Fundraising Event Lead & Donor Engagement

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

Job summary

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation is seeking an Event Specialist to lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of Foundation fundraising and donor engagement events, including ownership of two signature events. Working with the Director of Events & Corporate Giving and the Foundation events team, you will manage logistics, vendor relationships, volunteer coordination, communications, and day-of execution.

In addition to leading specific events, you will support fundraising, stewardship, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, hospitality or event management, or related field.
• 3-5 years of professional event planning experience.
• Familiarity with and understanding of the West Michigan community.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor database systems.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and participate in evening and weekend activities.

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.
• Identifies, coordinates, and manages relationships with external vendors and service providers including venues, catering, audiovisual, decor, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, hospitality or event management

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Event registration platforms

Project management tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation is seeking an Event Specialist to lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of Foundation fundraising and donor engagement events, including ownership of two signature events. Working with the Director of Events & Corporate Giving and the Foundation events team, you will manage logistics, vendor relationships, volunteer coordination, communications, and day-of execution.

In addition to leading specific events, you will support fundraising, stewardship, and