Special Events Officer

Where people get better at life!

Join us in our mission to make a difference and shape a more inclusive future.

The Center for Disability Services offers hope, innovation and achievement to the people we support. For 80 years, we have been one of upstate New York’s largest providers of programs and services for individuals who have disabilities. Many of the innovative programs and vital services that we offer are not available elsewhere.

The Special Events Officer is responsible for the planning, organization, and execution of fundraising and community engagement events that benefit the Center for Disability Services Foundation. Working closely with the Senior Vice President of Communications & Development, this role cultivates donor and sponsor relationships, manages event logistics and budgets, and collaborates with volunteer committees to ensure successful, mission‑driven special events.

This position plays a critical role in advancing the Center’s philanthropic goals and strengthening relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community leaders.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, and implement all assigned special events and third‑party fundraising events
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners
• Identify, solicit, and secure event sponsorships, in‑kind donations, and direct contributions
• Work with volunteer committees, board members, and business leaders to develop and execute signature events
• Oversee all logistical aspects of events to ensure a smooth and professional experience
• Prepare event budgets, monitor expenses, and ensure events meet or exceed financial goals
• Track, invoice, and collect all event‑related pledges and sponsorship revenues
• Maintain accurate event and donor records in the Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT (RENXT) database
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to ensure timely development of event materials
• Coordinate with Finance and Legal departments on vendor invoices and contracts
• Attend Foundation team meetings, committee meetings, and events as required
• Represent the Center professionally at public events and community activities
• Perform additional related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of fundraising and development experience, including special events
• Demonstrated success cultivating donors and securing sponsorships
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and budgets
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel locally as required for events

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge (RENXT) or similar fundraising databases
• Knowledge of event platforms and donor management systems
• Background working with nonprofit boards, volunteers, or community leaders

At The Center for Disability Services, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and the people we support. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any protected class of job applicant or employee in our employment practices.

Compensation Range: