Job Details
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree
- Communication skills
- Contracts
- Event planning
- Fundraising
- Microsoft Office
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
Job Description
About the Organization:
Junior Achievement’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in global economy. Our corporate and community volunteers deliver relevant, hands-on experiences that teach students in kindergarten through high school the basics of financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. JA programs empower students to make a connection between what they learn in school and how that can be applied in the real world to own their economic success. Junior Achievement of Southwest New England serves seven Connecticut counties (excluding only Fairfield County).
In response to the pandemic, JA virtualized all programming and special events for the 2020-22 school years and met students, educators and volunteers where they were – serving more than 14,000 and 29,000 students virtually with the help of more than 1,000 volunteers. This year, JA of Southwest New England plans to serve 35,000 students through virtual, hybrid, and in-person programs. JA of Southwest New England, with an office based in Hartford, has been recognized by JA USA for six consecutive years for financial stability, student growth, and overall management efficiency.
Position Description:
Reporting to the Senior Development Manager, the Special Events Manager plans, coordinates and manages all aspects of JA special events with support from the Development Team and external consultant(s). This role works with the Marketing & Communications Manager in implementing marketing and communication strategies to enhance JA brand recognition and attendee experiences. This role works in conjunction with the CEO and Development Managers to create new market opportunities for community partnerships and increased event-related revenue. The ideal candidate will be passionate about JA’s mission and have proven success working in Special Events – preferably in a non-profit development office.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plan and coordinate all aspects of event details for JA signature events including, but not limited to, the JA Business Hall of Fame, JA Golf Classic and JA Office Warriors
- Plan and coordinate all aspects of JA bowling and Play4JA activities to successfully meet and exceed financial goals
- Plan and coordinate all aspects of the annual volunteer & educator appreciate event(s)
- Plan and coordinate additional stewardship and fundraising event(s) in partnership with Development Team
- Support Development Manager in the planning and execution of the Partners in Achievement Breakfast
- Oversee Auction and in-kind solicitation outreach including submitting online applications, updating tracking document, identifying prospects, etc.
- Work in conjunction with all staff members to identify new potential sponsors
- Oversee the launch of the JA Alumni Network
- Strategize methods to motivate event attendees to become individual donors and volunteers
- Additional support for the development and education departments as needed and assigned
Our Ideal Candidate:
You are a resourceful, organized, and creative thinker, a confident and comfortable relationship-builder, and a strong communicator. You’ll also have familiarity with non-profit fundraising events, event best practices and commonly used platforms, as well as the ability to proactively engage with a variety of constituents, including event sponsors, corporate leaders, and individuals. You’re a collaborative team player who is committed to excellence, takes initiative and demonstrates a growth mindset, thinks creatively to solve problems, and works with a sense of humor and humility. You are highly organized, attentive to detail, and process-oriented. You can prioritize and execute multiple time-sensitive priorities with precision and integrity. You are comfortable using spreadsheets, CRMs, online giving sites, with the ability to add more technical skills to your toolkit.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience
- Experience in event planning and management; preferably with non-profit fundraisers
- Ability to prepare, coordinate and execute all aspects of high level event experiences for groups ranging in size from small, intimate gatherings up to large events of 500+
- Experience working with a variety of vendors and negotiating contracts
- Experience building meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
- Excellent organization, presentation, and communication skills
- Proven experience, passion and to providing superior customer service
- Ability to work occasional nights and weekends as needed for events
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and experience with CRM databases and other fundraising tools (i.e. Blackbaud, QGiv, and First Giving)
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; willingness to travel within the organization’s territory
We actively seek people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in our work. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels welcomed, valued and included. We believe we are stronger as an organization when we embrace the unique attributes, characteristics, abilities, and perspectives of all individuals.
Junior Achievement of Southwest New England offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees including medical and dental insurance and 401k plan as well as generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays in a supportive hybrid work schedule of 2-3 days per week in the office.
JA will consider both full-time and part-time applicants. Resumes will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Please be sure to include a cover letter along with your resume.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Hartford, CT 06105: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hartford, CT 06105