Special Events & Programs Coordinator

ABOUT HAPPY HOLLOW FOUNDATION 

For 68 years, Happy Hollow Foundation has been the independent non-profit partner of Happy Hollow Park & Zoo which is owned and operated by the City of San José. The Foundation’s vision is to foster pride and involvement so that Happy Hollow remains a community asset that is highly valued and accessible to all. The Foundation supports conservation, education and play through innovative programming and strategic fundraising initiatives. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

The Programs & Events Coordinator is a role designed to introduce the fundamentals of fundraising, donor stewardship and community engagement. This position supports the implementation of Foundation programs while serving as an active ambassador for Happy Hollow Foundation in the community.

Working as part of the Advancement team, the role contributes to a range of activities that build relationships and generate philanthropic support for the Foundation. Key responsibilities include outreach, special events, program facilitation and serving as an ambassador to elevate the Foundation’s visibility and impact. This role reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with the Advancement Manager. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Programs

• Coordinate the implementation of Foundation-supported programs, including Title I and CASA Days at Happy Hollow, by collaborating with program partners, participating in joint planning meetings and managing logistics and timelines for both initiatives.
• Facilitate the planning and execution of the Senior Safari program by attending planning meetings, coordinating participating sponsors and tabling partners and managing day-of logistics to ensure successful events.
• Track, organize and maintain program data to measure outcomes and impact across Foundation initiatives, including Title I, Senior Safari, CASA and Corporate Volunteer programs, contributing to semi-annual and annual program evaluations.
• Steward and strengthen relationships with current corporate sponsors while managing and growing the Corporate Volunteer Program.
• Plan, coordinate and lead Corporate Volunteer Days, while identifying new opportunities to engage corporate partners in conservation and community impact initiatives.
• Ensure partners and volunteers are recognized and thanked in a timely and meaningful manner through effective stewardship practices.

Events 

• Work with the Advancement Manager to support the execution of the annual fundraising event, Hooray for Happy Hollow and annual donor engagement events, Cheers to You.
• Plan and facilitate auction fulfillment parties, hospitality events for board meetings and annual Partnership Appreciation mini-event.
• Recruit, cultivate and maintain a strong network of community volunteers to support Foundation events, programs and outreach efforts.

Administrative

• Organize and maintain the Foundation’s digital asset management system (Filecamp), expanding and curating a library of photography and video assets.
• Contribute to the annual report publications.
• Contribute to the Foundation’s communications calendar.
• Contribute to website updates.
• Collaborate as a member of the Happy Hollow Foundation’s advancement team, staying informed of organizational priorities and initiatives that support fundraising goals.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 2 years professional training in sales, marketing, and/or fundraising practices related to donor/customer engagement.
• Proficiency with G-Site and MS Office Suite (especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint), including mail merges. (Web-based communication experience is a plus. Publications experience a plus.)
• Skilled with content creation in Canva, Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
• Data entry experience required. (Knowledge of Little Green Light, eTapestry, Raiser’s Edge, Greater Giving, GiveSmart or One Cause software are a plus.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Excellent care and attention to detail. Absolute commitment to accuracy, timeliness and confidentiality. Model a high degree of integrity. 
• Excellent written, oral, electronic and presentation abilities. 
• Possess organizational, project management and self-initiative skills including ability to prioritize, focus, manage multiple tasks and anticipate and meet deadlines.
• Dynamic interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with management, donors, volunteers and Happy Hollow staff.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness and problem-solving capabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Ability to lift 25 lbs. without help. Ability to look at a computer monitor for long periods of time. Ability to sit for long periods of time. Physically able to assist, when necessary, with event setup and breakdown, including lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work in a highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
• May be required to work occasional evenings and weekends. 

REQUIREMENTS 

• TB testing
• Fingerprinting - Must not have felony convictions or other serious violations 
• Able to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

GENERAL INFORMATION 

• Full-time, benefitted, exempt position 
• Salary $65,000 to $72,000 and dependent on experience
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Simple IRA with 2% employer match
• Accrued Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• 14 Paid Federal and County holidays annually
• Training and professional development opportunities 

APPLY 

Please email a cover letter, resume and a list of professional references to Rhonda Nourse, Executive Director, Happy Hollow Foundation, rnourse@happyhollow.org