Corporate Development Director-Heart Ball

The Gala Director organizes, directs and implements assigned Social Market Event/s in the Fort Worth market. Primary focus will be on the Gala implementation through Event Chair recruitment, solicitation of sponsorship, volunteer committee recruitment, auction production and overall event coordination with a fundraising goal of 650k for 2012. Works in close partnership with local fundraising and events staff, volunteers and other staff members. Provides year-round servicing, maintenance and operation of assigned events.


MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

* Solicits and maintains high-level corporate & patron sponsors by developing year-round cultivation plan ensuring superior customer relations
* Instrumental in building recruitment committees and executive leadership committees to solicit high level event Chairs and working committees
* Planning, development, maintenance, implementation and evaluation of assigned fundraising events according to best practices and event timelines
* Volunteer recruitment, orientation and training
* Works as part of a team to consult with staff and volunteers in all aspects of event fund raising
* Helps prepare an annual budget to support event plans and activities
* Assists in the development & maintenance of appropriate statistical reports, evaluations, and data gathering for volunteers, the local office, and the affiliate
* Maintains timely communication with all staff at local and affiliate levels, and helps ensure all information requests deadlines are met
* Maintains timely communication with peers and supervisor
* Performs other duties as assigned
* Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends and travel throughout the market, the affiliate and to the national center as needed

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
* Three to five years experience with the American Heart Association, or a similar non-profit organization in a fund raising position, or five to seven years proven success in marketing, sales, event planning, fundraising or new business development, preferably in Fort Worth

* Knowledge and skills in fund raising principles, practices and techniques
* Ability and experience to recruit, train, counsel, and manage volunteer groups and to develop long range organizational goals and follow through with them
* Ability to lead a team but also to work independently
* Ability to apply sound judgment and problem solving skills to conflicts
* Skill in making presentations to large and small audiences
* Ability to write clear and concise narratives
* Ability and willingness to travel and to work evenings and weekends on occasion
* Proficient in use of Microsoft Office tools and databases