Auction Specialist

Auction Specialist
Aurora, CO 80014

What We Look For
We are seeking a detail-oriented, highly organized Auction Specialist to join CDF’s event team. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, highly organized, and motivated to take initiative. You must be able to adapt quickly to a dynamic and constantly changing work environment. If you are a fast learner with good communication skills and a generous passion for nonprofits, this role is for you.

While we work in a team setting, it is essential to be highly accountable and to be an independent thinker.

● Extremely organized with a knack for following up and tracking information

● Resourceful in cultivating new ideas and building new relationships

● A keen eye for design and auction layout

● Consistently exudes a pleasant demeanor, a willingness to go above and beyond, and a tolerance for change and flexibility

● A dedication to the utmost professionalism when dealing with donors, sponsors, and staff

● Ability to complete tasks promptly, and able to perform tasks with minimal supervision

About the Position
The Auction Specialist solicits and acquires auction items for all CDF events. They are responsible to create and maintain relationships with businesses and individuals to solicit for donations. The Auction Specialist tracks all items and partners with the event coordinators for each event. The logistics, setup, and layout of the auction are also the responsibility of the Auction Specialist.

Planning, Procurement & Donor Development (70%):

● Coordinate, plan, and execute auction item acquisitions

● Assemble and coordinate auction committee and routine meetings for larger events

● Oversee committee members and general volunteers during auction load-in and setup for large-scale events

● Coordinate transportation logistics, including scheduling a moving truck to transfer auction items between the CDF office and the event venue

● Build connections with partners and strategize with leadership to create a pipeline for reoccurring item donations

● Conduct physical mailings, phone calls and emails to solicit donations from stakeholders and partners

● Create and oversee online auction auction catalogues for events

● Design and prepare display props for all procured auction items

● Develop PowerPoint slides for live auction items and assist in producing auction brochures and signage

● Design high-end auction displays and innovate ways to highlight auction categories

● Secure DJ/photo booth/emcee for auction, as needed

● Coordinate auction notifications, payments and item pick up for designated events

● Send tax acknowledgments and thank you letters to donors as items are received

● Attend all internal event coordination meetings as well as meetings with event vendors in relation to the auction

● Oversee the inventory, organization, and storage of all auction props before and after each event

● Assist with relevant budgeting, invoicing, A/R, reconciliations, and receipt letters

Data Entry (30%):

● Enter auction item donations and purchases into CRM and event platform

● Verify and update current solicitation list and research new donation opportunities

● Create and maintain tracking sheet of auction solicitations and donations for each event

● Maintain and submit necessary reports during and after designated events

● Maintain records of leftover auction items for use in future events.

● Track wine and liquor inventory, including donor information, for wine and liquor pulls.

● Track auction expenses to align with budget

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

● Bachelor’s degree and 3 years event experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

● 2 years of experience in planning and managing auction item procurement preferred, with strong skills in developing and maintaining…