Events & Community Engagement Specialist

"Head of Fun & Fundraising" Agency Mission ICT SOS aims to end human trafficking through prevention and awareness education; advocacy for survivors; and acting as a bridge between direct service professionals and community members who desire to help. Job Overview The Events & Community Engagement Specialist leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of ICT SOS's fundraising and awareness events — from the annual Gala and Race 4 Freedom to intimate donor cultivation gatherings and community tabling opportunities — while continually generating and cultivating new event concepts and fundraising ideas to grow ICT SOS's reach. This role secures event sponsorships and corporate partnerships and coordinates the volunteers who make ICT SOS's events and programs possible. This is a part-time (20 hours/week) position that works in close partnership with ICT SOS's Development & Donor Relations Specialist and Partnership and Communications Coordinator to form a small, tightly coordinated development and communications team. The ideal candidate is an organized, personable self-starter who thrives on turning big ideas into well‑run events, builds genuine relationships with sponsors and donors, and leads volunteers with warmth and clarity. How We Collaborate ICT SOS's development and communications work is carried out by a three-person team, each with a distinct focus: Events & Community Engagement Specialist (“Head of Fun and Fundraising”) — plans and executes events, secures sponsorships, and coordinates volunteers. Development & Donor Relations Specialist (“Head of Donors and Data”) — writes grant proposals and funding requests, stewards donors, and manages the donor CRM. Partnership and Communications Coordinator (“Head of Content and Community”) — provides administrative support and manages ICT SOS's communications and social media presence. This role's key handoffs with the rest of the team: With the Development & Donor Relations Specialist: share event revenue, sponsorship commitments, and donor or prospect engagement details promptly, so records stay accurate and stewardship follow-up happens on time. With the Partnership and Communications Coordinator: partner on event marketing materials, invitations, and social media content, and coordinate on volunteer newsletters, thank‑you notes, and recognition materials. Responsibilities and Duties Event Planning & Execution Generate and cultivate new event concepts and fundraising ideas, bringing fresh thinking to ICT SOS's event calendar alongside established signature events. Lead planning, coordination, and execution of ICT SOS's signature fundraising events, including the annual Gala and Race 4 Freedom, from concept through post‑event evaluation. Develop event timelines, budgets, run‑of‑show documents, and vendor contracts; monitor expenses against approved budgets. Secure and manage event venues, caterers, entertainment, auction platforms, and other vendors. Plan and staff community‑based awareness events and tabling opportunities, ensuring materials, signage, and volunteer coverage are in place. Evaluate event outcomes and prepare post‑event reports with recommendations for future improvement. Sponsorships & Corporate Partnerships Identify, solicit, and secure event sponsorships and in‑kind donations from businesses, corporations, and community partners. Develop sponsorship packages, benefit levels, and proposal materials in collaboration with the Executive Director. Maintain relationships with existing sponsors and proactively cultivate new sponsorship prospects year‑round. Ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled and sponsors are recognized appropriately at events and in event marketing materials. Track sponsorship commitments and gifts, and share records promptly with the Development & Donor Relations Specialist for entry into the donor CRM. Donor Cultivation Events Coordinate and help host small‑group cultivation events, such as private dinners (Table of Six) and Coffee & Conversation gatherings, in partnership with the Executive Director and Board. Support donor recognition at events, working with the Development & Donor Relations Specialist on acknowledgment materials and stewardship follow‑up. Share attendee and engagement information from cultivation events and gatherings with the Development & Donor Relations Specialist to keep donor records current. Volunteer Coordination Recruit, onboard, train, and schedule volunteers to support events, tabling, and community outreach. Maintain and update volunteer databases and schedules; track volunteer hours and generate impact reports. Serve as the primary point of contact for volunteer inquiries, responding in a timely and welcoming manner. Plan and coordinate volunteer appreciation activities and recognition materials. Collaborate with program staff to identify volunteer needs and ensure adequate coverage for events and programs, including Next Step trainings. Event & Sponsorship Communications Develop event‑specific marketing materials, invitations, and social media content in coordination with the Partnership and Communications Coordinator. Ensure all event and sponsorship materials reflect consistent ICT SOS branding. Represent ICT SOS at community and networking events, tabling opportunities, and presentations as needed. Organization Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including donor and volunteer records. Track data on event, sponsorship, and volunteer outcomes; assess areas for growth. Attend staff meetings, supervision, training, and multidisciplinary collaboration as required. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, event planning, marketing, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Two to four years of experience in event planning, sponsorship development, fundraising, or volunteer coordination; nonprofit experience preferred. Demonstrated success planning and executing events of varying scale, from large galas to intimate donor gatherings. Creative, idea‑driven mindset with a track record of developing new event concepts and fundraising initiatives from the ground up. Experience building and maintaining sponsor or partner relationships. Strong project management, budgeting, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and deadlines simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to represent ICT SOS professionally with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the public. Self‑directed and able to work with minimal supervision, while also collaborating closely with the Executive Director, Board, staff, and the Development & Donor Relations Specialist. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace. Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and adequate insurance. Must be able to pass a background check. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with donor or volunteer management platforms (e.g., Bloomerang or similar CRM). Experience with sponsorship proposal development and corporate partnership solicitation. Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva) for event and sponsorship materials. Event planning certification is a plus. Experience working directly with volunteers or in volunteer program administration. Core Values & Culture Fit ICT SOS's culture is built on five core values — Caring, Different, Enthusiastic, Fun, and Growing — which guide how we serve survivors, donors, volunteers, and one another. In addition, this role calls for the following: Hungry, Humble & Smart (Patrick Lencioni) Hungry — self‑motivated and driven to grow ICT SOS's events, sponsorships, and donor base, always looking for the next opportunity rather than waiting to be asked. Humble — puts the team and mission first, shares credit generously, and welcomes feedback in service of better events and stronger relationships. Smart — people‑smart; reads the room with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff, and communicates in a way that builds trust and connection. Awkward, Brave & Kind (Brené Brown) Awkward — willing to sit in discomfort, whether it's a first sponsorship ask, a hard conversation with a volunteer, or an imperfect first event, and to keep showing up anyway. Brave — speaks up for what events, sponsors, and donors need, even when it's easier to stay quiet, and takes thoughtful risks to grow ICT SOS's reach. Kind — leads volunteers and engages donors and sponsors with genuine warmth, empathy, and respect, especially in the emotionally weighty context of anti‑trafficking work. Working Conditions The Events & Community Engagement Specialist works primarily in the office, with regular exceptions for donor meetings, sponsor visits, community tabling, and events. Must be able to lift 25–50 pounds on occasion, with assistance. Must be able to stand and sit for long periods, including during event setup and execution. Must be flexible with schedule to accommodate events, sponsor meetings, and volunteer availability. Hours This is a part‑time position of 20 hours per week. Hours are flexible to meet the needs of the position and will require regular evening and weekend work to support events, tabling, and time‑sensitive sponsor or donor engagements. Additional hours may be required to successfully execute major events such as the Gala and Race 4 Freedom, subject to approval by the Executive Director. This role has the potential to grow to full‑time as event revenue, sponsorships, and organizational capacity expand. #J-18808-Ljbffr