JOB TITLE: Director of Events
Reports To: Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Supervises:  Events Manager/ Development/Events Coordinator

Purpose of Position: Events are crucial components of the fundraising strategy for Make-A-Wish Arizona. The chapter hosts large fundraising events each year with the priority being Wish Ball every Spring. The Director of Events is responsible for the oversight and execution of this signature event from fundraising to logistics as well as oversight of other internal events, external events and the event team positions and driving revenue for the organization.

At Make-A-Wish Arizona, everyone is different and valued. We believe that people of any race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, faith, religion, age, physical and mental ability, neurodiversity, socioeconomic status, nationality, cultural background, military status, or any other aspect which makes them unique are welcome and important. Together, we continue to build a community that fosters so that we can grant the wish of every eligible child.

At Make-A-Wish Arizona, we strive to communicate openly and honestly while speaking our truth. We encourage all to do the same, and we acknowledge that these conversations can be difficult and uncomfortable. All viewpoints are welcome unless they spread misinformation or diminish or dehumanize others. Our commitment to this work enriches our organization and makes us all stronger together.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects involved with holding successful events managed by the chapter. This includes, but is not limited to, creating sponsorship opportunities, engaging committees, finding venues and negotiating terms, developing the project plan for the event, creating and following a work plan and event budgets, holding committee meetings, communications with all internal customers (board, staff, and committee members). Day of event logistics is the direct responsibility of the Director of Events.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all members of the Development Department and other departments to ensure a well-run events .
• Develops event sponsorship plans & works alongside leadership and team to secure event sponsorships.
• Experienced in concepting, writing & developing Event/Gala/ Wish Ball program, print pieces, speeches.  Familiarity with utilizing events platforms and latest event technology.
• Experienced in procurement & oversight of live auctions, silent auctions, etc.  separate from above
• Assists CDO in the annual board campaign and its success.
• Works with the CDO to identify and secure pre-commitments for Fund-A-Wish.
• Maintains and updates the annual budget for each internal event.
• Collaborate with and help guide the direction of events undertaken by the Phoenix and Tucson Wishmakers Councils. This includes event strategy, planning, execution and debrief.
• Analyzes outcomes post-events to include gross and net revenue, ROI, assessment of what worked and what did not, and recommendation for best future outcomes
• Assist in stewarding, cultivating and managing strategic event donor/volunteer relationships.
• Increases revenue from internal/external events through the engagement of volunteers, soliciting community support of events and working with the development and marketing teams to expand community outreach regarding events.
• Carry/co-work with CDO & Dev team on a portfolio of 25- 50 key corporate & individual event donors with an eye on growing them into donors outside of strictly event giving.
• Supervises the Events Manager (title may vary) and assists in assessing all external event opportunities.
• Works directly with the External Events Manager on all large external events.
• Continually scouting for new event opportunities both internal and external.
• Adheres to all Governing Policies, Performance Standards and Guidelines of MAWFA as well as Chapter internal controls, policies and procedures.
• Occasionally works with national MAW on any local events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, Marketing or another related field.
• A minimum of 5-7 years’ experience with large fundraising event planning.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Requirements:

The Director of Events must believe in the mission and vision of Make-A-Wish. He or she must model integrity, work to inspire colleagues and contacts, and strive to build a great team. In addition, the Director should have:

• The ability to manage multiple and complex projects on tight deadlines.
• Be organized, detail-oriented and a results-oriented team player.
• Must be available to attend events after work hours or over weekends.
• Strong familiarity with local venues and vendors.
• Previous fundraising event experience.
• Exceptionally strong writing skills.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
• Strong computer skills, with familiarity in using Microsoft Office suite applications and an understanding of the fundamentals of using electronic mail and the Internet. 
• Be familiar with database management software, preferably Salesforce.
• Experience a high level of comfort in dealing with a diverse group of individuals, families and other contacts.

• Display a highly professional demeanor and be able to work successfully with a wide variety of constituents including donors, board members, volunteers, and professional consultants.
• Possess high levels of integrity, trustworthiness, flexibility, compassion, and humor are necessary to address the practicalities of a growing nonprofit, along with the creativity and persistence required to elicit new thinking and change.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, and work in a deadline driven environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Communicate effectively in person or using telecommunications equipment.
• Enter and locate information on computer.
• Grasp, manipulate and turn objects of varying size and weight requiring fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.
• Sitting position while performing office tasks and while driving.
• Ability to type on computer keyboard and use computer mouse.
• Write documents and reports using a writing instrument or computer.
• Occasional stooping, bending, lifting, carrying and/or placing of boxes of documents or other materials weighing less than 25 lbs.
• Presents information in small or large group settings and to individuals.
• Reads and visually verifies information often in small print.
• Stand, move, and/or walk between offices, departments and during fundraising or other events, sometimes on uneven ground.
• Exposure to inclement and outdoor weather when walking between office buildings and participating in fund raising or events.
• Travel to and from fund raising events and to fulfill other marketing and events duties, as needed.

NOTE: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job, though this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

How to Apply: