Special Event Director - Downtown

YMCA of The Pikes Peak Region•Colorado Springs, CO

3d•$57,784 - $57,784•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Events Director provides strategic leadership, planning, and execution for association-wide special events and community engagement initiatives that support the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region’s mission, fundraising goals, and organizational visibility. This position oversees the development, growth, and execution of signature events, including fundraising events, races, community initiatives, donor engagement opportunities, and sponsorship activations. The Special Events Director works collaboratively with internal departments, executive leadership, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, community partners, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, mission-driven experiences that strengthen community relationships and generate revenue in support of YMCA programs and services. The Special Events Director is responsible for establishing long-term event strategies, managing event budgets and financial performance, achieving sponsorship and fundraising goals, and ensuring operational excellence across all assigned events and initiatives. This role serves as the association lead for event operations and logistics while also supporting broader Mission Advancement efforts including donor stewardship, sponsor engagement, campaigns, and community partnerships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in event management, fundraising events, sponsorship development, or community engagement
Demonstrated experience managing large-scale events serving 3,000–5,000+ participants
Experience developing and managing sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteer programs
Experience managing event budgets, financial tracking, and revenue goals
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate across departments
Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences internally and externally
Experience with fundraising, donor stewardship, and nonprofit development preferred
Experience using social media, event management software, race registration platforms, and CRM/database systems
Ability to multitask, prioritize, delegate, problem-solve, and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment
CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Oxygen, and First Aid certified (training available upon hire)

Nice To Haves

Maintain CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer yearly
Maintain First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen every 2 years
Bloodborne Pathogens/Child Abuse Prevention every year

Responsibilities

Develops and leads the strategic vision and annual plan for YMCA association-wide special events and community engagement initiatives
Oversees the planning, organization, logistics, communication, execution, and evaluation of all assigned events and initiatives
Responsible for achieving event attendance, sponsorship, fundraising, and engagement goals
Develops and manages event budgets, financial tracking, forecasting, and reporting
Provides leadership, direction, and follow-up with departments and stakeholders involved in event execution
Serves as the YMCA’s primary point of contact for event-related relationships including sponsors, vendors, venues, partners, medical/safety providers, contractors, and volunteers
Cultivates and maintains relationships with sponsors, donors, community leaders, and strategic partners
Supports sponsor stewardship, activation, recognition, and retention efforts
Oversees event timelines, deliverables, contracts, permits, deposits, insurance requirements, and compliance documentation
Ensures all event data, reporting metrics, financial performance, attendance, and outcomes are accurately tracked and evaluated
Collaborates closely with the Mission Advancement team on fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, community outreach, and organizational initiatives
Represents the YMCA at community events, networking opportunities, public speaking engagements, and partnership meetings
Provides leadership oversight to ensure safe, mission-driven, and high-quality event experiences
Serves as onsite lead and final decision-maker for assigned events and event operations
Recruits, trains, supervises, and supports volunteers, committees, interns, and event support staff as needed
Continuously evaluates opportunities for innovation, growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced participant experience