Director of Special Events

Prevent Cancer Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on saving lives through cancer prevention and early detection. The Director of Special Events leads strategy, planning, and execution of major fundraising events, especially a high-profile annual gala generating over $2M annually, to drive revenue and deepen donor and sponsor engagement.

• Lead end-to-end planning, logistics, production, and onsite execution for the annual gala.
• Manage gala operations including venue coordination, vendor management, contracts, timelines, run-of-show, staffing, and post-event wrap-up.
• Lead and manage the gala committee and volunteer leaders to support fundraising goals, sponsorship outreach, host recruitment, and donor engagement.
• Develop and manage the gala budget with fiscal oversight, cost control, and strong ROI.
• Develop and execute corporate sponsorship strategy for the gala and other fundraising/beneficiary events.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate sponsors; ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits.
• Partner with major gifts to leverage events for donor cultivation and stewardship; support donor follow-up tied to attendance, sponsorships, and volunteer roles.
• Coordinate donor recognition, acknowledgments, and post-event stewardship with development colleagues.
• Serve as primary liaison for beneficiary events; provide guidance and support to participating beneficiaries.
• Implement strategies to grow the number, scale, and revenue of beneficiary events; track and evaluate performance for improvement opportunities.
• Support corporate sponsorship fundraising for the annual Awesome Games Done Quick beneficiary event.
• Supervise and support staff, vendors, and consultants involved in special events; manage an Events Coordinator.
• Collaborate with marketing/communications, finance, and programs to ensure alignment and seamless execution.
• Maintain detailed event timelines, calendars, budgets, reporting, and ensure accurate tracking of revenue, sponsorships, and donor engagement with development operations.

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 6–8 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising events, event production, or related fields.

• Demonstrated success leading large-scale, high-revenue fundraising events, including end-to-end logistics and production management.

• Proven experience securing and stewarding corporate sponsorships (fundraising, partnership development, or sales).

• Strong relationship-building skills with experience working with volunteers, committees, and senior stakeholders.

• Exceptional project management, communication, and attention to detail, including budgeting and managing multiple deadlines.

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by events and donor engagement.

• Full-time, exempt role.

• Hybrid schedule with on-site requirement a minimum of 3 days per week.

• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution, generous PTO, and professional development opportunities.