Director of Special Events

Special Olympics Tennessee

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Job Summary

LOCATION

Special Olympics Tennessee’s office is in the greater Nashville area.

DESCRIPTION

The Director of Special Events position is responsible for leading all aspects of Special Olympics Tennessee’s (SOTN) marquee fundraising events in support of SOTN’s mission. SOTN’s Special Events include but are not limited to Music City Polar Plunge, Music City Blitz, Music City Corporate Challenge, Share the Spotlight Gala, Wine & Dine, and others.

MISSION

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the heart of all that we do at Special Olympics Tennessee as we strive to promote unity and create a community where everyone belongs. We value, celebrate, and support all differences, backgrounds, and viewpoints and understand that a focus on greater diversity and inclusion will enrich our organization and our world.

Special Olympics Tennessee is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.

Job Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the implementation and execution of all major fundraising events for the state office of Special Olympics.
• With vision, creativity, and professionalism, provides holistic, strategic, and logistical oversight of all aspects of SOTN’s event fundraising plan to meet and further the organization’s mission with the goal of creating top-tier and high-quality events while increasing attendance, participation, and philanthropic support.
• With the Chief Development Officer, creates and manages all pertinent event budgets, ensuring revenue goals are met or exceeded while maintaining close management of event expenses and providing up-to-date detailed reporting.
• Oversees, cultivates, and stewards all relevant event vendors and partnerships.
• Creates and maintains all timelines and a comprehensive calendar of annual events.
• Manages and directs the Special Events Manager by establishing accepted expectations with an ambitious but clear delineation of roles and responsibilities.
• Oversees the management and implementation of applicable online fundraising platforms.
• Works closely with the SOTN Development team and SOTN staff as a whole to plan, promote, and execute major events.  
• Supports the Development team in obtaining sponsorships and in-kind donations to support events.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned by the Chief Development Officer and executive leadership.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years’ of event management (preferably in a nonprofit setting) required
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image, ability to work closely with volunteers, vendors, and fellow staff, and effectively delegate duties while maintaining close oversight
• Promote a positive culture within and without the organization
• Paid or volunteer experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities is highly desired but not required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required

SKILLS

• Excellent and highest-level professional organizational abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to multi-task effectively in fast-paced environments
• Excellent critical thinking skills with a gift for creativity and vision
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and manage volunteers
• Ability to build effective relationships within the community and beyond
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required; knowledge of the Classy fundraising platform a plus
• Willingness to travel—working evenings and weekends to meet statewide event needs and requirements is required
• Multilingual abilities are a plus
• Have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and meet minimum Tennessee vehicle insurance requirements
• All employees must pass a drug and criminal background screening

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Serious applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements.

Please email all materials to Charles Stewart, Chief Development Officer, at cstewart@specialolympicstn.org

Details

• Date Posted: June 19, 2024
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Fundraising / Revenue Development
• Service Area: Philanthropy / CSR