Title 

National Director, Special Event Operations 

Department

Home Office | Development – Special Events 

Classification

Grade 8 SS A | Salary from $84,000.00

FLSA Status 

Full Time | Exempt

Supervisor (title)

National Vice President, Special Events & Volunteer Engagement 

POSITION SUMMARY (Basic purpose or primary function of job)

The National Director of Special Event Operations is part of an integrated team that aligns volunteer leadership, mission execution, field staff management, and revenue generation through over 160 fundraising events to expand and empower individuals nationwide to raise critical funding support for the Arthritis Foundation. The National Director of Special Event Operations  is responsible for the management of the data, purchasing, contracting, budgeting, revenue reporting and while ensuring its seamless deployment within the integrated team to help build a best-in-class nationwide network of volunteers, supported by highly trained staff who help build corporate relationships, secure sponsorship deals, engage employees, and form local and national fundraising teams in support of the Arthritis Foundation’s mission.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES (Principal responsibilities or job duties)

1. Strategic Event Planning & Operations

• Develop and oversee national operational strategies, processes, and best practices to support approximately 160 local fundraising events annually. 
• Standardize event execution models (timelines, logistics plans, budgets, risk management protocols) to ensure consistency and efficiency nationwide.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align event operations with organizational revenue, mission, and brand objectives.

1. Team Leadership & Support

• Provide operational guidance and support to local, regional and national event staff, ensuring seamless planning and delivery of fundraising events.
• Design and deliver training programs, toolkits, and resources for staff and volunteers on event production and logistics, vendor management, and compliance standards.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for special event operations, providing real-time troubleshooting and consultation.

1. Vendor & Contract Management

• Negotiate and manage national vendor partnerships (e.g., registration platforms, timing services, AV, staging, rentals, catering, security) to ensure quality and cost efficiency.
• Develop a national preferred vendor list and provide guidance for local markets to streamline sourcing and reduce costs.

1. Technology & Systems Integration

• Oversee event technology platforms (CRM, online registration, mobile bidding, peer-to-peer fundraising tools) to optimize participant experience and data accuracy.
• Collaborate with IT and fundraising teams to ensure systems integrations and accurate reporting for event-related KPIs.

1. Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage national special event operations budget.
• Implement financial controls and reporting processes to ensure cost-effective execution and maximize net revenue.
• Provide guidance to local markets on event expense tracking, vendor payment processes, and financial best practices.

1. Risk Management & Compliance

• Establish risk management and safety protocols for all events, including insurance requirements, permitting, security, weather contingency planning, and ADA compliance.
• Ensure adherence to legal, health, and safety regulations, as well as brand standards.

1. Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement

• Collect and analyze event performance data to identify trends, operational challenges, and opportunities for innovation.
• Develop KPI dashboards to monitor operational efficiency and ROI of local events.
• Lead post-event debriefs and develop actionable plans for improvement.

1. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partner with national and regional fundraising leaders to align event operations with revenue strategies and participant experience goals.
• Serve as liaison to executive leadership, providing insights and recommendations on operational enhancements and innovations.
• Support volunteer leadership recruitment, training, and engagement related to event execution.

1. Innovation & Scaling

• Identify emerging trends and innovative approaches in fundraising events, participant engagement, and event logistics.
• Pilot and scale new event concepts and operational efficiencies across markets.

1. Travel & On-Site Support

• Provide on-site operational leadership and troubleshooting for priority events, high-revenue events, or new event pilots.
• Maintain flexibility to travel (20–30%) to support event teams as needed.

1. Other Duties as Assigned

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

1.  Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, nonprofit management, event management, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience). Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in large-scale event operations, fundraising events, or program management, including at least 5 years in a leadership or national support role (nonprofit or corporate events experience preferred).

2.  Proven experience managing complex, multi-market event operations with diverse logistical and operational requirements. Strong background in event technology platforms, vendor management, and budget oversight, with a demonstrated ability to create and implement standardized processes across multiple locations.

3.  Demonstrated success in supporting relationship development, activation, and retention of corporate sponsors and partners through exceptional operational execution and client-focused service.

4.  Experience providing operational and administrative support to diverse teams of fundraising and development professionals, while also collaborating with internal cross-functional teams (finance, marketing, IT, volunteer management).

5.  Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment. Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, high attention to detail, and strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Self-starter with proven capacity to work independently and manage projects with minimal oversight.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND TIME ALLOCATIONS

National Event Operations Strategy & Process Development: Lead the creation and implementation of standardized event operating procedures, toolkits, risk management protocols, and efficiency models for 160 local fundraising events nationwide.

30%

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Support: Partner with regional/local fundraising teams, marketing, finance, IT, and mission departments to ensure seamless event execution and alignment with organizational goals.

25%

Budgeting, Reporting & Data Analysis: Develop and monitor national event operations budgets, analyze performance metrics, and produce actionable insights to improve ROI and operational excellence.

15%

Staff Training & On-Site Event Support: Deliver training to staff/volunteers and provide on-site leadership and troubleshooting at priority or flagship events.

10%

Other Duties as Assigned

5%

Total

100%