Event Fundraising Specialist

Please note that applicants must apply through OBR's website:  https://operationbbqrelief.org/available-positions/

Job Title: Event Fundraising Specialist
Position Status: Full-time                                 
Classification: Exempt
Department: Growth & Development              
Reports to: Sr. Head of Growth & Development
Supervises: N/A at this time                             
Prepared Date: August 2025
 
Work Location: This is a remote position. Must live in, or be willing to relocate to, one of the following state: MO, KS, IN, TN, GA, AL, FL, TX, NJ, VA, PA.
 
Work Schedule: The typical work week is forty (40) hours. During periods of high activity (i.e., during OBR deployments and events), the position may require working during evenings and weekends. This position requires monthly travel. Throughout the year, you can be required to travel for up to 14 consecutive days. Travel is a mandatory requirement of having this position.
 
Position Summary:
The Event Fundraising Specialist is responsible for designing, planning, and executing special events to generate significant financial contributions, focusing on building relationships with potential donors, promoting events effectively, and managing all aspects of event logistics to maximize fundraising success. This position collaborates closely with Growth and Development team members as well as the  Marketing Department.
 
Essential Functions:      
 
Event Planning & Execution

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events such as galas, charity runs, golf tournaments, auctions, donor dinners, and engagement activities aligned with the organization’s mission and financial goals.
• Develop, coordinate and execute fundraising events throughout the country on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
• Identify event themes and formats that reflect the organization’s mission, incorporating market trends and best practices.
• Develop creative, high-impact event concepts with a focus on engagement and fundraising potential.
• Coordinate all aspects of event logistics including transportation, venue selection, permits, contingency plans, and day-of operations.
• Secure event venues, negotiate vendor contracts, and oversee registration and ticketing systems.
• Manage on-site event execution, ensuring smooth flow and oversight of volunteer teams and logistics. 

• Create comprehensive event budgets and timelines, setting realistic fundraising goals, ticket pricing, and sponsorship tiers.
• Responsible for driving revenue at least 3 times the annual salary.
• Identify and cultivate event sponsors and high-value donors through strategic, personalized outreach.
• Manage donor relationships throughout the planning process, ensuring appropriate stewardship and follow-up.

• Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners, especially those connected to disaster relief, veterans’ services, and community organizations.
• Engage community groups, especially those impacted by disasters or aligned with veteran support, to encourage event participation and advocacy.
• Conduct post-event follow-up and stewardship, ensuring long-term engagement and donor satisfaction.

• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for event logistics, guest services, and setup.
• Manage vendor relationships, including caterers, entertainment, rentals, and service providers.

• Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to promote events via social media, email campaigns, media outreach, and print materials.
• Ensure event messaging is consistent with the organization’s mission and brand.

• Track event performance metrics, donor engagement, and financial results to assess impact and ROI.
• Conduct post-event evaluations, gathering feedback to inform future planning and continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of sponsors, attendees, and donors in the organization’s CRM system.
• Store all documents and data on the corporate shared drive, ensuring access and data integrity.

• Assist in grant writing, donor stewardship, and member drives to support broader fundraising objectives.
• Coordinate emergency food service events (e.g., mobile kitchens or feeding stations) in response to disasters as needed.
• Organize community-building events or camps specifically designed for veterans and impacted communities.
• Complete administrative tasks including, but not limited to, expense submissions, paperwork, forms, company-assigned trainings, and document reviews.
• Work with supervisor to complete employee evaluations as assigned.

• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Communication Proficiency.
• Interpersonal effectiveness.
• Relationship building.
• Strategic Thinking.
• Integrity an diligence.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to be discreet with personal information.
• Strategic planning and creative problem-solving.
• Knowledge of nonprofit regulations and fundraising technologies.
• Understanding of veteran and disaster response issues for tailored outreach and messaging.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite & Google Suite.

• Bachelor's degree, preferred.
• Previous experience in event planning, fundraising, or nonprofit development, preferred.
• Proficiency in Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM)  and Wealth Management Screening software, a plus.