Donor-Focused Special Events Lead (Gala & Fundraising)

Rising Ground; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

PTO & holidays

Remote / flexible work options

Job summary

Rising Ground in New York City is seeking a Special Events Officer to lead the development and execution of fundraising events for the Development Department. You will oversee the Rising Ground Gala, manage donor relationships, and drive revenue through compelling event programs and cultivation activities.

The role requires hands-on event planning, strong budgeting skills, and proficiency with CRM platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 6–8 years of fundraising experience, preferably in special events.
• Strong event planning, organizational, and project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail, budgeting acumen.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, relationship-building, and collaboration abilities.
• Commitment to Rising Ground’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the annual Rising Ground Gala from start to finish, including theme, program, and day-of logistics.
• Collaborate with VP of Development, Board of Directors, and Senior Leadership to meet revenue goals.
• Coordinate with program teams to create storytelling moments, in-person and digital.
• Develop marketing and communications strategies for all departmental events.
• Manage donor management, prospecting, and cultivation activities.
• Prepare budgets, track expenses and revenue, and report financial outcomes.

Skills

Fundraising

Event planning

Project management

CRM (Salesforce)

Budgeting

Communication

Donor cultivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Salesforce

Excel

Job description

Rising Ground in New York City is seeking a Special Events Officer to lead the development and execution of fundraising events for the Development Department. You will oversee the Rising Ground Gala, manage donor relationships, and drive revenue through compelling event programs and cultivation activities.

The role requires hands-on event planning, strong budgeting skills, and proficiency with CRM platforms.