraising metrics.Prepare post-event financial analyses and recommendations for future improvements.CollaborationWork closely with finance to maintain accurate donor and event records within the CRM.Coordinate with finance to reconcile event revenue and expenses.Collaborate across departments to ensure seamless event execution and exceptional donor experiences.QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLSEducation: Bachelor’s degree required. Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or event management certification preferred.Experience: • Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive fundraising or nonprofit event management experience. Demonstrated success leading high-profile fundraising events with measurable revenue growth. Experience securing sponsorships and managing volunteer committees. Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Experience using donor CRM and event management software.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Strong understanding of fundraising event strategy and donor engagement.Excellent project management and organizational skills.Exceptional relationship-building and customer service abilities.Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.Experience negotiating vendor contracts and managing event logistics.Financial management and budget oversight experience.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.High level of professionalism, flexibility, and attention to detail.Key Success MetricsMeet or exceed annual fundraising event revenue goals.Increase sponsorship and underwriting revenue year over year.Grow attendance and donor participation at signature events.Expand community fundraising partnerships and third-party events.Deliver fundraising events within approved budgets.Maintain exceptional donor, sponsor, and volunteer satisfaction.Demonstrate measurable return on investment for each fundraising event.Core CompetenciesFundraising StrategyEvent LeadershipSponsorship DevelopmentVolunteer ManagementProject ManagementFinancial ManagementRelationship BuildingCommunicationProblem SolvingResults OrientationWORK ENVIRONMENT:Work Location: Most work is performed in the office. Remote work permitted up to two days per week after 90 days of employment and with Chief approval.Mental and Physical Abilities: Duties are usually performed seated with occasional periods of standing or walking. Limited physical effort is required associated with lifting and carrying objects (less than 25 lbs).Working Conditions: Work may be performed but is not limited to an office environment. This position requires frequent evening and weekend work associated with fundraising events, occasional travel within the community, the ability to lift and transport event materials up to 25 pounds, and the ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events.Essential Functions: This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.Core Values:Must demonstrate/live our organization’s core values:We are child-centered, family-focused, and community-driven.We act with dignity and compassion in all that we do.We recognize our staff as our greatest asset.We operate as a seamless teamDCAC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and we believe in an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr DCAC