Director of Events and Special Projects

Job Description

Position Title:              Director of Events and Special Projects

FLSA Status:                Exempt

Position Reports to:    Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Full Time/Part Time:   Full Time

Date:                           January 2022

 Position Overview

Save the Chimps (STC) operates one of the largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world. Located on 150 acres on the Treasure Coast of Florida, the Sanctuary provides high quality clinical and lifetime care and enrichment for over 220 chimpanzees rescued from research laboratories, entertainment, and the pet trade. The work of the organization is accomplished by a team of over 75 full-time dedicated employees, an impassioned community of volunteers, and an accomplished board of directors.

Working with STC’s senior management, development, and marketing teams, the Director of Events and Special Projects will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of all major fundraising and community events for STC.  The Director will create and execute meaningful and impactful events to raise revenue, increase brand awareness, strengthen community connections, and steward current and prospect supporters to new levels of engagement. The Director must be collaborative and results-oriented with an enthusiastic commitment to professionalism, excellence, and STC’s mission. 

Essential Job Functions

• Plan, organize and execute fundraising and engagement events based on industry best practices to engage supporters, increase brand awareness and grow revenue, including but not limited to:  Donor receptions, Fundraising Luncheons and Dinners, Member Day(s), Chimpathon, Online Auction, and board meetings.
• Coordinate and oversee all event logistics including ticketing, registration, catering, programming, AV systems and other event-related logistics. 
• Source, vet, and select vendors and negotiate favorable, competitive contracts. Manage consultants and vendors prior to and during events to ensure event success and efficiency.
• Attend events (on-site and off-site) as needed to oversee logistics and serve as point person for vendors, staff, and attendees. 
• Oversee all post-event coordination including debrief meetings, recognition of key constituents, financial reporting and data transfer.
• Assemble and support committees and internal teams (staff and volunteers) to secure host committees, sponsorships, auction items, and in-kind gifts. 
• Track and report event-related metrics for fundraising and engagement, including overseeing event budgets and record keeping. 
• Develop content, collateral materials, and strategy for marketing and communications plans, along with directors of marketing and development. Implement and manage pre- and post-event outreach for various platforms as applicable (web, social, email, direct mail). 
• Manage and contribute to special projects on an on-going basis, including webinars, documentaries, educational initiatives, and board committee initiatives.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives in sanctuary operations, management and resourcing, as needed, to advance STC’s mission. 

 Required Skills and Abilities 

• Strong organizational, project management and administrative skills with impeccable attention to detail.
• Self-motivated with collaborative, team-oriented attitude.  
• Clear and open communicator, written and verbal, with effective presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and multi-task to complete projects on deadline in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills with coworkers, volunteers, and donors. 
• Ability to identify, innovate and deliver on opportunities that connect STC’s mission, priorities and funding needs.  
• Technical competence, including demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).  Comfort learning and utilizing new technology. Working familiarity with event platforms (Cvent, Neon/Rallybound, Classy), CRM database systems (Blackbaud, Hubspot), virtual collaboration technology, and marketing reporting/analytics functions. 
• Creative design skills and experience in design software (Adobe Photoshop, Canva) preferred.

 Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in event management and fundraising.
• 3+ years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
• An ethical and unbiased approach to co-workers, donors, and all other community members, as well as an understanding of charitable giving legal guidelines.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes nights, weekends, and extended hours due to the nature of our events.
• Travel within the United States will be required to manage and attend events.

 Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand for long periods of time; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Able to drive and operate golf cart or other vehicles for use on sanctuary property.
• Must be able to run and swim in the face of danger.

• Must be able to pass a pre-hire drug screen. 

 Public Health Requirements: 

STC follows and adheres to all local, state and federal regulations and CDC recommendations for COVID infection control and other public health mandates. STC currently requires all employees to be vaccinated for COVID, Hepatitis A & B, and Tetanus. Employees must be comfortable and compliant with sanctuary protocols which may include: remote or in-person attendance, working in proximity to both humans and chimpanzees, and wearing of PPE, among other best practices in public health management. 

 Environmental Requirements:

Tasks are regularly performed with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, animals/wildlife. Employees must not object to unpleasant chimpanzee behaviors including spitting of water or saliva, throwing of feces, food or other waste, and chimpanzee displays that may include banging, kicking of the mesh barrier, and loud screams or hooting.

Work outside in inclement weather, if needed.

 Save the Chimps is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to: ymcallister@savethechimps.org

Must be able to pass a pre-hire drug screen. Also due to the safety risk to the chimps, it is an essential function of the position to have received the COVID-19 vaccine along with several other vaccinations.