Special Event Director - Downtown

Special Event Director - Downtown YMCA of The Pikes Peak Region - 3.9 Colorado Springs, CO Job Details Full-time $57,784 a year 1 day ago Qualifications CPR Certification Volunteer management Outdoor work Customer service First aid Social media platforms Managing budgets in a finance role First Aid Certification Decision making Managing event budgets Productivity software Cross-functional collaboration Project leadership Cross-functional team management Cross-functional communication AED Certification Full Job Description

OVERVIEW

The Special Events Director provides strategic leadership, planning, and execution for association-wide special events and community engagement initiatives that support the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region's mission, fundraising goals, and organizational visibility. This position oversees the development, growth, and execution of signature events, including fundraising events, races, community initiatives, donor engagement opportunities, and sponsorship activations. The Special Events Director works collaboratively with internal departments, executive leadership, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, community partners, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, mission-driven experiences that strengthen community relationships and generate revenue in support of YMCA programs and services. The Special Events Director is responsible for establishing long-term event strategies, managing event budgets and financial performance, achieving sponsorship and fundraising goals, and ensuring operational excellence across all assigned events and initiatives. This role serves as the association lead for event operations and logistics while also supporting broader Mission Advancement efforts including donor stewardship, sponsor engagement, campaigns, and community partnerships.

CERTIFICATIONS

Maintain CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer yearly Maintain First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen every 2 years Bloodborne Pathogens/Child Abuse Prevention every year

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Develops and leads the strategic vision and annual plan for YMCA association-wide special events and community engagement initiatives Oversees the planning, organization, logistics, communication, execution, and evaluation of all assigned events and initiatives Responsible for achieving event attendance, sponsorship, fundraising, and engagement goals Develops and manages event budgets, financial tracking, forecasting, and reporting Provides leadership, direction, and follow-up with departments and stakeholders involved in event execution Serves as the YMCA's primary point of contact for event-related relationships including sponsors, vendors, venues, partners, medical/safety providers, contractors, and volunteers Cultivates and maintains relationships with sponsors, donors, community leaders, and strategic partners Supports sponsor stewardship, activation, recognition, and retention efforts Oversees event timelines, deliverables, contracts, permits, deposits, insurance requirements, and compliance documentation Ensures all event data, reporting metrics, financial performance, attendance, and outcomes are accurately tracked and evaluated Collaborates closely with the Mission Advancement team on fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, community outreach, and organizational initiatives Represents the YMCA at community events, networking opportunities, public speaking engagements, and partnership meetings Provides leadership oversight to ensure safe, mission-driven, and high-quality event experiences Serves as onsite lead and final decision-maker for assigned events and event operations Recruits, trains, supervises, and supports volunteers, committees, interns, and event support staff as needed Continuously evaluates opportunities for innovation, growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced participant experience

YMCA COMPETENCIES

(Team Leader):

Mission Advancement:

Models and teaches the Y's values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fundraising and community engagement efforts.

Collaboration:

Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create meaningful community connections. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and addressing conflict. Effectively tailors communications to diverse audiences. Provides staff and volunteers with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.

Operational Effectiveness:

Provides leadership and frameworks for decision-making. Develops strategic plans and manages best practices through engagement of teams and stakeholders. Effectively creates and manages budgets and timelines. Holds staff and volunteers accountable for high-quality results using formal processes to measure progress and outcomes.

Personal Growth:

Shares new insights and innovative ideas. Facilitates change and models adaptability. Utilizes professional and solution-oriented approaches to address sensitive issues and organizational challenges. Demonstrates strong technical knowledge and maintains up-to-date skills in event management, fundraising, technology, and community engagement.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to set work priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines are met Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended event hours as needed Office environment requires prolonged sitting, computer use, and data entry Must be able to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions Knowledge of standard office equipment including computer systems, printers, and related technology Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, spreadsheets, CRM systems, and event software platforms Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs., including event equipment and supplies Must demonstrate exceptional customer service and professionalism with members, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners Ability to work independently while also leading collaborative team efforts

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in event management, fundraising events, sponsorship development, or community engagement Demonstrated experience managing large-scale events serving 3,000-5,000+ participants Experience developing and managing sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteer programs Experience managing event budgets, financial tracking, and revenue goals Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate across departments Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences internally and externally Experience with fundraising, donor stewardship, and nonprofit development preferred Experience using social media, event management software, race registration platforms, and CRM/database systems Ability to multitask, prioritize, delegate, problem-solve, and make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Oxygen, and First Aid certified (training available upon hire)