Auction Specialist

Colorado Nonprofit Association; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Nonprofit Association seeks an Auction Specialist to manage item procurement for all events and build donor relationships. You will track items, work with event teams, and oversee auction setup and layout for successful fundraising.

You will coordinate logistics, develop displays, create catalogs, and collaborate with partners to secure recurring donations. Requires strong organization and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3 years event experience or equivalent combination
• Experience in planning and managing auction item procurement with donor relations
• Excellent project management and follow-through
• Experience designing engaging auction layouts and categories
• Strong presentation skills for stakeholders and partners
• Proficient in standard software and databases including Raiser's Edge

Responsibilities

• Coordinate auction item procurement for each event
• Organize auction committee meetings and volunteer coordination
• Oversee setup and load-in for large events
• Coordinate transportation logistics for items
• Build partnerships to create recurring donations
• Solicit donations via mail, phone, and email
• Create online auction catalogs and display props
• Develop slides for live auction items
• Design auction displays and signage
• Arrange DJ/photobooth as needed
• Coordinate payments, notifications, and pickup
• Send tax acknowledgments to donors
• Attend internal and vendor meetings
• Oversee inventory of auction props

Skills

Highly organized

Detail oriented

Project management

Donor relations

Auction design

Communication

Independent thinking

Time management

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Job description

What We Look For

We are seeking a detail-oriented, highly organized Auction Specialist to join CDF’s event team. The ideal candidate is
detail oriented, highly organized, and motivated to take initiative. You must be able to adapt quickly to a dynamic and constantly changing work environment.
If you are a fast learner with good communication skills and a generous passion for nonprofits, this role is for you. While we work in a team setting, it is
essential to be highly accountable and to be an independent thinker.

• Extremely organized with a knack for following up and trackinginformation
• Resourceful in cultivating new ideas and building new relationships
• A keen eye for design and auction layout
• Consistently exudes a pleasant demeanor, a willingness to go above and beyond, and a tolerance for change and flexibility
• A dedication to the utmost professionalism when dealing with donors, sponsors, and staff
• Ability to complete tasks promptly, and able to perform tasks with minimal supervision

About the Position

The Auction Specialist solicits and acquire auction items for all CDF events. They are responsible to create and maintain
relationships with businesses and individuals to solicit for donations. The Auction Specialist tracks all items and partners with the event coordinators
for each event. The logistics, setup, and layout of the auction are also the responsibility of the Auction Specialist.

Planning, Procurement & Donor Development (70%):

• Coordinate, plan, and execute auction item acquisitions
• Assemble and coordinate auction committee and routine meetings for larger events
• Oversee committee members and general volunteers during auction load-in and setup for large-scale events
• Coordinate transportation logistics, including scheduling a moving truck to transfer auction items between the CDF office and the event venue
• Build connections with partners and strategize with leadership to create a pipeline for reoccurring item donations
• Conduct physical mailings, phone calls and emails to solicit donations from stakeholders and partners
• Create and oversee online auction auction catalogues for events
• Design and prepare display props for all procured auction items
• Develop PowerPoint slides for live auction items and assist in producing auction brochures and signage
• Design high-end auction displays and innovate ways to highlight auction categories
• Secure DJ/photo booth/emcee for auction, as needed
• Coordinate auction notifications, payments and item pick up for designated events
• Send tax acknowledgments and thank you letters to donors as items are received
• Attend all internal event coordination meetings as well as meetings with event vendors in relation to the auction
• Oversee the inventory, organization, and storage of all auction props before and after each event
• Assist with relevant budgeting, invoicing, A/R, reconciliations, and receipt letters

Data Entry (30%):

• Enter auction item donations and purchases into CRM and event platform
• Verify and update current solicitation list and research new donation opportunities
• Create and maintain tracking sheet of auction solicitations and donations for each event
• Maintain and submit necessary reports during and after designated events
• Maintain records of leftover auction items for use in future events.
• Track wine and liquor inventory, including donor information, for wine and liquor pulls.
• Track auction expenses to align with budget

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years event experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 years of experience in planning and managing auction item procurement preferred, with strong skills in developing and maintaining positive and effective relationships
• Excellent project management skills and follow-through
• Experience in designing unique and appealing auction layouts andcreating compelling categories to drive interest
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group settings to stakeholders, partners, and other employees of the organization
• Computer literate and technologically proficient in standard word processing, spreadsheet and database software applications, specifically Raiser’s Edge and Raiser’s Edge NXT
• Highly detail oriented, adaptable, organized, and able to successfully prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks, while providing excellent verbal and written stakeholder and partner communications
• Strong interpersonal skills, including patience and understanding for dealing with diverse groups of coworkers, donors, volunteers, and families
• Superior self-management skills and proven ability to work and make judgments independently and take initiative. Well-disciplined and a self-starter who is extremely resourceful
• Ability to travel locally. Occasional overnight travel as needed.Occasional evening and weekend work required as needed