Development Associate/Special Events Manager

This role leads the planning and execution of fundraising events for Easter Seals Greater Houston, including managing the Walk With Me event, cultivating donor and corporate relationships, coordinating volunteer engagement programs, and supporting marketing and public relations initiatives. The manager will also handle donor stewardship, financial reporting, and represent the organization at community events.

Responsibilities

• 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, acknowledgment 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice to have

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