Director of Donor Relations and Events

POSITION PURPOSEAs a key member of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA (GPY) fundraising team, the Event and Donor Relations Specialist will work with both the Chief Development Officer and Senior Development Director to develop and implement key event fundraising tactics for the organization. They will translate GPY priorities into appropriate donor relations and event fundraising opportunities that align with a long-term development plan to support continued growth of the organization. They will collaborate and work closely with leadership on the continued efficiency and effectiveness of donor relations and special events.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSIn conjunction with the Senior Development Director and Development Staff, the Event and Donor Relations Specialist will be responsible for the management and execution of all GPY Association Events to support our innovative programs and campaigns. Maintain fluid and proactive communications with colleagues to ensure effective collaborations and synergy in achieving key fundraising goals and objectives.Research, cultivate and solicit new and existing donors in collaboration with the Development Department and Executive Directors to support special events to secure sponsorships and donations.Be a positive representative for GPY with the community, staff, and volunteers.Support event committees through record-keeping, planning meetings, preparing minutes and correspondence. Manage any silent auction process with the support of the event committee. This includes assembling silent auction baskets and creating marketing material for the items. Creating and updating online silent auctions and ensuring a smooth purchase process for the donor.Support communication and coordination with event vendors. Continuously monitor all expenses to deliver the utmost quality at the best price.Plan the logistics of the event including project planning and execution, while following the event budget.Collaborate with the marketing department on materials including signs, programs, nametags, and handouts. Execute donor mailings including event invitations and remit envelopes.Maintain and consistently update spreadsheets of all special event timelines, action items, and future plans.Be the key associate at special events including preparation, set-up, event execution, and tear-down. Assist and consult Executive Directors and their teams for branch events.Perform post-event surveys for continuous feedback and improvement.Responsible for event silent auctions including soliciting individual donations and creating silent auction packages. This includes assembling silent auction baskets and creating marketing material for the items. Creating and updating online silent auctions and ensuring a smooth purchase process for the donor.Develop a comprehensive understanding of the educational, programmatic, financial needs, and goals of the GPY to gain compelling articulation for investors.Demonstrate growth of event fundraising and profitability year over year through cultivation of new prospects.In conjunction with the Chief Development Officer, Senior Development Director, and development team members, establish, oversee and maintain information tracking process regarding acknowledgment, recognition, ongoing communications, and continued cultivation for past and current donors across the Association: Individual, Corporate, and Foundation.Manage an annual stewardship process for all donor levels that includes but is not limited to acknowledgment, donor communications, event invitations, volunteer opportunities, and public recognition.Ability to articulate, both written and orally, a compelling case for major philanthropic support for unrestricted funding or specific programs, presenting objectives persuasively to potential donors.Fulfill additional duties as a function of the Development Department.ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTSBachelor’s degree required, advanced study or additional degree preferred.Represent the Greater Philadelphia YMCA on behalf of its leadership to potential major stakeholders.Fundraising related trainings such as AFP and/or CFRE a plus.Experience in Salesforce NPSP program preferred.5+ years of direct Special Events and fundraising experience, preferably at a community center, academic medical center, hospital system, top university, or a comparable complex organization.Broad background including experience in several functional areas. Particular strength in the area of special events is essential. Additional experience in corporate relations and sponsorships is desirable.Experience in leading a multi-constituent program including the development and execution of an operating plan in collaboration with a department head. Proven experience in strategy development, goal setting, and achievement is essential.Superior interpersonal skills and a capacity to engage, inspire, and persuade multiple constituencies, both within the institution and beyond. These skills need to be combined with an ability to develop trust and collaborative working relationships with colleagues.An innate ability to execute under pressure and stay on task. Highly organized and detail-oriented.Especially strong problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and roll-up-my-sleeves approach.Experience working on or with multiple fundraising programs and/or campaigns at one time.

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