Overview
Director of Special Events Jobs in Port Jefferson, NY at Kinexion, Inc.
Title: Director of Special Events
Company: Kinexion, Inc.
Location: Port Jefferson, NY
Job Summary
Kinexion seeks a strategic, detail-driven, and relationship oriented Director of Special Events to lead the planning and execution of high-impact fundraising and engagement events across the Kinexion Network. The role is central to advancing philanthropic revenue, strengthening donor relationships, and elevating the visibility of Kinexion and its seven affiliate organizations.
Kinexion provides centralized development services to the seven affiliate organization in the network. The Director of Special Events will manage and deliver network wide and affiliate aligned events that generate meaningful return on investment while reflecting Kinexion’s commitment to inclusion, dignity and lifetime support for people living with disabilities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Event Strategy & Revenue Generation
- Manage a portfolio of network wide and affiliate supported events that further fundraising goals, donor cultivation and sponsorship growth.
- Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising events including golf outings, galas, receptions, legacy celebrations, and more.
- Develop a comprehensive plan and execute the inaugural Kinexion Gala in 2027
- Partner with the Executive Director of Philanthropy to integrate events into broader community and donor engagement strategies.
Planning, Logistics & Execution
- Manage all event logistics including budgets, timelines, vendor contracts, venues, volunteer coordination, sponsorships, fundraising, raffle and auction items, run-of-show, audience capture and post event strategies.
- Oversee event production from concept through post event follow up, ensuring excellence, consistency and professionalism. Utilize event success to drive donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Ensure all events meet accessibility, inclusion and brand standards.
Affiliate & Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate closely with network leadership, affiliate leadership and development staff to align events with affiliate and network goals.
- Support affiliate hosted events with strategic guidance, tools and centralized coordination when appropriate.
- Engage volunteer committees, board members and community partners in event success.
- Collaborate with Marketing to ensure strong promotion, storytelling, purpose and brand consistency
- Strong ability to manage relationships with network colleagues, affiliate leadership and Development staff.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Track, analyze and report on event performance, including revenue, expenses, sponsorships and donor engagement outcomes.
- Apply insights to continually improve effectiveness, efficiency and donor experience.
- Ensure all events reflect Kinexion's commitment to inclusion, dignity and lifelong support for people living with disabilities.
- All other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements and Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of nonprofit or mission driven event fundraising experience.
- Demonstrated success managing complex, revenue generating events.
- Exceptional project management and time management skills.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Willingness to work evenings/weekends and travel locally.
- Commitment to person centered values and inclusive community building.
Preferred
- Knowledge of donor management systems (e.g., DonorPerfect).
- Experience working within a multi-site or affiliate-based organization.
- Familiarity with disability services, healthcare or human services funding.
- Familiarity with the Long Island philanthropic landscape.
- Deep understanding of intellectual and developmental disability services and systems.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $110k/year, commensurate with experience
