Director of Events
Categories Development Officer
Expires Jun 30, 2026
Description
The Director of Events is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and growth of Dreams Come True’s signature fundraising events, including the annual 5K (a P2P campaign), Golf Tournament, and Gala. This position plays a key role in advancing the organization’s fundraising goals, donor engagement, brand visibility, and community involvement through high-quality events and peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives.
Working closely with the Sr. Director of Community Relations, the Director of Events will develop and manage event budgets, fundraising strategies, sponsorship programs, volunteer committees, and donor cultivation efforts. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and results-driven leader with strong event fundraising experience, financial accountability, and exceptional relationship-building skills.
This individual must be highly organized, entrepreneurial, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while delivering outstanding donor and participant experiences.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Event Fundraising & Revenue Growth • Lead fundraising efforts for the organization’s signature events, including sponsorships, in-kind donations, auction procurement, registrations, ticket sales, and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns. • Develop and implement strategies to retain current supporters and increase event participation, sponsorship revenue, donor retention, and long-term community support. • Identify and cultivate new corporate, community, foundation, and individual donor prospects. • Track and monitor revenue goals, donor engagement, sponsorship fulfillment, and return-on-investment metrics. • Ensure all revenue commitments are fulfilled and accurately documented. Event Planning & Execution • Serve as project lead for the Dreams Come True 5K, the annual KB Home Golf Tournament, and the annual Gala. • Oversee all event logistics including timelines, vendors, contracts, venues, entertainment, catering, registration systems, and event production. • Develop creative event concepts, themes, and experiences that strengthen brand awareness and deepen donor engagement. • Coordinate post-event activities including financial reconciliation, reporting, stewardship, recognition efforts, and debrief meetings. • Recruit, engage, and support volunteer leaders, host committees, fundraising teams, and event participants. • Build partnerships with corporations, schools, universities, and community organizations to expand volunteer involvement and peer-to-peer fundraising participation. • Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to support event volunteers before and during events. • Work cross-functionally with staff and Dream Team members to engage dreamers and their families in signature events. • Partner with the Marketing and Communications team to develop event-related collateral, donor communications, social media content, website updates, and promotional materials. • Provide regular updates to internal teams, volunteers, and stakeholders throughout the event planning Budget & Financial Management • Develop and manage revenue and expense budgets for all assigned events. • Monitor expenses and negotiate vendor contracts to maximize net revenue and ensure fiscal responsibility. • Prepare financial reports, event analysis, and recommendations for leadership review. • Analyze fundraising performance data and recommend strategic adjustments to improve results.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education/Experience • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field preferred. • Three to five years of experience in nonprofit fundraising • Proven success in donor cultivation, sponsorship development, peer-to-peer fundraising, and special event management. Required Skills/Abilities • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling volunteer communications, grants, and marketing materials. • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, planning committees and other volunteers. • Experience with fundraising software and donor database software. • Excellent strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills. • Successful event management experience. • A deep commitment to the mission and values of our organization. • Flexible and adaptable.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field preferred. • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in nonprofit fundraising specifically in Northeast Florida • Proven success in donor cultivation, sponsorship development, peer-to-peer fundraising, and special event management.
Salary/Salary Range
Commensurate with experience plus benefits and potential bonus
How to Apply
Email a cover letter and resume to anna@dreamscometrue.org. Please include specific events and past fundraising metrics.