VAI is currently seeking to hire a full-time Fundraising Event Specialist.

As a key member of VAI's Philanthropy Team, the Fundraising Event Specialist will be responsible for assisting with developing, planning, and coordinating all Purple Community{target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"} events. Under the direction of the Director of Philanthropy, this person will work as an integral part of a small, energetic team and be dedicated to managing the existing portfolio of grassroots fundraising events while recruiting and managing new events and partnership opportunities.

Your Key Responsibilities in this role will include the following:

• Assist with creating, planning and organizing all Purple Community fundraising events. Currently including, but not limited to:
  • Purple Community Partnerships with local Schools
  • Purple Community Signature events such as Hockey Games, 5ks, and other high profile community events
  • Lead VAI Student Ambassador Program
• Establish policies, document, and maintain operational procedures for Purple Community events and activities.
• Maintain an active awareness of philanthropy and donor relations goals and objectives and how they relate to Purple Community and philanthropy team activities.
• Recruit, direct and steward event volunteers.
• Coordinate event logistics and services, including production of event mailings and collateral print materials.
• Maintain accurate records, including donor and sponsor information, expenses, revenue and guest names and information relating to Purple Community fundraising events.
• Assemble sponsorship proposals and cultivate new peer-to-peer fundraising relationships; solicit for in-kind sponsorships and/or donations.
• Process event reservations, prepare master guest lists and supervise registration check-in for Purple Community events.
• Update and manage relevant web pages with details, logistics and sponsorship information for Purple Community events.
• Conduct interviews with local media outlets to promote VAI Purple Community events.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

What you will like most about working in the Philanthropy Department:

• Your work will make a difference in the future of human health and science education!
• You will be surrounded by driven, hard-working professionals.
• You will be encouraged to take risks and fail.
• New opportunities and challenges are always arising.
• The institute and department offer several fun team-building events that create a community.
• The opportunity to learn new perspectives and share yours in a diverse, collaborative environment.

You should possess the following characteristics/traits:

Excels at working in a fast-paced environment, meeting concurrent deadlines, and effectively managing time and priorities.

Must be proactive and self-motivated, organized, and demonstrate strong attention to detail with an ability to think critically and problem solve.

Ability to multi-task with a high degree of focus on quality control and confidential information.

Ability to collaborate and work well in a team setting with people at all levels.

Strong sense of initiative and the ability to complete projects with minimal supervision.

High level of customer service and responsiveness, with excellent oral and written communication skills.

Engaging personality able to connect with the various event hosts, vendors, media partners, sponsors, and internal staff.

Advanced reasoning abilities to effectively understand needs and solutions for special projects and unique requests.

Advanced project management skills, including ability to create an imp