Special Events Officer

Main duties

Special Events: 

• Supporting the co-ordination and delivery of our special events programme. 
• Manage the core elements of special events delivery such as the co-ordination of auction prizes, guest lists, guest requirements, admin and communications.
• Source ‘money can’t buy’ silent auctions items and raffle prizes and act as the main point of contact with the auction company.
• Support with ticket and tables sales for all special events.
• Deliver high quality supporter care and exemplary stewardship to special event guests.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to produce event materials including event programmes. 
• Ownership of planning and delivery of our Christmas Carol Service with the support of the Head of Supporter Engagement. 
• Support the Philanthropy Officer with the organisation of our annual cultivation event. 
• Support the Head of Supporter Engagement to identify opportunities for income growth from special events with a view to developing a new Special event within the portfolio to attract new supporters/audiences. 
• Support with stewardship and delivery of our signature challenge event.
• Monitor special events within the sector, looking for emerging trends and sharing insights with the wider team.
• Support the Challenge Event Manager as needed 
• Ability to work evenings and provide on-the-day event support.
• Maintain efficient data and administrative processes for special events, including 
• income tracking and guestlist management on the database. 
• Be an ambassador at events, supporting the delivery of The Passage’s vision and ensuring that the charity’s profile and reputation are enhanced. 
• Ensure that appropriate and compliant risk assessment, health and safety procedures, protocols and policies are implemented for all special events.

Budgets and Finance: 

• Support the Head of Supporter Engagement in tracking and recording income and expenditure for events and ensuring they are delivered within agreed budgets. 

Special Events: 

• Assist with other team projects as needed, working together to deliver a high-quality portfolio of community projects and activities. 
• Support and attend fundraising events as required. 
• Adhere to the highest standards of community fundraising best practice as set out in the Fundraising Regulator Fundraising Code of Practice and ensure that all activities comply fully with the relevant Data Protection obligations and any other legislation. 

General responsibilities

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage. 
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions, as necessary. 
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs. 
• To ensure that all The Passage policies and procedures are being adhered to. 
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Diversity and Equality Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults. 
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high-quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage1.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role. 

Desired experience

This person specification sets out the essential abilities and qualities which are used in the selection criteria for the post. When completing your supporting statement, please address criteria E1 to E11 and K1 to K7 demonstrating your understanding and knowledge and give evidence of your experience and abilities. 

• E1 - Experience of supporting or delivering special events. 
• E2 - Experience of recruiting new fundraisers and providing excellent stewardship. 
• E3 - Creative thinker with the ability to take the lead, initiative and problem solve 
• E4 - Experience of managing external suppliers. 
• E5 - Understanding of how to use insight, data and market trends to identify opportunities and make recommendations. 
• E6 - Experience of tracking income and expenditure targets. 
• E7 - Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with people at all levels, over the telephone, email and face-to-face. 
• E8 - A track record of generating and building strong, lasting relationships with supporters. 
• E9 - Competent in the use of online databases such as Salesforce. 
• E10 - Competent in the use of mailing platforms e.g. Dot Digital and design sites e.g.  Canva 
• E11 - Working in the charity sector. 

Desired knowledge

• K1 - Special events, fundraising and trends. 
• K2 - Ability to work under pressure, keeping calm and thinking clearly. 
• K3 - Digital fundraising and online fundraising platforms. 
• K4 - Excellent organisation & time management skills. 
• K5 - Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage and take responsibility for your own workload, handle multiple priorities and to work independently. 
• K6 - GDPR and all relevant fundraising regulations. 
• K7 - Shared passion for the work and values of The Passage.