Associate Director, Special Events & Community Engagement

Associate Director, Special Events & Community Engagement

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Easterseals PORT Health is seeking a strategic, creative, and relationship-driven leader to serve as our Associate Director, Special Events & Community Engagement
. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives on creating unforgettable fundraising experiences, building strong corporate and community partnerships, and translating big ideas into measurable results. In this role, you will lead our signature fundraising events, revenue-generating initiatives, and volunteer engagement efforts while working closely with the Chief Development Officer to grow support for our mission across North Carolina and Virginia.

Voted Raleigh’s Best Nonprofit Organization and Raleigh’s Best Mental Health Services two years in a row!

As the Associate Director, you will shape the experiences that connect donors, volunteers, and corporate partners to Easterseals PORT Health. You’ll oversee the full lifecycle of events and engagement initiatives—from concept and strategy to execution and post-event follow-up—ensuring every effort strengthens relationships and advances fundraising goals.

You will supervise the Events & Volunteer Coordinator, collaborate with Development, Marketing, and Program teams, and serve as a visible ambassador for ESPH at events, community activities, and corporate engagements.

• Lead the strategy and execution of signature fundraising events and revenue-generating initiatives, including galas, walks/runs, golf tournaments, auctions, donor recognition events, and third-party fundraisers.
• Partner with the Chief Development Officer to secure sponsor ships, in‑kind support, and vendor partnerships that drive fundraising success.
• Oversee event logistics, budgets, timelines, registration, and on‑site execution to ensure high‑quality, mission‑aligned experiences.
• Cultivate corporate, community, and volunteer relationships to expand engagement and funding streams.
• Supervise and support the Events & Volunteer Coordinator and guide volunteer committees and event volunteers.
• Collaborate with Marketing and program teams to promote events, develop branded materials, and steward donors and volunteers.
• Analyze event outcomes and recommend improvements to strengthen future fundraising and engagement efforts.

At Easterseals PORT Health, you’ll join a mission-driven organization where your leadership directly fuels life‑changing services. You’ll have the opportunity to design impactful experiences, grow meaningful partnerships, and lead high‑visibility initiatives that strengthen our communities.

This position follows a Monday–Friday schedule
, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with flexibility and some evenings or weekends required to support events and engagement activities.

A full benefits package is available for benefits‑eligible positions.

• Competitive salary: $77,000 to $85,000 for this full‑time exempt position.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits.
• Life and Disability Insurance (company paid).
• 403(b) Retirement Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program and legal services support.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer.

You’re a confident leader who balances creativity with structure and thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–7 years of experience in event leadership, fundraising, or nonprofit development.
• Proven success managing large‑scale fundraising events with 400+ attendees.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with event management platforms, donor databases, Canva, and Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to support events and…