Fundraising Event Planning and Execution

# Nonprofit Fundraising Event Producer & Strategist **Part-Time Contract | Remote with Virtual Planning Meetings** We are seeking an experienced fundraising event professional to help our nonprofit organization create, plan, and manage a unique fundraising experience from concept through completion. The centerpiece of the evening will be a moderated conversation with bestselling author **Sam Quinones**, author of *The Least of Us* and *The Perfect Tuba*. Rather than hosting a traditional author event, we envision an evening that unfolds in three connected experiences. The evening will begin with the author conversation, followed by an exclusive wine and charcuterie reception where sponsors and select guests enjoy intimate time with Sam Quinones in a relaxed setting. The event will then transition into **Port City Paella**—an intimate fundraising dinner and celebration benefiting our nonprofit organization. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy exceptional food, conversation, and community while participating in a variety of fundraising activities, including sponsorship opportunities, a silent auction, raffle baskets, ticket sales, and a paddle raise/live fundraising appeal. Our goal is to create a memorable evening that feels seamless from beginning to end—an experience that inspires people to support our mission while building lasting relationships with donors, sponsors, and community leaders. ## Who We're Looking For We already have an enthusiastic and capable team of volunteers who can handle day-of logistics and event execution. What we need is someone who can serve as the **producer, strategist, and project manager**—someone who can see the big picture, keep everyone organized, anticipate challenges before they arise, and help us maximize both the guest experience and fundraising results. We're looking for someone who enjoys collaborating, bringing creative ideas to the table, and helping nonprofits produce events that people remember. ## Responsibilities * Develop and manage the overall project timeline from planning through post-event follow-up. * Create a comprehensive fundraising strategy that integrates sponsorships, ticket sales, the VIP reception, silent auction, raffle baskets, and the live fundraising appeal into one cohesive donor experience. * Design (or guide the creation of) a compelling sponsorship packet. * Advise on sponsor identification, cultivation, outreach strategy, and sponsorship benefits. * Help determine sponsorship levels, ticket pricing, VIP experiences, and donor recognition opportunities. * Develop strategies for procuring and promoting silent auction items and raffle baskets to maximize participation and revenue. * Guide the design and content of the event ticketing website. * Assist with event branding, messaging, and marketing strategy. * Develop the run of show, including the seamless transition from the author conversation to the VIP reception and into the Port City Paella fundraising dinner. * Advise on venue layout, seating, décor, signage, lighting, audiovisual needs, and the overall guest experience. * Recommend best practices for donor engagement, paddle raises/live fundraising appeals, auction execution, and sponsor recognition. * Facilitate planning meetings, coordinate with our leadership team, and keep the project on schedule. * Provide creative ideas and recommendations that elevate the event while working within a realistic nonprofit budget. ## Ideal Qualifications * Proven success planning nonprofit fundraising events. * Experience developing sponsorship strategies and securing corporate sponsors. * Strong project management and organizational skills. * Experience producing donor cultivation or VIP events. * Excellent communication and collaboration skills. * Experience working with volunteer-led organizations is highly desirable. * Creative, organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented. ## About Us We are a community-based nonprofit dedicated to changing lives through rowing, youth development, adaptive recreation, and expanding access to the waterways of California's Delta. This event is an important opportunity to increase community awareness, cultivate new supporters, deepen relationships with existing donors, and raise critical funds to expand our impact. ## Engagement This is a part-time contract position beginning as soon as possible and continuing through completion of the event. Most work can be completed remotely through virtual planning meetings with our leadership team. While we are looking for someone who can guide the process from start to finish, we have a strong volunteer base ready to help implement the plan and execute the event itself. ## To Apply Please include: * A brief description of similar fundraising events you've planned or produced. * Examples of sponsorship packets or fundraising materials you've developed (if available). * Your approach to maximizing sponsorships, donor engagement, and fundraising revenue. * Your hourly rate (or project-based proposal). * Your availability over the next several months.