Development Officer - Special Events

Organization Overview

Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC) is dedicated to preventing domestic violence for all—women, children, and families throughout the Greater Houston Area. We provide survivors with the tools for long-term stability and success through comprehensive services that empower individuals and work to end the cycle of violence.

Position Summary

The Director of Special Events will lead the planning, execution, and success of HAWC's annual high-dollar fundraising lunch and related donor cultivation events. This position serves as the primary architect of our premier fundraising event while also managing smaller donor and volunteer recognition events throughout the year. Given our lean team structure, this role requires a versatile professional who can seamlessly shift between high-level event production and day-to-day development operations, always with a commitment to supporting both our development team and front-line service staff.

Key Responsibilities

Event Leadership & Management

• Design, organize, and execute HAWC's signature annual fundraising lunch, from initial concept through post-event stewardship
• Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and roadmaps for all events, utilizing project management tools and methodologies
• Manage all event logistics including venue selection, vendor relationships, catering, audiovisual production, and guest experience
• Plan and execute donor recognition events, volunteer appreciation gatherings, and other cultivation activities throughout the year
• Coordinate with event committees, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure seamless execution

Fundraising & Development Support

• Drive revenue generation through event sponsorships, table sales, and individual giving campaigns tied to events
• Support day-to-day development operations including donor communications, gift processing, and database management
• Assist with grant reporting, fundraising appeals, and other development initiatives as needed

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Leverage knowledge of Houston's philanthropic community and social landscape to identify and engage prospects
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to promote events and drive attendance
• Work closely with front-line service staff to authentically communicate HAWC's impact and mission
• Represent HAWC at community events and cultivate partnerships within Houston's philanthropic networks
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the goals of the Advancement and Public Strategies team and the organization.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 3 years of experience in event production, with demonstrated success managing large-scale fundraising events
• Experience working in a nonprofit environment and understanding of fundraising principles
• Expert proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing project plans, timelines, roadmaps, and project management tools
• Strong familiarity with the city of Houston, its philanthropic community, and social landscape
• Demonstrated passion for domestic violence prevention and commitment to empowering survivors
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Flexibility and adaptability to support a small development team with varied operational needs

Preferred

• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge or similar donor database management systems
• Experience with digital fundraising platforms and event registration technologies
• Established relationships within Houston's philanthropic and corporate communities

What We Offer

The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors and their families, work alongside a dedicated team committed to creating lasting change, and be part of an organization with deep roots in the Houston community and a vision for a violence-free future.

Our Total Compensation Package:

•  Pay schedule: semi-monthly
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance Programs
• Generous Paid time Off- 11 paid holidays per year, up to 3 personal holidays per year, 15 paid Vacation days per year, Approx 7 hours per month of accrued Sick days.
• 401K the agency matches 125% of employee contributions up to 4% of the annual salary of a full-time employee.
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references. In your cover letter, please address your passion for HAWC's mission and your experience with high-dollar fundraising events.

Houston Area Women's Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

When you work here at HAWC you make an impact not just in the lives of the survivors and the people you help but also make an impact in our own lives and our community. We learn and grow with a purpose where we strive to work for a common cause, which is to end domestic and sexual violence for ALL.