Senior Director - Special Events

The American Kidney Fund (AKF)

is the nation’s leading nonprofit working on behalf of the 37 million Americans with kidney disease. Our mission is to help people fight kidney disease and live healthier lives, and we fulfill that mission by providing a complete spectrum of programs and services. We are proud to be recognized as one of the top 50 nonprofit employers in the United States by

The Nonprofit Times . AKF invests 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar).
About the position:
The Senior Director of Special Events is responsible for the management of the organization’s entire special event portfolio. Responsibilities for fundraising events include both revenue generation and all logistics, for internal employee events and external educational events the responsibility will be just logistical. The position is also responsible for our peer-to-peer program, as well as the management of the national virtual camp program, Camp Connections. The position directly manages and oversees all aspects of The Hope Affair and the New York Golf Tournament. The position supervises a team of four who are responsible for all fundraising events, the logistics for AKF internal events and our peer-to-peer program. This position will participate in the development and implementation of the department’s strategic plan, including alignment of teams’ goals; identification of key opportunities of engagement for leadership; and management of Development’s strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities:
The Hope Affair:
Serve as key AKF liaison in the planning and execution of The Hope Affair:
Lead event fundraising activities to meet or exceed revenue goals, including national and local solicitations (in collaboration with the Corporate Fundraising Team as appropriate), sponsor benefit fulfillment, post-event communications and other duties as assigned.
Oversee all event planning and administrative functions, including development of timeline and planning documents. Prepare internal briefings/updates on event milestones and goals and maintain up to date and accurate database of activity and sponsor detail.
Manage and coordinate vendors, event-day volunteers, and supervise event-day execution and follow up, ensuring all deliverables are met within established deadlines, and event is run on time throughout the night.
Manage event budget and ensure accurate invoicing and accounting throughout the event planning and execution process.
Oversee event registration and seating process and other logistical details, including coordination of travel for honorees and special guests.
Coordinate with the Office of Communications and Marketing and other internal stakeholders on all event collateral, branding, website content and other program elements within established deadlines.
Serve as on-site event management lead and coordinator leading up to and during THA, executing all day-of logistics, staffing and volunteer plans
Maintain positive and professional demeanor during all interactions with attendees, honorees, staff and volunteers during event execution
The New York Golf Tournament
Serve as key AKF liaison in the planning and execution of NY Golf:
Lead event fundraising activities to meet or exceed revenue goals, solicitations, sponsor benefit fulfillment, post-event communications and other duties as assigned.
Work closely with Event Chair to manage event committee and secure new committee members
Work with Event Chair and Committee to secure one or two honorees each year, whose responsibility it is to raise funds for AKF
Oversee all event planning and administrative functions, including development of timeline and planning documents. Prepare internal briefings/updates on event milestones and goals and maintain up to date and accurate database of activity and sponsor detail.
Manage and coordinate vendors, event-day volunteers, and supervise event-day execution and follow up, ensuring all deliverables are met within established deadlines, and event is run on time.
Manage event budget and ensure accurate invoicing and accounting throughout the event planning and execution process.
Oversee event registration and golf tournament details
Coordinate with the Office of Communications and Marketing on all event collateral, branding, website content and other program elements within established deadlines.
Serve as on-site event management lead and coordinator leading up to and during the tournament, executing all day-of logistics, staffing and volunteer plans
Maintain positive and professional demeanor during all interactions with attendees, honorees, staff, and volunteers during event execution
Responsible for other special events as they are developed in the future
Oversee the Director of Community Engagement in the management of the peer-to-peer Program
Oversee the Director, Associate Director, and Manager of Special Events in the fundraising and logistical management of Pairings for Prevention, David Atkins Fund Event, and the logistical management of internal education/patient events and AKF staff events. Also oversees staff management of Camp Connection.
Serve as a partner to the Chief Development Officer in implementing fundraising initiatives and reaching fundraising goals.

Works with Chief Development Officer to provide leadership and coordination of resources for projects for the department.
Assists with the management and review of special events/ development budget on an annual basis
Assists in implementing and managing the strategic fundraising business plan that fits within the organizational strategic plan.
Encourages cross-functional collaboration, promotes a healthy and trusting work environment within the development office, and fosters a commitment to the goals of the entire team and of AKF.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. Must have a minimum of seven plus (7) years of demonstrated experience and success in event management, including high-profile, large scale fundraising galas/dinners/events. Must have demonstrated experience working with caterers, production, A/V vendors, etc. as well as event budget management. Demonstrated success in face-to-face fundraising and major corporate and foundation gift solicitation, closing gifts of $15,000 or more. Additional demonstrated success in negotiation, cultivation, benefits management, and stewardship of contributors.
Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Strong project management abilities including decision-making and judgment skills and an innate sense of pace and urgency. Be able to anticipate, plan, prioritize and react to changing needs and situations with professionalism, integrity, and diplomacy. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, including a positive disposition, ability to work in a collaborative, team environment, while proactively pursuing individual portfolio. A minimum of 3-4 years in a supervisory capacity required, including demonstrated ability in managing a team to their fundraising goals. Ability to handle confidential matters with a high level of integrity. Interest in or experience in the health and patient-sector environment preferred. Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) as well as fundraising database software (Raisers Edge, Convio, or similar software). Ability to work some weekends and evenings as required. Some travel required up to 10%. Some heavy lifting required up to 30 pounds.
We provide a competitive salary of $155,000-$160,000 annually, paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal days; health, dental and vision coverage; life insurance and disability coverages; and a generous matching 403(b) retirement plan. In addition, we offer an ideal work/life balance including remote work capability

with employees working in the office 1-4 days per month

and reduced Friday hours, opportunities for annual raises and bonuses based on performance, free underground parking (Metro subsidies are provided for those who do not drive), and a friendly, collaborative, supportive and diverse culture where our team knows how much they are valued.
AKF is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a workplace that honors diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
Additional Info

Job Type : Full-Time
Job Focus : Event Management, Fundraising, Sponsorships/Partnerships, Volunteer Management
Salary Range : $155,000-$160,000 depending on experience

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