ABOUT THE POSITION: We are seeking an events professional, working as part of our development team, to assist in implementing Samaritans' program, volunteer, and fundraising event strategy, raising over $1.5 million annually. This is a wonderful opportunity for an individual to learn and grow in the not-for-profit industry. The Special Events Coordinator will support the Director of Special Events & Special Events Manager in supporting staff and program events and developing event strategies to produce and meet revenue projections including corporate and individual sponsorships, peer-to-peer event participation and fundraising, vendor & volunteer management, budget tracking, and event communications.
Samaritans' events currently include a 5K run/walk hosting approximately 2,000 people in the fall, our Breakfast for Hope which attracts up to 700 guests each spring, a large-scale Gala event scheduled for 2025, support of Boston and New York City Marathon Teams, and various smaller events and meetings throughout the year.
This is a hybrid position requiring two days a week at our Boston office in Downtown Crossing. The in-office days for Development are currently Monday and Wednesday, though they are subject to change. Occasionally, team members will be asked to be in the office more frequently as needed in preparation for upcoming events.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support Events Manager and Events Director in updating events on Peer-to-Peer fundraising platforms, including content and design; produce recruitment and participant emails in line with communications strategy.
- Assist Events Manager with third-party fundraisers hosted on behalf of Samaritans (HopeRaisers). Develop marketing and support strategies, facilitate engagement, and track progress and results for each HopeRaiser.
- Support Events Director and Manager in the planning of cultivation events, meetings, and other smaller events as needed for Board, Council, Programs Departments, Capital Campaign, major donors, and Marathon Teams.
- Assist in event set up and registering and managing volunteers at major events.
- Perform other related duties as assigned, within your scope of practice or function area.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 1-3 years of event experience preferred but not required.
- Familiarity with peer-to-peer fundraising platforms (Go Fund Me, OneCause, Classy, etc.) a plus.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Experience with CRM software such as Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, Little Green Light etc. preferred, but not required.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work with sensitive and confidential material.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel required.
- Professional attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to think and act strategically.
- Ability to self-motivate and work remotely.
- Functions well as a member of a team.
- Must possess strong written and oral communication skills.
- Attention to detail and aesthetic presentation are important.
- Must be comfortable with phone, video conferencing, email, and in-person communication.
- Ability to interact effectively with others and resolve conflicts and internal issues appropriately.
- Knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention a plus.
- BA or BS preferred, but not required.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Some travel may be required for the New York City Marathon, industry-related conferences, and visits to other agencies and event sites.
- Flexibility in working hours appropriate to meet responsibilities is required including some evenings and weekends.
- Successfully complete Samaritans' staff befriending training.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work in both office settings and at events, requiring prolonged periods of standing, walking, lifting, and carrying event materials, as well as the capacity to adapt to varying environmental conditions and physical exertion levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SALARY & BENEFITS: Minimum starting is $60,000 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 (New hires start with 10 days), Sick (8 days) and Personal Time Off (5 days)
- Paid Family Medical Leave benefits
- Travel Reimbursement
- 14 paid holidays
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. All employees are working a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in the 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.
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 postvention 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 Greater Boston and MetroWest Massachusetts. Our services are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental. We are located in downtown Boston.