Event Specialist

10 Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 67,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital seeks an Event Specialist to lead planning, execution, and evaluation of Foundation fundraising and donor engagement events. You will manage two signature events, oversee logistics, vendor relations, and volunteer coordination, while collaborating with the Foundation events team to strengthen donor engagement and the hospital’s brand.

You will work with internal stakeholders to ensure successful events that contribute to philanthropic revenue growth and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, hospitality or event management is required.
• 3–5 years of professional event planning experience, preferably in nonprofit/healthcare/fundraising.
• Strong organizational, project management and written/verbal communication skills.
• Experience with donor relations, sponsorships, and community partnerships is preferred.
• Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge or donor database systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of Foundation fundraising and donor engagement events, including two signature events.
• Serve as project manager for assigned events, maintaining timelines, budgets, and plans.
• Collaborate with Foundation colleagues to support fundraising, stewardship and donor recognition.
• Provide day-of support for events led by others within the team.
• Coordinate with vendors, volunteers, and partners to meet event goals.
• Track event documentation, attendance, revenue, expenses and ROI.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Project management

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/nonprofit management/hospitality/event management

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office

Donor databases

Job description

Mary Free Bed Summary

We have the great privilege of helping patients and families re-build their lives. It’s extraordinarily meaningful work and the reason we greet the day with optimism and anticipation. When patients “Ask for Mary,” they experience a culture that has been sculpted for more than a century. Our hallmark is to carefully listen to patients and innovatively serve them. This is true of every employee, from support staff and leadership, to clinicians and care providers. Mary Free Bed is a not-for-profit, nationally accredited rehabilitation hospital serving thousands of children and adults each year through inpatient, outpatient, sub-acute rehabilitation, orthotics and prosthetics and home and community programs. With the most comprehensive rehabilitation services in Michigan and an exclusive focus on rehabilitation, Mary Free Bed physicians, nurses and therapists help our patients achieve outstanding clinical outcomes. The growing Mary Free Bed Network provides patients throughout the system with access to our unique standard of care.

Mission Statement

Restoring hope and freedom through rehabilitation.

Employment Value Proposition

• Focus on Patient Care. A selfless drive to serve and heal connects all MFB employees.
• Clinical Variety and Challenge. An inter-disciplinary approach and a top team of professionals create ever-changing opportunities and activities.
• Family Culture. We offer the stability of a large organization while nurturing the family/team atmosphere of a small organization.
• Trust in Each Other. Each employee knows that co-workers can be trusted to make the right decision for our family, patients, staff, and community.
• A Proud Tradition. Years of dedicated, quality service to our patients and community have yielded a reputation that fills our employees with pride.

Summary

The Event Specialist is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and evaluation of assigned Foundation fundraising and donor engagement events, including ownership of two signature fundraising events that advance the mission and revenue goals of the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation. Working under the direction of the Director of Events & Corporate Giving and in partnership with the Foundation events team, this role manages event logistics, vendor relationships, volunteer coordination, communications, and day-of execution. In addition to leading assigned events, the Event Specialist collaborates closely with the Foundation events team to support fundraising, stewardship, and community engagement events across the broader event portfolio. The position plays a key role in delivering high-quality experiences that strengthen donor engagement, elevate the Foundation’s brand, and contribute to philanthropic revenue growth. This role balances independent ownership of assigned events with collaborative support of the Foundation’s overall events strategy and portfolio.

Compensation

$67,000 - $80,000 annually; Full Time; Salary Exempt

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of assigned Foundation fundraising and donor engagement events, including ownership of two signature events.
• Serve as project manager for assigned events, maintaining timelines, budgets, project plans, and event documentation.
• Partner with Foundation colleagues to support fundraising, stewardship, donor recognition, and community events.
• Provide logistical and day-of support for events led by other members of the Events & Corporate Giving team.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, vendors, volunteers, and community partners to achieve event goals.
• Coordinate event logistics, including registration, guest communications, seating, accessibility accommodations, volunteers, and materials.
• Collaborates with donor relations and operations administrator to ensure accurate and timely management of event-related constituent records and reporting.

Vendor & Partner Management

• Identifies, coordinates, and manages relationships with external vendors and service providers including venues, catering, audiovisual, décor, rentals, entertainment, and printing.
• Manages vendor contracts, invoices, and payment processes in accordance with Foundation and hospital policies.
• Collaborates with internal departments and external partners to ensure all event elements align with expectations and timelines.

Budget & Financial Management

• Develops and manages event budgets; track expenses and ensure events are delivered within approved financial parameters.
• Supports revenue-generation efforts through sponsorship benefits fulfillment, donor recognition, and stewardship coordination.
• Assists with post-event financial reconciliation and reporting, including expense tracking and ROI analysis.

Marketing, Communications & Brand Alignment

• Supports the development and distribution of event communications and materials, including invitations, signage, attendees communications, and event collateral.
• Helps maintain the accuracy of event information across communications, registration platforms, and event materials.

Evaluation, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Tracks and maintains accurate event documentation, timelines, and records.
• Compiles post-event summaries including attendance, revenue, expenses, and key takeaways.
• Contributes to continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned and recommending enhancements for future events.

We’ll embrace all people by:

• Treating everyone with dignity and respect.
• Opening more doors to opportunity for others to succeed.
• Growing talent and people.
• Ensuring a welcoming experience for all we serve, regardless of origin, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.
• Taking action against discrimination.
• Honoring our differences and how we collaborate.
• Educating staff, patients and the communities we care for.
• Restoring hope and freedom, together.

Customer Service Responsibilities

Demonstrate excellent customer service and standards of behaviors as well as encourages, coaches, and monitors the same in team members. This individual should consistently promote teamwork and direct communication with co-workers and deal discretely and sensitively with confidential information.

Responsibilities in Quality Improvement

Contribute by identifying problems and seeking solutions. Promote patient/family satisfaction where possible; participates in departmental efforts to monitor and report customer service.

Essential Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, hospitality or event management, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of professional event planning experience, preferably in a nonprofit, healthcare, fundraising, hospitality, or corporate event environment.
• Familiarity with and understanding of the West Michigan community.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proven ability to manage event budgets responsibly and continuously improve event return on investment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with donors, corporate partners, internal stakeholders, and vendors.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s mission with a flexible, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor database systems.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and participate in evening and weekend activities.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Experience working in a healthcare and/or non-profit setting
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge software
• Experience with event registration platforms or project management tools

Physical Requirements for Essential Job Qualification Levels:

• None (No specific requirements)
• Occasionally (Less than 1/3)
• Frequently (1/3 to 2/3)
• Majority (More than 2/3)

Remain in a stationary position: Majority Traverse or move around work location: Occasionally Use keyboard: Frequently Operate or use department specific equipment: None Ascend/Descend equipment or ladder: None Position self to accomplish the Essential Functions of the role: None Receive and communicate information and ideas for understanding: Frequently Transport, position, and/or exert force: Up to 10 pounds: Occasionally Up to 25 pounds: None Up to 50 pounds: None Up to 75 pounds: None More than 100 pounds: None Other weight: Up to___ pounds _____ Other: _____

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].

Mary Free Bed is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristic. At Mary Free Bed, we work towards putting everybody in motion. Fueled by our passion for innovative, integrated rehabilitation care, our teams work together to elevate everyone’s potential. Whether you’re here to ensure a safe environment at our hospitals, provide clinical care or help our patients navigate their next appointment, we’re united by the same mission: to restore hope and freedom through rehabilitation. Everyone plays an integral role in defining a better future for ourselves, our patients, and our communities.

You included.