Development Specialist- Donor Engagement and Events

The Development Specialist supports Down Syndrome of Louisville's fundraising, donor engagement, and signature events. This position plays a key role in the planning and execution of the organization's major fundraising events, including the Gallop Gala, Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament, and Kindness Warrior Walk, while also contributing to year‑round development activities.

This role manages donor interactions, event logistics, vendor coordination, sponsor fulfillment, budgeting support, and on‑site operations to ensure successful event implementation. The position also produces professional, accurate, and brand‑consistent external communications. This role directly contributes to revenue generation that sustains programs and services for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

• Assist with year‑round fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and supporting materials.
• Lead logistics and execution of annual fundraising events.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, timelines, and on‑site operations.
• Maintain detailed, timely documentation of donor interactions, sponsorship activity, event budgets, expenses, and post‑event reporting metrics.
• Secure sponsor ships and donations while ensuring partners receive timely benefits, recognition, and meaningful engagement.
• Conduct timely follow‑up with donors and prospective donors and accurately document all interactions and progress within the CRM and related tracking systems.
• Develop and manage detailed event project management tools.
• Manage all aspects of event execution, including preparation, day‑of logistics, and post‑event follow‑up.
• Assist with budget tracking, expense monitoring, and invoice processing.
• Coordinate event committees and volunteers, including scheduling, communication, and task assignments.
• Compile post‑event reports including attendance, revenue, expenses, and evaluations.
• Collaborate closely with the communications department on event promotion, donor messaging, and mission storytelling.
• Create customized materials for donor cultivation, stewardship, sponsorship asks, and event communication.
• Manage development websites and monitor fundraising performance to ensure revenue goals are achieved.
• Work closely with the Development Director to support overall fundraising strategy and execution.
• Support improvements to development workflows and processes to ensure efficient fundraising operations.

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of event planning or nonprofit fundraising experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, project management, problem‑solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to communicate with others; listen; remain in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time; walk; use hands to grasp, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position operates exclusively in an office environment with controlled temperatures.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform any other job‑related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to accommodate reasonably able individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at‑will" relationship.