Director, National Special Events

Job Title

Director, National Special Events

Home Office | Development - Special Events

Grade 8:
Salary from $84,000.00/yr

Full Time | Exempt

National VP, Special Events & Volunteer Engagement

Remote

The Director, National Special Events is part of an integrated team that aligns with field staff, volunteer leadership, mission execution, and revenue generation to expand and empower individuals nationwide to boldly address arthritis through living better lives and funding cures. The Director, National Special Events is responsible for the overall direction and management of Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run, ensuring its seamless integration within the team and that resources and strategy are deployed in collaboration with key stakeholders to build a nationwide network of volunteers, supported by highly trained foundation experts who execute special events to achieve maximum success in fundraising for the Arthritis Foundation priorities.

• Oversee all national aspects of the Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run fundraising campaigns by developing strategically executed peer-to-peer fundraising best practices.
• In collaboration with key stakeholders across the organization, develop a three-year strategic vision and plan for Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run campaigns, including fundraising goals, budget recommendations, vendor relationships, volunteer leadership structure and goals, and timelines.
• Direct the implementation and execution of Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run national strategies focusing on acquisition, retention, and stewardship of teams, participants, top fundraisers, sponsors, and volunteer committees.
• In partnership with the VP, lead national Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run committees to develop recruitment, activation, and succession pipelines.
• Develop resources to support staff and volunteers, including committee guides, timelines, and support materials.
• Enhance Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run overall event experience, including brand consistency.
• Stay informed and keep the organization’s leadership apprised of industry trends and emerging strategies within peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Develop and implement national campaign strategies, including standards of excellence, assessment of year‑round fundraising plans, and market benchmarks and KPIs.
• Provide training and player‑coach support to ensure fundraising strategies are understood and implemented by staff and volunteers.
• Enhance and manage National Teams Program and corporate leadership engagement programs.
• Communicate campaign strategies, develop collaterals, identify areas of opportunity, and troubleshoot challenges to ensure successful event execution and campaigns meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Coach market staff and volunteers; help them stay on track, reach goals, and best communicate with their sponsors and fundraisers.
• Manage special projects, as assigned, such as vetting vendors, developing surveys, and piloting new initiatives.
• Develop effective internal partnerships to advance events and support the Foundation’s mission.

• 5 – 7 years of related experience.
• National fundraising campaigns, proven track record in fundraising events, marketing, and PR experience.
• Proven capability of working with various leadership styles in a matrixed organization and externally with volunteers and corporate partners.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, generate revenue, and analyze data to drive results.
• Demonstrated organizational, project management, and relationship‑building skills.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s level is appropriate (Communications, nonprofit management, marketing/PR).
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and Donor Drive fundraising platform.

Strategic planning, metrics, and innovation of Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run nationwide events.

40%

Community volunteer and staff support in creating resources, best practices, and training. Including technology, brand resources, and procurement.

40%

Collaborating with leadership volunteers and staff.

20%

Total

100%