Development Specialist - Donor Engagement and Events

Position Summary: 

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.

Key Responsibilities: 

• 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.

Essential Duties: 

• Secure sponsorships 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.

Qualifications, Certifications, Education, Experience, and Skills: 

• 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.