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Donor Relations and Event Manager

BASIC SUMMARY:

The donor relations and events manager is responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing an annual schedule of cultivation events and mailings and overseeing all aspects of the Wildlife Conservation Awards Dinner. Through these activities the manager appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with major individual donors. The manager works closely with the major gifts directors, Board and Council liaison and communications staff. S/he interacts with donors and members of the Board and Council.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Plan, manage and execute the Annual Wildlife Conservation and Awards Dinner which includes coordinating the selection of awardees, drafting promotional materials, supporting fundraising efforts, overseeing design and production of printed materials, preparing the script, and managing all logistics.
  • In consultation with the VP and major gifts directors, organize small dinners, receptions, and invitation-only trips to promote donor engagement and advance Defenders’ mission.
  • Oversee preparation of donor cultivation materials such as the Holiday card and promotional materials for donor visits and events. Responsible for updating current fact sheets and ensuring that new ones are prepared in a timely manner. Provide writing and editing support and photo selection as needed.
  • Manage vendor relationships and direct support activities by Development Coordinator and Development Associate as appropriate.
  • Provide logistical support to the President's office for Board of Directors meetings, the staff holiday party and other internal events.
  • Engage in continuous improvement of the programs and processes and the business practices that support them. These include but are not limited to: event timelines and check lists; staff roles and responsibilities; communication; maintenance of event information on Donor Direct database; online registration process; and post event de-briefings and follow-up.
  • Prepare and monitor annual events budget.
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in related discipline
  • Experience: 5+ years of experience in development with an emphasis on special event planning and execution-- including large fundraising dinners, small receptions in private homes, and small donor trips-- excellent writing skills and familiarity with donor databases systems.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
  • Other:
    • Organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
    • Excellent verbal and written communications skills
    • Works effectively as a member of a team
    • Good judgment and strong decision-making skills
    • Knowledge of principles and techniques relevant to major gift fundraising
    • Understanding of individual donor needs and perceptions
    • Willingness to act as the lead on an event or play a supportive role as circumstances dictate
    • Demonstrates diplomacy, tact and professionalism
    • Ability to travel and work additional hours as needed

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

MORE / LESSHOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume, cover letter and salary history to hr@defender.org