Special Events Officer

Rising Ground, Inc. • New York, NY

6h • $85,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Special Events Officer leads the development and execution of all fundraising events and cultivation events for Rising Ground’s Development Department. They are responsible for overseeing the execution of the Rising Ground Gala, generating event revenue, planning cultivation events, donor management and prospecting, event marketing and communications, and financial reporting and operations. They should have a strong familiarity with fundraising best practices and event planning. This position reports to the Vice President of Development and is expected to be in the office a minimum of three days a week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 6–8 years of fundraising experience, preferably in special events, with a proven track record of managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and achieving revenue goals.
• Strong event planning, organizational, and project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail, financial acumen (including budgeting and analysis), and proficiency in CRM fundraising platforms (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, relationship-building, and collaboration skills, with a proactive, self-directed approach, strong problem-solving abilities, and creativity in donor cultivation and engagement strategies.
• Commitment to and passion for the mission and values of Rising Ground.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to work in-person in New York City (NY) for at least 3 days or more per week.
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites (if required)

Nice To Haves

• Salesforce preferred

Responsibilities

• Oversee the annual Rising Ground Gala from start to finish, including theme, program, and day-of logistics.
• Work with the Vice President of Development, the Board of Directors, and Senior Leadership to ensure the Gala achieves its annual revenue goal.
• Collaborate with Program teams to create compelling storytelling moments, both in-person and digitally.
• Coordinate with vendors, staff, and volunteers to ensure all logistics are handled effectively.
• In collaboration with the Vice President of Development, develop new opportunities for the organization to generate event revenue.
• Ensure that each event reaches its revenue goal.
• Prepare Board of Directors and Senior Leadership to solicit partners on behalf of the organization.
• Donor Management and Prospecting
• Marketing and Communications
• Cost Management, Financial Reporting, and Operations
• Additional duties as assigned by supervisor

Benefits

• Competitive salary structure
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO policy (11 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Paid Vacation & Paid Personal Days)
• Remote / flexible work options (If applicable)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level