Director Events Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Director, Special Events & Sponsorships is a fundraising leader who leverages two signature events — the Break the Cycle Gala and the Trot for Hunger — as the centerpiece of a broader corporate sponsorship and relationship strategy. This role requires an individual who understands how to fundraise through events: cultivating and stewarding corporate partners, working strategically alongside donors and stakeholders, and building long‑term relationships that extend well beyond event day.

The Director serves as the primary liaison to outsourced event management and production partners, holding them accountable to timelines, budgets, and quality standards while remaining focused on the donor and sponsor relationships that drive revenue and mission impact. The position also co‑leads strategy for the organization’s Corporate Advisory Board in partnership with senior leadership.

The ideal candidate brings event fundraising expertise, strong corporate relationship management skills, and the ability to direct contracted partners effectively without losing sight of the stakeholder engagement opportunities that create lasting philanthropic investment.

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary range for this position is $104,707.00 to $110,718.90, commensurate with experience.

Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am ‑ 4:30 pm; hybrid position. During the first 90 days employees work onsite full‑time for onboarding and training. Afterward, the role transitions to a hybrid schedule with a minimum of three days per week in the office. Flexibility for occasional evenings and weekends is required.

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, corporate relationship management, or sponsorship development, with demonstrated experience using events as a fundraising and cultivation strategy.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; experience managing corporate sponsorship portfolios; familiarity with outsourced event management models and nonprofit fundraising environments.

Driver’s license required only if the organization provides company vehicle access and the employee must drive it.

• Serve as the strategic lead for the Break the Cycle Gala and the Trot for Hunger, managing revenue goals, donor and sponsor experience, and overall mission impact.
• Direct outsourced partners in developing comprehensive event plans, including timelines, production schedules, staffing plans, and budget tracking.
• Act as the primary liaison for all outsourced event management and production vendors, providing clear direction and resolving issues as they arise.
• On event day, maintain dual focus: ensuring partners execute to plan while engaging donors, sponsors, and stakeholders to deepen relationships.
• Oversee event website development in coordination with Marketing and Communications, ensuring accurate content and strong storytelling.
• Direct registration platform management, ensuring data integrity and a seamless attendee experience.
• Conduct post‑event analysis, including revenue reconciliation, attendee data review, contractor performance assessment, and lessons learned.
• Lead the development and execution of sponsorship strategies for both events, with clear revenue targets.
• Build and manage a portfolio of corporate sponsors, providing year‑round cultivation, stewardship, and benefits fulfillment.
• Develop customized sponsorship packages that connect corporate investment to measurable impact and aligned visibility.
• Prepare and present sponsorship proposals, agreements, and impact reports.
• Track sponsorship commitments, payment schedules, and benefits fulfillment.
• Coordinate with Marketing and Communications to ensure sponsor recognition across all materials and platforms.
• Coordinate with the Foundation and Corporate Relations vertical to avoid duplicative outreach to shared corporate contacts.

• Co‑lead the strategy for engaging, activating, and utilizing the Corporate Advisory Board to advance fundraising and sponsorship goals.
• Develop and maintain an annual CAB engagement calendar, identifying touchpoints, opportunities, and activations.
• Serve as the primary staff coordinator for CAB activities, ensuring members are informed, engaged, and connected to high‑impact opportunities.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align CAB strategy with broader organizational priorities.

• Experience in corporate fundraising, sponsorship development, and relationship management with a track record of cultivating long‑term partnerships.
• Understanding of event as a fundraising vehicle, including donor engagement, sponsor stewardship, and post‑event relationship building.
• Ability to serve as an effective liaison to outsourced event partners, providing direction and holding vendors accountable.
• Exceptional project management skills, managing detailed timelines, budgets, and multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for sponsorship proposals, reports, and donor materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills and executive presence for professional representation in corporate and community settings.
• Collaboration with executive leadership on high‑visibility board and advisory group strategy.
• Experience managing sponsorship tracking systems and CRM databases with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with Development, Marketing, Communications, Finance, and program staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with event management software.
• Comfortable working evenings and weekends as needed.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and enthusiasm for representing it in corporate and community contexts.

EVP, Chief Development Officer

Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds, look at a computer screen for several hours daily, and sit for long periods.

Go to our career page at https://www.some.org/careers/open-opportunities and click the search icon to locate this position. Follow the instructions to complete your online application profile.

SOME, Inc. is a proactive equal‑opportunity employer. We ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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