Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Clay Center seeks a highly organized person who enjoys a public-facing job, is experienced in fund development, possess excellent communication, and is passionate about the Center’s mission to inspire creativity, life-long learning, and wonder through experiences in the arts and sciences for all people of West Virginia and the region.
The Sponsorship & Fundraising Events Manager reports to the VP of Development and is responsible for managing all aspects of the sponsorship program which generates underwriting support for the Center’s many art exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and more, as well as successfully planning and executing major fundraising events such as Carnaval, the Center’s annual fundraising gala, and other fundraising, donor cultivation, and development events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Sponsorship Management
• Develop and execute an effective sponsorship and solicitation strategy.
• Work with VP of Development to create a budget for sponsorships and maintain budget goals.
• Create sponsorship proposals, conduct solicitation meetings, and provide follow-up.
• Establish sponsorship benefits and ensure that they are delivered.
• Maintain tracking of solicitation levels, benefits, responses, and fulfillment.
• Work with Development Associate to record sponsorship pledges, track pledge payments, enter sponsorships received, and acknowledge gifts timely and professionally.
• Retain clear and thorough records of sponsor relationships and interactions.
• Foster positive relationships with existing sponsors to create long-term/multi-year partnerships.
• Identify new prospective sponsors and work with the Corporate Relations Subcommittee to develop acquisition strategies.
• Work with corporate supporters to identify company match opportunities.
• Conduct post-event sponsorship surveys and provide impact reports and thank-you packets to sponsors.
• Facilitate regularly scheduled Corporate Relations Subcommittee meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of trends within the not-for-profit museum, performance, and science center industries.
Events Management
• Plan and coordinate all aspects of fundraising events, as well as donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship events.
• Work with VP of Development and Development Manager to create budgets for all Development events.
• Lead event committees, collaborating with members of the Friends of Clay Center to ensure that fundraising event goals are met or exceeded.
• Facilitate all fundraising event planning meetings, which includes scheduling, tracking replies, taking minutes, and generating follow-up communications.
• Track all event expenses and revenue and ensure timely payments to vendors and fulfillment of sponsor pledges, ticket purchases, and in-kind donations.
• Oversee all fundraising event logistics, timelines, and communications with volunteers, staff, attendees, and vendors.
• Conduct post-event evaluation of all aspects of events to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop a pipeline of volunteers and supporters to join the Friends of Clay Center membership group.
• Coordinate and maintain the Center’s online auction platform and oversee all post-event auction tasks, including distribution of items, securing payment, and reconciling auction revenue.
• Develop job descriptions for key volunteer roles related to fundraising events.
• Ensure proper recognition of event volunteers and committee members.
Other

• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS
Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree (four-year college or university) or equivalent experience
Skills & Experience:
• 2+ years of successful fundraising and/or professional sales experience (fundraising experience preferred; a record of success in securing corporate sponsorships ideal)
• Specialized knowledge in organizing and managing all logistical aspects of large meetings and/or special events; 2+ years experience preferred
• Strong knowledge of not-for-profit fundraising strategies and best practices and interest in building skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with budgeting and revenue tracking
• Ability to keep the highest levels of confidentiality
Computer Skills:
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and comfortable leaning new technology
• Experience with The Raiser’s Edge or other fundraising and/or relationship management software strongly preferred
Other Requirements:
• Highly organized
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Team oriented
• Superior time management skills

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