Special Event Director - Downtown

About the position

The Special Events Director provides strategic leadership, planning, and execution for association-wide special events and community engagement initiatives that support the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region’s mission, fundraising goals, and organizational visibility. This position oversees the development, growth, and execution of signature events, including fundraising events, races, community initiatives, donor engagement opportunities, and sponsorship activations. The Special Events Director works collaboratively with internal departments, executive leadership, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, community partners, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, mission-driven experiences that strengthen community relationships and generate revenue in support of YMCA programs and services. The Special Events Director is responsible for establishing long-term event strategies, managing event budgets and financial performance, achieving sponsorship and fundraising goals, and ensuring operational excellence across all assigned events and initiatives. This role serves as the association lead for event operations and logistics while also supporting broader Mission Advancement efforts including donor stewardship, sponsor engagement, campaigns, and community partnerships.

Responsibilities

Develops and leads the strategic vision and annual plan for YMCA association-wide special events and community engagement initiativesOversees the planning, organization, logistics, communication, execution, and evaluation of all assigned events and initiativesResponsible for achieving event attendance, sponsorship, fundraising, and engagement goalsDevelops and manages event budgets, financial tracking, forecasting, and reportingProvides leadership, direction, and follow-up with departments and stakeholders involved in event executionServes as the YMCA’s primary point of contact for event-related relationships including sponsors, vendors, venues, partners, medical/safety providers, contractors, and volunteersCultivates and maintains relationships with sponsors, donors, community leaders, and strategic partnersSupports sponsor stewardship, activation, recognition, and retention effortsOversees event timelines, deliverables, contracts, permits, deposits, insurance requirements, and compliance documentationEnsures all event data, reporting metrics, financial performance, attendance, and outcomes are accurately tracked and evaluatedCollaborates closely with the Mission Advancement team on fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, community outreach, and organizational initiativesRepresents the YMCA at community events, networking opportunities, public speaking engagements, and partnership meetingsProvides leadership oversight to ensure safe, mission-driven, and high-quality event experiencesServes as onsite lead and final decision-maker for assigned events and event operationsRecruits, trains, supervises, and supports volunteers, committees, interns, and event support staff as neededContinuously evaluates opportunities for innovation, growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced participant experienceRequirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experienceMinimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in event management, fundraising events, sponsorship development, or community engagementDemonstrated experience managing large-scale events serving 3,000–5,000+ participantsExperience developing and managing sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteer programsExperience managing event budgets, financial tracking, and revenue goalsProven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate across departmentsStrong project management, organizational, and leadership skillsOutstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences internally and externallyExperience with fundraising, donor stewardship, and nonprofit development preferredExperience using social media, event management software, race registration platforms, and CRM/database systemsAbility to multitask, prioritize, delegate, problem-solve, and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environmentCPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Oxygen, and First Aid certified (training available upon hire)Nice-to-haves

Maintain CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer yearlyMaintain First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen every 2 yearsBloodborne Pathogens/Child Abuse Prevention every yearBenefits

Salary Range: \$57,784.00 - \$57,784.00 Salary