Development Associate/Special Events Manager

Easter Seals Greater Houston is seeking an energetic, organized, and relationship-focused Development Associate/Special Events Manager to join our Development team. In this role, you will lead the planning and execution of fundraising events, cultivate donor and corporate relationships, coordinate volunteer engagement programs, and support marketing and public relations initiatives that advance our mission.

Essential Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events from concept through completion, including timelines, budgets, sponsorships, vendor management, logistics, communications, and event-day operations.
• Serve as the primary coordinator for Walk With Me, including serving as the liaison with the national organization and maintaining the event website.
• Build and strengthen relationships with corporate sponsors, donors, community partners, and volunteers.
• Lead engagement initiatives including the Young Professionals Program, Walk With Me Ambassadors, Youth Action Council, and Executive Leadership Committee.
• Assist with donor stewardship activities, including gift processing, acknowledgment letters, donor recognition, and maintaining accurate constituent records.
• Prepare financial reports, event budgets, fundraising reports, and other development-related documentation.
• Assist with marketing and public relations efforts, including press releases, promotional materials, social media content, and community outreach.
• Represent Easter Seals Greater Houston at networking events, community presentations, agency fairs, and fundraising activities.
• Coordinate volunteer participation for fundraising events in collaboration with the Development team.
• Maintain organized event files and confidential records while ensuring deadlines are met.
• Support additional fundraising and development initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, event management, nonprofit development, marketing, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience planning and executing fundraising events.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and donor database/CRM software.
• Experience preparing budgets, financial reports, and tracking event metrics.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Professional, customer-focused approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events.
• Ability to lift and transport event materials and assist with event setup and breakdown.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Board members, committees, volunteers, or community partners.
• Proven success with fundraising or event revenue goals.