Director of Special Events

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTH DAKOTA

Director of Special Events

Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Director of Special Events will be responsible and accountable for providing vision and leadership for the LETR fundraising and special events. The Director of Special Events will report directly to the Vice President of Special Events of SOSD.

EDUCATION/WORK EXPERIENCE

Preferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university or prior fundraising and event planning experience and/or working with volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• PRIMARY FOCUS is on sponsorships and fundraising first and then assisting with special events.
• Physical labor is required i.e., loading/unloading a trailer, and setting up/tear down at events.
• Ability to have a flexible schedule- some evenings and weekends are required, due to events falling outside a typical M-F 8-5.
• Travel around South Dakota is required for special events and some state/local events.
• Ability to work well with volunteers, sponsors, law enforcement, and Special Olympics Athletes.
• Team player to work with all areas of the Special Olympics organization.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office: Excel, Publisher, Word
• Self-starter to take initiative and working independently.
• Strong organizational skills
• Experience with Canva / Photoshop preferred. Experience with website design a plus.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Law Enforcement – work with officers and agencies throughout South Dakota on special events.
• Torch Run Directors – keep in regular communication with them on upcoming events, financials, goals, etc.
• Corporations/Businesses – developing and maintaining relationships while soliciting and asking for their financial support.
• Staff – keeping informed of activities and working with them on awareness possibilities.
• Volunteers – leading those who indicate a desire to help with special event planning.
• Special Olympics Athletes – utilizing the athletes at special events and striving for inclusion.
• Unified Champion Schools – working alongside schools in the communities we serve.

BENEFITS: Compensation plus benefits – negotiable

SOSD provides medical insurance, vision insurance, and dental insurance at a shared cost. SOSD also participates in a retirement program. SOSD provides Worker's Compensation, AD&D, long-term disability, term life insurance, paid holidays, annual Personal Time Off (PTO), and travel expenses. All benefits are explained in the SOSD personnel policies.

EVALUATION:

Evaluations will be completed at the end of 3 months/6 months and then annually in December of each year if requested. Reviews may be done at any time if performance requires an evaluation.

POSITION STATUS: Management – exempt

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reach out to sponsors, with the ability to ask for funds and/or in-kind donations.
• Assist the Vice President of Special Events with fundraising events for Special Olympics South Dakota through the various programs.
• Ability to work an inconsistent work week due to scheduled fundraisers/events. With the benefit of “flexing” off hours worked outside M-F 8-5. Hours may be “flexed” during the calendar year.
• Travel to several state-wide events (many are in Sioux Falls), some may require overnight stays in hotels and may occur on weekends. All travel expenses are covered by SOSD.
• Work closely with the SOSD staff, LETR Executive Council, and SOSD board members to coordinate and meet fundraising goals and plan for special events.
• Work with the Marketing Manager on marketing materials as well as event websites and social media accounts.
• Assist the Vice President of Special Events in developing, coordinating, and implementing annual special event plans to help fund the annual operations budget.
• Represent Special Olympics as a spokesperson for LETR/Special Events. –specific media, publicity, and public relations efforts.
• Ensure that sponsors/donors are recognized and thanked timely.
• Perform other tasks as requested.

**Note: Due to the extensive evening, weekend, and travel assignments, along with other requirements of the position, the 8:00 – 5:00 concept of work time frame is impossible to consider. The staff of Special Olympics South Dakota are required to operate within a time frame of whatever it takes to ensure quality results.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as assigned.

Employment by Special Olympics South Dakota, Inc. (“SOSD”), a South Dakota not-for-profit corporation, is not based on a contract and is strictly on an “at will” basis. Employees of SOSD are not guaranteed employment for any definite period. SOSD reserves the right to transfer or terminate employees at any time with or without cause. The employment of all employees may be terminated at the will of SOSD.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $50,000