Director Of Special Events

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of Special Events is a visionary leadership role responsible for driving the strategy and execution of fundraising, cultivation, and program-related events, on track to raising over $1.5 million annually. Reporting directly to the Chief Development Officer, the successful candidate will bring a deep understanding of event management, the ability to manage high-profile relationships, and a forward-thinking approach to ensure that every event drives impact.

Samaritans' events currently include a 5K run/walk for nearly 2,000 people in the fall, Breakfast for Hope for 600 people in the spring, support of the Boston and New York City Marathon Teams, and various smaller events and meetings for donors and program related throughout the year.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership, Strategic Direction & Vision

• Take a leadership role in developing a revenue-generating strategy, planning, and implementing of successful Special Events as a part of a coordinated annual fundraising plan. Set and exceed event revenue goals.
• Define, design, and articulate the overarching events strategy in line with organizational strategies and event objectives.
• Drive the conceptualization and development of existing and new innovative event ideas while continuously enhancing fundraising efforts.
• Directly oversee two event managers managing both cultivation and programmatic events providing leadership and guidance to ensure all events meet the highest standards.
• Manage an administrative support team member to optimize event logistics and coordination.
• Recruit, train, and supervise interns and volunteers; work with event committees

Event Management

• Work collaboratively with development and program staff to ensure Samaritans' events are well-integrated across the organization, departments, and programs.
• Oversee and communicate among a diverse range of events, including; small board member gatherings, Breakfast for Hope, Boston & NYC marathon teams, and various other events.
• Ensure a knowledgeable representative is present at all events to answer questions and liaise with key stakeholders.
• Manage high-profile speaking engagements, including coordinating appearances by notable figures like university heads or other influential speakers for donor cultivation events.

Relationship Management

• Lead and coordinate corporate and individual sponsorship strategies, including identifying prospects, conducting cultivation and solicitation activities and supporting committee and staff in cultivation and solicitations.
• Build and nurture relationships with potential large donors, groups, and board members to drive event participation and donations.
• Ensure revenue generating strategies, stewardship, and support for Breakfast Table Hosts and Captains, 5K Team Captains, and Samaritans' marathon runners are in place and effective.

Technology, Budgeting & Events Administration.

• Develop marketing and support strategies, facilitate engagement, and track progress and results for each HopeRaiser.
• Oversee and ensure effective coordination of internal, cultivation and programmatic events as needed for staff, board, major donors, marathon team, etc...
• Have end-to-end responsibility for the event budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Provide guidance and support to Events Managers responsible for vendor negotiations, ensuring contracts are favorable and relationships are fostered for long-term collaboration and benefit.
• Develop and track key performance metrics for events, continuously looking for improvement areas and opportunities for growth

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-7 years of non-profit event experience required.
• Preference for experience managing a variety of peer-to-peer events, breakfast/gala events, marathon team support, corporate and individual sponsorship, major donor cultivation events, etc...
• Must possess strong written and oral communication skills, including ability to make effective and persuasive presentations to volunteers, staff, industry peers, donors, and others as required.
• Attention to detail and aesthetic presentation are important.
• Must be comfortable with phone, video conferencing, email, and in person communication.
• Highly organized, detailed oriented, strong project management skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with CRM software and Peer-to-Peer fundraising platforms required. Salesforce and Classy experience preferred.
• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential material.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required. Microsoft Teams & SharePoint.
• Experience with InDesign and Photoshop preferred.
• Professional attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to think and act strategically.
• Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention a plus.
• BA or BS preferred.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Minimum starting salary is $80,000/year and will be set based on experience and skill set.

• Employer matched 401(k) Plan

• Short and Long-Term Disability coverage as well as Life Insurance

• Health, Dental and Vision insurance

• Healthcare and Childcare FSA, Commuter Benefits and Employee Assistance Program

• Generous Vacation: Total 23 paid time off (10 days vacation,8 sick days, and 5 personal days), and 14 paid holidays.

• Paid Family Medical Leave benefits

• Travel Reimbursement

ABOUT SAMARITANS

Samaritans, Inc. is the leading suicide prevention organization in Massachusetts, providing lifesaving services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Samaritans envisions a world without suicide. Our mission is to prevent suicide and offer hope and support to those affected. For nearly 50 years, Samaritans volunteers - selected, trained and supported by a dedicated professional staff - have provided compassionate and non-judgmental support, free of charge, to callers through its Helpline, and now to texters as well.

This growing organization provides prevention, intervention, and post-vention services that make our communities healthier and happier, and reduces the stigma associated with suicide and mental health concerns. We provide a working environment that celebrates the positive lifesaving work that occurs here each and every day.

Samaritans works to prevent suicide and support those who have lost someone to suicide throughout Massachusetts. Our services are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental. We are located in downtown Boston

Samaritans is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Samaritans' employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption. Currently our office is re-open on a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in office, after a period of onboarding for new hires. Out of state applicants will be required to relocate to Massachusetts within six months of employment and also work the same hybrid schedule as all employees.

Samaritans is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Candidates of color, bilingual, and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Equity, Justice and Inclusion - We value the full diverse community which our organization serves. As such we endeavor to make our organization reflective and representative, striving to enable access to our services regardless of identity, beliefs, or circumstances. We aspire to embrace change and to encourage growth.

Applications that are missing a resume or cover letter may not be considered.

Disclaimer: During the course of the interview, we may inquire about sensitive topics, including the applicant's connection to suicide. We approach these questions with the utmost respect and understanding, recognizing the potential emotional impact they may have. Participation in answering such questions is entirely voluntary, and applicants are encouraged to skip any inquiries that they find uncomfortable. The purpose of these questions is solely to gather relevant information for the assessment process, and all responses will be handled with confidentiality and sensitivity. If at any point an applicant feels distressed or uncomfortable, they are encouraged to communicate their concerns to the interviewer or withdraw from answering specific questions.