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The Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.
Job Description
We are an all - inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven, candidate to join our team.
The Director of Development, Special Events is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing high-impact fundraising events to support the organization's mission and goals. This role involves strategic planning, creative event design, and effective management of resources to ensure successful outcomes. The Director will collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and volunteers to create memorable experiences that engage donors and maximize fundraising potential.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, hospitality, communications, or related field.
- Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in event planning, preferably within a nonprofit organization.
- Proven ability to manage multiple, large-scale events simultaneously.
- Strong budget management and financial acumen.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Confident public speaker and comfortable engaging high-level donors, partners, and board members.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to meet deadlines and solve problems under pressure.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office 365, Google Suite, and donor/event platforms
- Required to work evenings and weekends occasionally for event management.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Standing and Walking: This role requires standing and walking for extended periods of time, especially during events.
- Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds, such as event materials, equipment, and supplies.
- Bending and Stooping: Frequent bending, stooping, and reaching to set up and break down event spaces.
- Manual Dexterity: Handling and assembling event materials, decorations, and technical equipment.
- Visual and Auditory: Good vision and hearing to monitor event activities and communicate effectively.
- Travel: Travel requirements up to 40% to branches, meetings, and event locations.
Essential Functions
- Plan, coordinate, and execute high-impact special events (golf outing, sporting clays, donor cultivation events, campaign celebration, awareness campaigns, and more) from concept to completion.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with corporate and individual event sponsors, serving as the primary point of contact to ensure sponsor satisfaction, engagement, and long-term partnership growth.
- Secure sponsorship revenue to meet annual fundraising goals, including identifying, soliciting, and closing new sponsorship opportunities for key fundraising events.
- Develop customized sponsorship packages and proposals, aligning sponsor interests with event mission and visibility opportunities to maximize financial support and strategic value.
- Develop, monitor, and manage budgets for all events. Ensure cost-effective operations while maximizing event ROI and impact.
- Source, negotiate, and manage contracts with venues, caterers, decorators, AV providers, and other vendors to ensure high-quality event experiences.
- Lead event staff and volunteers. Create timelines, task lists, and run-of-show documents to ensure seamless coordination across roles.
- Collaborate with the communications team to develop event materials, invitations, and promotional strategies.
- Track attendance, fundraising metrics, and engagement outcomes. Leverage data to inform planning and improve future events.
- Stay informed of trends in event planning, nonprofit fundraising, and donor engagement. Continuously improve systems and practices.
- Utilize event and donor management platform for sponsor solicitation, registration, tracking, and communications.
- Serve as a trusted partner to Branch Executive Directors by offering strategic event support and guidance for their programs and initiatives.
- Work in partnership with the development team to integrate fundraising strategies into events, including sponsorships, donor cultivation, and stewardship opportunities.
- Serve as an articulate, confident spokesperson at events and with stakeholders. Demonstrate the ability to present event goals and outcomes to various audiences.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.