Director of Fundraising & Events

DCAC•Mesquite, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Fundraising & Events is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and growth of the organization’s fundraising events and community fundraising initiatives. This position oversees a comprehensive portfolio of signature events, third-party fundraisers, peer-to-peer campaigns, and volunteer-led fundraising activities that generate revenue, expand community awareness, and strengthen donor engagement. Working collaboratively across the organization, the Director ensures every event delivers an exceptional guest experience while maximizing philanthropic return on investment. This leader develops sponsorship opportunities, manages event committees, cultivates donors through events, and builds a sustainable fundraising event strategy that supports the organization’s long-term philanthropic goals. This is a non-supervisory role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive fundraising or nonprofit event management experience.
Demonstrated success leading high-profile fundraising events with measurable revenue growth.
Experience securing sponsorships and managing volunteer committees.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Experience using donor CRM and event management software.
Strong understanding of fundraising event strategy and donor engagement.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Exceptional relationship-building and customer service abilities.
Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Experience negotiating vendor contracts and managing event logistics.
Financial management and budget oversight experience.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
High level of professionalism, flexibility, and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or event management certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising event strategy aligned with organizational revenue goals.
Establish annual fundraising, sponsorship, attendance, and donor engagement objectives for each event.
Evaluate the financial performance and return on investment of all fundraising events and recommend improvements.
Identify opportunities to expand event revenue through sponsorships, auctions, ticket sales, donor experiences, and fundraising technology.
Lead planning and execution of all signature fundraising events from concept through post-event evaluation.
Oversee event budgets, timelines, logistics, vendor relationships, contracts, and production.
Ensure events reflect the organization’s brand, mission, and donor experience standards.
Manage event registration, guest communications, seating, recognition, and stewardship.
Coordinate event volunteers and committees to support successful execution.
Develop sponsorship packages and customized partnership opportunities.
Cultivate and solicit corporate sponsors and event underwriters.
Steward sponsors before, during, and after each event to encourage long-term partnerships.
Ensure all sponsorship benefits and recognition commitments are fulfilled accurately and on time.
Develop and grow third-party fundraising opportunities benefiting the organization.
Build relationships with community groups, businesses, schools, and civic organizations interested in hosting fundraising events.
Provide guidance, resources, and support to community fundraising partners.
Expand peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives and employee giving campaigns connected to events.
Utilize fundraising events as strategic cultivation and stewardship opportunities.
Collaborate with Major Gifts, Individual Giving, and Corporate Philanthropy staff to identify prospective donors and strengthen existing relationships.
Develop meaningful recognition and stewardship opportunities for event supporters.
Coordinate follow-up communications, impact reporting, and donor appreciation activities.
Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to develop promotional campaigns that increase attendance, sponsorships, and fundraising.
Support social media, email marketing, printed materials, and event communications.
Ensure consistent messaging and brand standards across all event materials.
Develop and manage event budgets.
Monitor revenue and expenses to achieve or exceed fundraising goals.
Track sponsorship fulfillment, auction revenue, ticket sales, and other fundraising metrics.
Prepare post-event financial analyses and recommendations for future improvements.
Work closely with finance to maintain accurate donor and event records within the CRM.
Coordinate with finance to reconcile event revenue and expenses.
Collaborate across departments to ensure seamless event execution and exceptional donor experiences.