Events and Projects Specialist

Company Description

Come join our team and become part of what the Boston Globe has recognized as one of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts 2018 - 2024! 

Saving lives through organ and tissue donation is the mission uniting our employees and drives the work we do. 

New England Donor Services (NEDS) coordinates organ and tissue donation in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, the eastern counties of Vermont and Bermuda. Responsible for one of the largest of the 56 Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) that make up the nation’s donation system, NEDS works with over 200 hospitals and serves nearly 15 million people in our region, screening nearly 55,000 potential donor referrals annually. With approximately $110M in operating revenues, NEDS employs 348 clinical and non-clinical staff members throughout New England and across the country.

Our vision is to be a leader in the development and implementation of strategies to increase the life-saving and life-enhancing gifts of organ and tissue donation through effective relationships with our clinical partners, donor families and the communities we serve.

Job Description

The Events and Projects Specialist is a member of the Public Affairs Team dedicated to engaging the community around the mission to save and heal lives through organ donation. This individual is the primary contact for the signature Blue & Green Walk/5k events, the largest events and fundraisers for the organization and will support the operations of the Massachusetts Organ Transplant Fund. Under the supervision of Director, Community Affairs & Development, the Events and Projects Specialist is responsible for event logistics, team and sponsor recruitment, building new partnerships and increasing attendance and revenue for the Blue & Green Walk/5Ks. There is occasional travel to remote NEDS locations with occasional weekend work as needed for events; overnight business travel 1-2 times/year.

Event Management

• Serve as the key staff member in organizing, planning and executing the Blue & Green Walk/5ks.
• Assist in the preparation of a strategic plan for the growth and success of the Blue & Green Walk/5ks, including plans to engage teams, partners and sponsors.
• Responsible for executing a developed plan and event logistics, including site preparation, vendor management, sponsor engagement and deliverables, budget and timeline management, marketing and team captain kick-off events.
• Serve as primary event contact for teams, sponsors, etc. and team lead on event day (requires organizing team to load, unpack and repack supply vehicles and drive to event locations).
• Execute a developed plan for maximizing team participation to achieve revenue and participation goals by recruiting new teams and providing fundraising support and coaching.
• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing teams and sponsors with focus on retention and recruitment.
• Work closely with leadership to identify and implement best practices for walk/run events.
• Assist in cultivating key relationships with local and national partners to generate sponsorship and develop new teams.

Fund Administration

• Determine eligibility for the MA Transplant Fund for new applications and on an annual basis for existing recipients.
• Review and process reimbursement requests for the MA Transplant Fund.
• Promote the availability of the MA Transplant Fund with Transplant Centers and other interested parties.

Department and Project Administration

• Work as part of the Public Affairs team to effectively administer all the functions of the department, providing back-up to other team members as needed.
• Design and update event websites, maintain CRM for events, and serve as primary contact for troubleshooting.
• Assist in creation of marketing materials and distribution.
• Work in collaboration with NEDS teams to assist in efforts to increase staff participation and partner participation (hospitals, vendors, etc.).
• Assist Volunteer Manager with volunteer recruitment for various fundraising events.
• Support other fundraising events, community activities and programs as assigned.
• Assist in creation of event social media marketing with Social Media Specialist.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead, organize, and manage multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and utilize time-management skills to meet deadlines. Maintain composure in stressful situations/maintain effectiveness under pressure.
• Computer & Application Literacy: proficiency Microsoft Office suite, ZOOM, Peer to Peer/Online Fundraising Software (Classy preferred) and C