Job Summary:
The Donor Relations and Event Specialist supports strategic fundraising efforts through data-informed campaigns and appeals, managing donor acknowledgment processes weekly. Proactively addresses donor opportunities or challenges and oversees key tasks for major events, ensuring seamless execution. Collaborates with internal staff, external donors, and the broader community to inspire enthusiasm and build relationships in support of the Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut mission.

Fundraising Campaigns and CRM Support:

• Implement and optimize multi-channel fundraising campaigns with a focus on acquiring, stewarding, and retaining donors.
• Conduct comprehensive donor and prospect research, analyzing giving patterns and identifying planned giving opportunities.
• Lead the full transition to a new CRM platform, ensuring seamless data migration, system setup, integration, and day-to-day functionality.
• Actively engage with the local community, acknowledging and appreciating contributions and building strong connections.
• Develop and implement an integrated appeal calendar, including Giving Tuesday/Year-End Appeal, Spring appeal, stewardship and personalized appeals incorporating donor segmentation strategies.
• Support in the analysis of campaign performance, assist in identifying key metrics, contribute to setting campaign goals, and participate in providing post-campaign analysis and recommendations to the supervisor.

Donor Relations and Event Management:

• Co-develop and utilize planning calendars to strategically achieve communications, event, and fundraising goals.
• Contribute to the design and execution of the full donor experience across channels, assisting in educating, engaging, and deepening relationships.
• Develop meaningful connections through digital initiatives, access potential opportunities, and personalize communications for individuals.
• Manage sponsor/donor logistics, vendors, and tasks for all signature events from inception through event date, ensuring fulfillment of sponsor/donor benefits.
• Coordinate critical event setup details, including planning event layout, overseeing venue arrangements, catering, rentals, entertainment, decorations, AV, transportation, and parking.
• Recruit, train, and lead event committee volunteers for effective event execution.
• Oversee run-of-show, remarks, program booklet, signage, and gift bags aligned with the event vision/overall guest experience.
• Oversee registration website, build and manage seating assignments, accommodation requests, and day-of arrivals/departures.
• Lead post-event thank-you initiatives, ensuring prompt donor acknowledgment.
• Provide post-event analysis to the Supervisor.

Brand and Agency Representation:

• Support the organization's brand standards, key messages, and visual identity for fundraising.
• Assist with photo/video content creation for storytelling across digital channels and collateral, collaborating with program leads.
• Develop, source, and procure appealing premiums and printed materials, including annual reports, newsletters, campaign booklets, brochures, banners, etc.
• Maintain the organization’s media kits and marketing supplies.
• Ensure brand consistency across the website, advertising, internal and external communications, and marketing collateral, with an annual review of program materials.
• Cultivate and forge strategic community partnerships to advance organizational initiatives.
• Represent the agency at external events, funder meetings, community events, conferences, etc.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization, sharing the mission, priorities, and impacts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in marketing, communications, event planning, or nonprofit management is preferred.
• 3-5 years of fundraising CRM database experience with strong technical knowledge, Excel proficiency, and advanced analytics skills.
• Proficient in the full MS Office suite; adaptable to learning new systems quickly.
• Excellent communication, writing, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Innovative thinker, creative problem solver, and highly detail-oriented.
• High energy, positive, resourceful, and resilient in a dynamic environment.
• Outstanding organization and project management skills to multitask effectively.
• Adaptable and able to improvise effectively at events and shift gears as needed.
• Builds and nurtures relationships easily; outgoing, empathetic, and engaging.
• Passionate about the mission with a genuine connection to the cause and community.
• Self-motivated with the ability to anticipate needs, take initiative, and be resourceful.
• Manages competing priorities while remaining calm and composed.
• Follows all keeps up to date on all Easterseals policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in donor relations, event management, and fundraising.
• Proficiency in CRM/event platforms and campaign management.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms and campaign management.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Windsor, CT 06095: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person