Signature Events Lead

Van Andel Institute

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Signature Events Lead assists with creating, planning, and organizing fundraising events and corporate and community engagement activities for Van Andel Institute. The role coordinates event logistics and services, volunteer recruitment and stewardship, event materials, guest registration, sponsorships, records, web updates, and post-event financial review and evaluation. It also serves as a liaison among the events team, internal departments, vendors, donors, and volunteers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, advertising, or a similar field.
Previous experience in fundraising, marketing, public/community relations, or event planning.
Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff, volunteers, and the general public.
Excellent organizational skills to meet deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
Proficiency with fundraising database software, including Raiser's Edge and Convio.
Ability to work in a flexible environment with rapidly changing priorities and multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work outside normal working hours, including weekends.

Responsibilities

Assist with creating, planning, and organizing fundraising events and corporate and community engagement activities.
Assist with recruiting, directing, and stewarding event volunteers.
Attend relevant committee meetings and record and distribute meeting minutes in a timely fashion.
Act as a liaison among VAI Facilities, Security, and IT Departments, vendors, and the events team for relevant internal events.
Conduct post-event wrap-up and evaluation with vendors, in-kind donors, and the VAI Finance Department to verify income statements for each event.
Maintain an annual event portfolio for historical purposes and record keeping.
Coordinate event logistics and services, including producing event mailings and collateral print materials.
Maintain accurate records of donor and sponsor information, expenses, revenue, guest names, and other information related to fundraising events.
Assemble sponsorship proposals, cultivate new donor relationships, and solicit in-kind sponsorships.
Process event reservations, prepare master guest lists, and supervise event registration check-in.
Update and manage relevant web pages with details, logistics, and sponsorship information for local events.