Manager of Individual Giving & Special Events

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Development, this role is responsible for enhancing both annual and individual giving strategies and managing special events that raise awareness and support for The Night Ministry. The Manager also fosters and maintains connections with the organization’s Associate Board, prioritizing inclusive, community-driven fundraising to advance a more equitable approach to outreach and development efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and management of major fundraising events such as the annual Gala "Lighting Up the Night" and the Night Lights event, along with other community and third-party events, particularly in neighborhoods served by The Night Ministry.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop annual event plans including goals, objectives, follow-up actions, and assessments.
• Recruit, guide, and support volunteers and event committees.
• Partner with the Event Planner contractor to secure donations, auction items, vendor services, and handle logistics like audiovisual, catering, photography, and event materials.
• Coordinate event presentations alongside Marketing & Communications, Development leadership, and the President.
• Work with Marketing and Communications to produce and distribute invitations and promotional materials and ensure donor recognition through photography, logos, and graphics.
• Implement strategic plans to grow annual giving, focusing on donors contributing up to $10,000.
• Manage a portfolio of donors, cultivating relationships to enhance retention and encourage increased giving levels.
• Supervise the Individual Giving Coordinator for campaign development and execution, including direct mail and digital outreach.
• Lead and grow the Associate Board, supporting their involvement in special events.
• Develop personalized cultivation and stewardship plans for mid-level donors with the Director of Development.
• Use donor databases for tracking, analysis, and reporting, working closely with the Database Administrator to provide progress reports to management and the board.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit fundraising laws and ethical standards.
• Promote community-centric fundraising principles by ensuring outreach is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and honors the voices of the communities served.
• Represent The Night Ministry's mission, programs, and services effectively to the public and donors.
• Attend meetings and events outside standard business hours as necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Development.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of proven success in individual giving and/or special events fundraising, including donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Experience managing large fundraising events, including logistics, vendor coordination, and evaluation.
• Proven ability to create and maintain relationships with diverse donor bases.
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting and revenue/expense tracking.
• Proficiency with donor database systems like Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated with strong interpersonal skills and professional conduct.
• Leadership experience managing staff, volunteers, and external partners to meet fundraising objectives.
• Skill in developing strategic fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Genuine passion for The Night Ministry's mission and ability to inspire community support.

Additional Information

Reporting: This position supervises the Individual Giving Coordinator.

Physical Requirements: Duties may require standing, walking, sitting, hand use, climbing stairs, crouching, crawling, talking, hearing, and occasionally driving. Must occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds and possess specific vision capabilities including close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment: Exposure to outdoor weather conditions is expected. Noise levels may vary depending on location.