Development Special Events Manager - Special Olympics Arizona : Job Details

Reports to: Senior Director, Development

Location: State Support Office, Goodyear

Last Update: July 2025

Position Summary: This is a full-time, exempt position responsible for planning, evaluating, developing, implementing, and maintaining fundraising and community engagement events that support the mission of Special Olympics Arizona.

Job Responsibilities: The following examples are intended only as illustrations of the duties of this position, the absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude these tasks from the position if the work is similar, related to or logical assignments of the position.

Event Planning and Execution:

· Lead all logistical elements of signature fundraising events in the Phoenix Metro Valley

· Evaluate event effectiveness and create ROI metrics.

· Gather information on each project to achieve a high-quality event.

· Manage all aspects of the event from location and food to marketing materials and displays.

· Communicate professionally with sponsors, guests, athletes, and external partners.

· Lead various events planning meetings with pertinent staff, including program team members. Provide projections of potential expenses and revenue of events through careful analysis.

· Ensure compliance of the approved budget, expenses and reconciliations on a per event basis.

· Ensure adherence to company vision and initiatives, corporate brand and messaging standards; collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and compliance.

· Ability to plan and execute multiple events simultaneously.

· Identify potential opportunities for events that will positively impact the organization and community.

· Secure in-kind contributions for state games competitions

· Outreach to prospective donors and contributors for events and state competitions

· Ensure post event recognition is fulfilled for sponsors and donors

· Ensure donor contribution and acknowledgement is recorded in CRM

Administrative/Miscellaneous:

· Ensure that event information is recorded in CRM or necessary database.

· Create and communicate event planning and tracking with staff and external constituents.

· Prepare all necessary reports and paperwork in a timely and legible fashion (i.e. purchase orders, credit card reconciliation, staff reports, entry forms, grant reports, in-kind donation tracking, etc.).

· Ensure compliance with Special Olympics guidelines, policies, and standards, SOI General Rules, and adheres to SOI/SONA Risk Management polices/practices at all levels to protect SOAZ and prevent loss.

Qualifications/Required Skills:

Passion for Special Olympics Arizona

Screening: All staff must pass Criminal/National Sex Offender Registry background screening.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree or 4 or more years of relevant experience may suffice. Relevant experience includes work in group management, customer service, or hospitality and with demonstrated success in attention to detail and effective communication. Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications and customer relationship manager software. Strong organizational and time management skills, including ability to juggle multiple projects with competing priorities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a collaborative team environment. Public speaking and customer service skills also required.

Physical Demands Include: Working in confined spaces, working in extremes of heat, cold and inclement weather. Moderate to heavy physical demands include lifting through full range (a minimum of 25 pounds), loading and unloading trucks and trailers, and lifting equipment and other merchandise. Equipment, truck, and trailer training will be provided, and reasonable accommodations can be made for physical demand limitations.

Transportation and Travel: In-state and out-of-state travel may be required. Must have own reliable transportation, a valid AZ driver's license, a good driving history, and fulfill assignments with reliability and punctuality.

Work Schedule: This position's work schedule will be determined by the demands of the position and can include 40+ hour work weeks, evenings and weekends, and extensive in-state travel.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

MISSION

The mission of Special Olympics Arizona is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with cognitive disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Special Olympics Arizona values a diverse and inclusive community where all individuals feel valued and respected. We are committed to using our platform to break through underrepresentation, promote unity, and encourage inclusion as an organization, employer, and member of our Arizona community, because we are better together.