Associate Director of Special Events

LIFELONG HEALTH FOR ALL•Seattle, WA

30d•$80,833 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lifelong is a community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible. We remove barriers to health with relentless compassion so that no one faces illness and injustice alone. We lead with heart. Our respect for people drives our mission. For 40 years, Lifelong has fought health inequities so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our comprehensive services include food and nutrition, healthcare navigation, aging and disability support, and connection to housing and other vital resources. Position Overview: The Associate Director of Special Events plays a vital role in advancing Lifelong’s mission and goals by planning, managing, and executing multiple successful special fundraising events that engage current and potential supporters and funders, cultivate donor relationships, and increase revenue. The ideal candidate has exquisite taste and is a dynamic, highly organized, and creative individual with a proven track record in special event design, production, logistics, talent booking and management (performers, hosts, influencers), and vendor negotiation. Reporting to the Vice President of External Relations, the Associate Director of Special Events is a key agency leader working to maintain and expand Lifelong’s strength and sustainability. Collaborating closely with development, marketing, communications and PR, program leadership, and external partners, this role is instrumental in increasing Lifelong’s contributed income and community engagement through multiple major annual events and highlighting our mission to make health and food accessible across the communities we serve. This regular, full-time, exempt, non-union role is based in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, with onsite presence required at least three days per week (Tuesday – Thursday).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven years of experience in events management and production, or combination of related education and work experience
Proven track record in the planning and execution of a major fundraising event with at least 500 guests
Demonstrated success raising a minimum of $1 million through a single major fundraising event
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and public speaking.
Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing a team.
Proficiency in using fundraising software, donor databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, and other stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Passion for the Lifelong's mission and a commitment to ethical fundraising practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience planning nonprofit events, particularly in the arts, culture, or health sector, is desired
Strong understanding of philanthropic trends and best practices in fundraising is desired

Responsibilities

Oversee the planning, design, and execution of events of varying scales, from elevated bespoke intimate gatherings to large-scale productions
Ensure event execution reflects the quality, integrity, and mission of Lifelong events and creates memorable experiences
Have a high degree of comfort leading large team meetings with internal stakeholders, including the CEO, to ensure events remain on schedule, align with objectives, and meet key performance indicators
Identify appropriate third-party vendors and negotiate vendor proposals (i.e. entertainment, venue, caterers, lighting, sound, décor, etc.)
Carefully manage event financials in adherence to the designated budget and submit timely payments
Manage relationships with special events consultants, producers, and vendors, including developing relationships with in-kind partners to find cost savings and enhance event experiences
Stay ahead of industry trends to drive innovation and continually elevate the creativity and impact of Lifelong’s event offerings
Serve as Event Lead for sponsorship ideation, collaborating closely with marketing and development colleagues to develop customized sponsorship opportunities that align with Lifelong’s mission and brand and enhance overall event experience and value
Collaborate with marketing, PR, and communications to promote events and drive attendance, ensuring event P&L goals are clearly identified and achieved
Evening and weekend work required; travel as needed

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
Generous vacation (3 weeks your first year), sick leave, and 2 personal days a year
401(k) match
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance options
Long term disability
Mass transit subsidy
15 paid holidays per year

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