Donor Engagement and Special Events Lead

• Base Pay $60,000.00 - $68,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type Full Time Exempt
• Required Degree 2 Year Degree

The Donor Engagement and Special Events Lead provides logistical and operational support for House of Ruth Maryland's fundraising, donor engagement, volunteer program, and community outreach efforts. This position plays a vital role in delivering exceptional corporate donor stewardship, coordinating fundraising events, managing volunteer engagement, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the Development Department.

Working collaboratively with the Director of Development, Associate Director of Development & Engagement, Marketing & Communications Manager, and Data Specialist, the Donor Engagement and Special Events Lead ensures fundraising activities are well organized, corporate donors receive timely and meaningful stewardship, volunteers have a positive experience, and community partnerships and third-party hosted events are effectively supported.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Donor Stewardship & Development Support

• Coordinate donor stewardship activities, sponsorship fulfillment, and donor appreciation initiatives.
• Maintain organized files related to fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, and corporate donor correspondence.
• Serve as the point of contact for corporate and community organizations seeking to engage with HRM , including but not limited to corporate volunteering, financial donation drives , and third-party hosted events.
• Develop new vendor and corporate sponsor relationships and cultivate existing relationships in coordination with the Associate Director of Development & Engagement.
• Coordinate volunteer appreciation and recognition activities.
• Work with group volunteers in support of community events and other House of Ruth program activities.
• Coordinate the logistical planning and execution of fundraising and stewardship events, including the spring event, Crabaret, Fill the House, Adopt-a-Family, donor cultivation events, and other agency initiatives.
• Develop and maintain event timelines, planning checklists, and logistical schedules.
• Coordinate event registrations, guest lists, seating charts, name badges, signage, and printed materials.
• Manage vendor communications and event logistics under the direction of the Director of Development.
• Coordinate event setup, breakdown, volunteer assignments, and day-of-event operations.
• Coordinate and manage silent auctions, raffles, sponsorship recognition, and donor hospitality activities.
• Ensure sponsorship benefits and recognition are fulfilled accurately and on schedule.
• Prepare post-event reports, including attendance, expenses, sponsorship fulfillment, and recommendations for improvement.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Coordinate third-party fundraising events and community engagement activities benefiting House of Ruth Maryland.
• Serve as a primary contact for community organizations hosting fundraising events.
• Represent House of Ruth Maryland at community events and outreach opportunities related to fundraising and development.
• Co-organize and support HRM program-specific events, including but not limited to events hosted by or on behalf of the Training Institute, shelter, and HRM staff.

Administrative Support

• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Manager to ensure fundraising campaigns, event promotions, and sponsorship recognition materials are completed according to established timelines.
• Identify opportunities to improve event processes, volunteer coordination, and donor stewardship activities to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Success Measures

Success in this position will be measured by:

• Positive donor, volunteer, sponsor, and community partner experiences.
• Successful execution of fundraising events within established timelines and budgets.
• Effective coordination of third-party fundraising and community engagement activities.
• Consistent attention to detail, organization, and customer service.
• Strong collaboration with Development Department staff and other agency departments.

Other duties as assigned.

*Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Experience, Education, Certifications/Licenses

• Associate's degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred in Nonprofit Management, Event Management, Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, event coordination, volunteer management, customer service, or project coordination.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with volunteers and community partners preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Raiser's Edge NXT or similar donor database preferred.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of fundraising events.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Commitment to the mission of House of Ruth Maryland and a passion for serving survivors of intimate partner violence.

House of Ruth Maryland offers a comprehensive Total Rewards Package that will include but is not limited to medical insurance, prescription plan, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, life insurance, 403(b) retirement savings plan, and Employee Assistance Program.

House of Ruth Maryland upholds the mission of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment and will not be excluded because of color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or age.