Job Description

The Events and Projects Specialist is a member of the Public Affairs Team dedicated to engaging the community around the mission to save and heal lives through organ donation. This individual is the primary contact for the signature Blue & Green Walk/5k events, the largest events and fundraisers for the organization and will support the operations of the Massachusetts Organ Transplant Fund. __ Under the supervision of Director, Community Affairs & Development, the Events and Projects Specialist is responsible for event logistics, team and sponsor recruitment, building new partnerships and increasing attendance and revenue for the Blue & Green Walk/5Ks. There is occasional travel to remote NEDS locations with occasional weekend work as needed for events; overnight business travel 1-2 times/year.

Event Management

• Serve as the key staff member in organizing, planning and executing the Blue & Green Walk/5ks.
• Assist in the preparation of a strategic plan for the growth and success of the Blue & Green Walk/5ks, including plans to engage teams, partners and sponsors.
• Responsible for executing a developed plan and event logistics, including site preparation, vendor management, sponsor engagement and deliverables, budget and timeline management, marketing and team captain kick-off events.
• Serve as primary event contact for teams, sponsors, etc. and team lead on event day (requires organizing team to load, unpack and repack supply vehicles and drive to event locations).
• Execute a developed plan for maximizing team participation to achieve revenue and participation goals by recruiting new teams and providing fundraising support and coaching.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing teams and sponsors with focus on retention and recruitment.
• Work closely with leadership to identify and implement best practices for walk/run events.
• Assist in cultivating key relationships with local and national partners to generate sponsorship and develop new teams.

Fund Administration

• Determine eligibility for the MA Transplant Fund for new applications and on an annual basis for existing recipients.
• Review and process reimbursement requests for the MA Transplant Fund.
• Promote the availability of the MA Transplant Fund with Transplant Centers and other interested parties.

Department and Project Administration

• Work as part of the Public Affairs team to effectively administer all the functions of the department, providing back-up to other team members as needed.
• Design and update event websites, maintain CRM for events, and serve as primary contact for troubleshooting.
• Assist in creation of marketing materials and distribution.
• Work in collaboration with NEDS teams to assist in efforts to increase staff participation and partner participation (hospitals, vendors, etc.).
• Assist Volunteer Manager with volunteer recruitment for various fundraising events.
• Support other fundraising events, community activities and programs as assigned.
• Assist in creation of event social media marketing with Social Media Specialist.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, organize, and manage multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and utilize time-management skills to meet deadlines. Maintain composure in stressful situations/maintain effectiveness under pressure.
• Computer & Application Literacy: proficiency Microsoft Office suite, ZOOM, Peer to Peer/Online Fundraising Software (Classy preferred) and CRM Software (Salesforce preferred)
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Ability to critically think, problem solve, and work productively both independently and as a team participant. Skilled in active listening and proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information. Ability to communicate compassionately with grieving families.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates the ability to understand, use and manage emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and diffuse conflict. Ability to work with diverse communities and demonstrate inclusion.
• Initiative: Is a self-starter. Seeks solutions and makes practical suggestions. Finds new and better ways to perform job and functions. Displays ingenuity in anticipating and meeting unexpected situations.
• Organization: Is able to successfully prioritize when faced with demands, requests and deadlines. Effectively handles competing priorities. Is able to distinguish between the crucial and trivial. Sees the big picture. Keeps situations in proper perspective with attention to detail.
• Confidentiality: Ability to handle highly confidential information in a professional manner. High level of judgment and discretion.
• Workload Management: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Ability to analyze highly complex situations with multiple variables and make sound recommendations. Detail oriented with excellent time management skills; ability to manage time, prioritize and set deadlines.

This is a hybrid position, candidates would have ability to travel to events and to the Waltham, MA office when needed.

Must be available to attend on site new hire orientation in Waltham MA for the week of Jan 6, 2025.

Qualifications

** EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:**

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or a combination or education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
• Previous experience working in event planning and/or fundraising for large events preferred.
• Previous experience in a non-profit or healthcare organization preferred.
• Proficiency Microsoft Office suite, ZOOM, Peer to Peer/Online Fundraising Software (Classy preferred) and CRM Software (Salesforce preferred)

** CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:**

• Required to travel by personal vehicle to meet the duties and responsibilities of this position. Must maintain the requirements of an “eligible driver” including maintaining an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) and required minimum personal automobile insurance per NEDS automobile policy.
• Required ability to rent and operate UHAUL/rented truck.
• Valid state driver’s license required.

Additional Information

HIRING ALERT: NEDS is actively taking precautions to protect our community, staff and partners during this time of medical emergency due to COVID-19. In order to be employed at NEDS, you must be vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

When you join New England Donor Services you can expect competitive salaries and a great benefit package. Benefits include a generous paid time off program, BCBS Health and Dental Insurance, Healthcare Reimbursement Account, 2x Annual Salary Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage, 403(b) Retirement Contribution, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program and Discounts through Working Advantage.

New England Donor Services is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diverse candidates to apply to meet the needs of the multicultural and multilingual communities we serve.

Hear from some of our employees at www.neds.org/careers

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.