Development Associate/Special Events Manager

Easter Seals Greater Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Easter Seals Greater Houston is seeking an energetic, organized, and relationship-focused Development Associate/Special Events Manager to join our Development team. You will lead the planning and execution of fundraising events, cultivate donor and corporate relationships, coordinate volunteer engagement programs, and support marketing and public relations initiatives that advance our mission.

Bachelor’s degree and 1–3 years of related experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years in fundraising, event management, or nonprofit development, or equivalent.
• Experience planning and executing fundraising events.
• Strong relationship-building and networking with donors and partners.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; CRM experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events from concept through completion.
• Lead Walk With Me liaison with the national organization and manage the event website.
• Build relationships with sponsors, donors, and volunteers.
• Lead engagement initiatives (Young Professionals Program, Ambassadors, Youth Action Council, Executive Leadership Committee).
• Assist with donor stewardship, gift processing, and donor recognition.
• Prepare financial reports, event budgets, and fundraising documents.
• Support marketing and PR, including press releases and social media content.
• Represent Easter Seals Greater Houston at events and outreach activities.
• Coordinate volunteer participation and maintain confidential records.
• Support additional fundraising initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Fundraising

Event planning

Relationship building

Organization

Communication

Public speaking

Teamwork

Budgeting

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Easter Seals Greater Houston is seeking an energetic, organized, and relationship-focused Development Associate/Special Events Manager to join our Development team. In this role, you will lead the planning and execution of fundraising events, cultivate donor and corporate relationships, coordinate volunteer engagement programs, and support marketing and public relations initiatives that advance our mission.

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events from concept through completion, including timelines, budgets, sponsorships, vendor management, logistics, communications, and event-day operations.
• Serve as the primary coordinator for Walk With Me, including serving as the liaison with the national organization and maintaining the event website.
• Build and strengthen relationships with corporate sponsors, donors, community partners, and volunteers.
• Lead engagement initiatives including the Young Professionals Program, Walk With Me Ambassadors, Youth Action Council, and Executive Leadership Committee.
• Assist with donor stewardship activities, including gift processing, acknowledgement letters, donor recognition, and maintaining accurate constituent records.
• Prepare financial reports, event budgets, fundraising reports, and other development-related documentation.
• Assist with marketing and public relations efforts, including press releases, promotional materials, social media content, and community outreach.
• Represent Easter Seals Greater Houston at networking events, community presentations, agency fairs, and fundraising activities.
• Coordinate volunteer participation for fundraising events in collaboration with the Development team.
• Maintain organized event files and confidential records while ensuring deadlines are met.
• Support additional fundraising and development initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, event management, nonprofit development, marketing, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing fundraising events.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and donor database/CRM software.
• Experience preparing budgets, financial reports, and tracking event metrics.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Professional, customer-focused approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events.
• Ability to lift and transport event materials and assist with event setup and breakdown.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Board members, committees, volunteers, or community partners.
• Proven success with fundraising or event revenue goals.