Corporate & Special Events Manager

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000, based upon relative experience

As Kansas City’s largest and most comprehensive no kill pet adoption campus, Wayside Waifs prepares pets and people for the bond of their lives. More than 25,000 pets and people are served annually through pet adoptions, youth education, canine training programs, community outreach, pet memorial services, and more. Wayside is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity with local, regional, and national programming. We are supported by private donations and grants. To see all of the animals available for adoptions, to donate, or to learn more about how you can get involved, visit waysidewaifs.org.
 
Wayside Waifs is currently seeking to fill the position of Corporate & Special Events Manager. The position summary is as follows: 

Job Summary: Lead Wayside Waifs’ special events fundraising program, while collaborating with the Donor Relations Team. Coordinate, implement, expand, and evaluate internal and external special event fundraising activities to meet fundraising goals. Identify, develop, and cultivate relationships with corporate sponsors to reach special event fundraising goals and organizational needs.
Principle Responsibilities:

1. Primary staff person leading Wayside Waifs’ special event fundraising program. Collaborate with Donor Relations Team to plan, implement, expand and evaluate internal and external events, including Wayside’s two signature events; the Fur Ball Gala and Strutt With Your Mutt to meet fundraising goals. This includes, but not limited to, promotion logistics, event creative/décor, vendor relations, printing, set up/tear down, donor correspondence, volunteer recruitment and supervision, audio/visual needs, participant check in, donation documentation, data analysis/trends, and working with event committee/chairs.
2. Identify and coordinate marketing and promotion of third party/external event partners, raising $80,000 annually.
3. Manage Wayside’s LinkedIn profile and all LinkedIn communications.
4. With support from the Volunteer Department, recruit, train, manage, and recognize a Community Volunteer Committee to represent the organization at various community events.
5. Primary relationship manager for 15 corporate donors. Majority of these corporate donors are special event donors. Collaborate with other staff to engage corporate volunteer groups for onsite/offsite engagement opportunities.
6. Implement onsite, offsite, and virtual donor receptions/events/educational sessions on an as-needed basis to cultivate and recognize donors.
7. Manage rental space for outside groups utilizing shelter’s community spaces.
8. One direct report, the Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC). The CEC manages corporate volunteer groups, internship program, Eagle Scout and Gold Award Projects, and the Fur Ball silent auction.
9. Work with Donor Relations Team on special event invoicing, fulfillment and reconciliation of donations, expenses and correspondence. Answer Donor Relations telephone line as needed. Make donor thank you calls.
10. Perform other duties as required.

1. Have a commitment to the mission of Wayside Waifs.
2. Must be able to work independently as well as have the ability to multi-task and collaborate with others on a team to achieve goals in a busy office environment.
3. The ability to effectively communicate, interact with, and influence current and prospective donors, volunteers, co-workers and the general public is required.
4. This position functions in an office environment and requires local travel in the service area. It requires the use of general office equipment such as computers and copiers. Incumbent will spend 75% of time stationary working at a desk.  Some light lifting and evening and weekend hours are required.
5. This position requires an understanding of all of Wayside Waifs’ safety policies and compliance with all safety related procedures.

1. Required Experience and Skills
   1. 3 years in special events, fund development, or communications in the non-profit environment.
   2. Computer literacy with experience in Word, Excel, Microsoft Office
   3. Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
   4. Ability to take initiative, coordinate with others and follow through in a fast-paced environment
   5. Ability to proactively problem solve and find creative solutions
   6. Social media expertise
   7. Strategic thinker
   8. Excellent customer/donor service skills
   9. Experience working with high-level donors and corporate executives to engage them in the fundraising process.
2. Preferred Experience
   1. 5+ years in special events, fund development or non-profit environment
   2. Donor database management; experience with Raisers’ Edge software and online event management software preferred
   3. Managing and implementing large scale special events (500+ attendees/gross revenues of $350,000+)
   4. Documented history of growing special event fundraising revenue.
   5. 3+ years working with individual donors and/or corporate sponsors; including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and recognition.
3. Required Education
   1. Bachelor’s Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, nonprofit management, or similar field