Manager of Special Events and Sponsorships

Position
: Manager of Special Events and Sponsor ships
Reports to
:
Director of Development

Gateway Down Syndrome Association (GDSA) is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to serving, supporting, and celebrating the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families through every stage of life. Guided by the core values of integrity, equity, inclusion, respect, and excellence, GDSA serves more than 2,300 individuals and families across a 150-mile radius and envisions a community where people with Down syndrome can reach their full potential.

The Manager of Special Events and Sponsor ships is responsible for driving philanthropic revenue through exceptional fundraising events, peer-to-peer campaigns, corporate partnerships, and community engagement. This role combines strategic thinking, relationship-building, and flawless execution to grow sustainable revenue while creating meaningful experiences for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Manager will lead GDSA’s signature fundraising events, expand corporate sponsor ships, strengthen peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, and cultivate lasting relationships that advance GDSA’s mission. Working collaboratively across the development, marketing, and community engagement teams, this leader will identify new opportunities to increase community awareness, deepen engagement, and generate financial support for the organization’s life-changing programs.

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth

• Work closely with the Director of Development to develop and execute an annual corporate sponsorship and event fundraising strategy that supports both organizational and event fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to establish annual fundraising goals and performance metrics.
• Recommend and execute innovative strategies to increase philanthropic revenue through signature events, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate sponsor ships, and community partnerships.
• Track fundraising performance, analyze results, and implement continuous improvements to increase participation and revenue.

Step Up for Down Syndrome & Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of Step Up for Down Syndrome, GDSA’s premier peer-to-peer fundraising event.
• Inspire and coach team captains, families, volunteers, and participants to maximize fundraising success and community engagement.
• Develop participant communications, fundraising resources, recognition programs, and engagement strategies that increase fundraising results and participant retention.
• Identify and cultivate new peer‑led fundraising opportunities that broaden community involvement and generate sustainable revenue.
• Evaluate fundraising metrics and participant feedback to continually improve the event experience.

Special Events

• Lead planning and execution of GDSA’s additional fundraising and awareness events, including Run for 21, Trivia Night, Walk in the Park, Birdies & Bass Golf Tournament, and periodic galas.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, vendors, logistics, volunteers, and committees to consistently exceed financial and participant satisfaction goals.
• Develop standardized event processes, timelines, and post‑event evaluations to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Coordinate auction procurement and in‑kind donations while building relationships with community partners and volunteers.

Corporate Sponsor ships & Community Partnerships

• Build, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of corporate sponsors and community partners.
• Create customized sponsorship opportunities that deliver meaningful value while advancing GDSA’s mission.
• Ensure exceptional sponsor stewardship through timely communication, fulfillment, recognition, reporting, and year‑round relationship management.
• Partner with marketing and administrative teams to ensure accurate donor records and impactful sponsor recognition.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to fundraising committees, volunteers, and board members.
• Collaborate across…