Director of Events

Company Description

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a national nonprofit organization committed to being a part of the fight against all cancers affecting women through funding innovative research, providing access to quality healthcare for underserved populations, and uniting people in the fight against cancer.

Position Summary

The Director of Events serves as the strategic leader of the Fund’s event portfolio and is responsible for maximizing revenue, participation, and mission impact through signature events, third-party fundraising initiatives, and special campaigns. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations and Development, this position leads the planning, execution, and growth of the Fund’s premier fundraising events, including the Celebration Run/Walk, Golf Classic, and the Fund’s upcoming 20th Anniversary Celebration.

This role carries direct responsibility for achieving event fundraising goals through sponsorship development, participant recruitment, donor engagement, and strategic partnership cultivation. The Director of Events will work collaboratively across departments, with volunteers, corporate partners, and Board members to elevate the Fund’s visibility, strengthen community engagement, and drive sustainable revenue growth.

Primary Responsibilities

Event Strategy and Leadership

Lead the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of the Fund’s signature fundraising events, including the Celebration Run/Walk and Golf Classic.Develop and implement multi-year growth strategies to increase event revenue, participation, sponsorship support, and community engagement.Ensure all events deliver exceptional experiences that reflect the mission, brand, and values of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.Establish and monitor event budgets, timelines, revenue goals, and performance metrics.

Fundraising and Revenue Generation

Serve as the primary revenue leader for event-related fundraising efforts.Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward event sponsors, corporate partners, and event donors.Develop customized sponsorship opportunities and partnership packages designed to maximize revenue and long-term engagement.Lead participant recruitment efforts, including individual registrations, team fundraising, and community outreach initiatives.Create and implement fundraising campaigns that increase event participation, peer-to-peer fundraising, and overall revenue generation.Work closely with the Vice President of Operations and Development and CEO to engage major donors and strategic prospects connected to event initiatives.

20th Anniversary Celebration Leadership

Serve as project lead for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.Recruit and lead the 20th Anniversary Celebration committee.Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising, sponsorship, marketing, and event strategy for the anniversary campaign and celebration event.Partner with staff leadership, Board members, founders, supporters, and key stakeholders to create a milestone experience that honors the Fund’s legacy while generating significant philanthropic support.Identify and secure anniversary sponsors, underwriters, and special campaign donors.Coordinate event production, logistics, programming, honoree recognition, donor stewardship, and volunteer engagement related to the celebration.

Third-Party Events and Community Fundraising

Oversee and grow the Fund’s portfolio of third-party fundraising events and community-based fundraising initiatives.Provide strategic guidance and support to volunteer organizers, corporate partners, and community fundraisers.Identify opportunities to expand the Fund’s presence through cause marketing campaigns, employee engagement programs, and local fundraising partnerships.

Relationship Management

Build and maintain a portfolio of key relationships including sponsors, donors, volunteers, event participants, vendors, community leaders, and corporate partners.Represent the Fund professionally at events, meetings, conferences, and community engagements.

Reporting and Operations

Track and report on event revenue, sponsorship pipelines, participation metrics, and fundraising performance.Provide accurate revenue forecasting and post-event analysis.Utilize CRM and fundraising platforms to maintain donor, sponsor, and participant records.Ensure event compliance with organizational policies, financial procedures, and risk management standards.

Additional Responsibilities

Support broader organizational fundraising initiatives as needed.Work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and travel associated with events and donor engagement.Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in event management, fundraising, sponsorship sales, or nonprofit development.Demonstrated success leading medium-to-large scale fundraising events with significant revenue responsibility.Proven track record securing corporate sponsorships and achieving fundraising goals.Experience developing and managing event budgets, timelines, and revenue forecasts.Strong relationship-building and donor cultivation skills.Exceptional project management and organizational abilities.Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM systems (Salesforce preferred), and online fundraising platforms.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.Passion for the mission of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Preferred

Experience managing peer-to-peer fundraising programs.Experience planning milestone, gala, anniversary, or campaign-related fundraising events.Knowledge of corporate sponsorship strategy and cause marketing partnerships.Experience working with nonprofit boards, volunteers, and high-capacity donors.Established pipeline for corporate partnerships and philanthropic donors.