Job Description

Work for a nonprofit organization where our mission is to create possibilities by empowering people with disabilities to achieve their highest potential! Turnstone is the largest organization in the nation that offers the most comprehensive services under one roof. We are rapidly growing and looking for passionate, creative and motivated employees to join our team!

The Event Specialist is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of Turnstone's fundraising and internal engagement events. This position plays a critical role in building community connection and philanthropic support through high-quality, mission-focused experiences. We are looking for someone who is organized, personable, and passionate about the Turnstone mission. This position is an exempt, 40-hour per week position.

The essential functions of the Event Specialist position include but are not limited to:

In partnership with the Director of Development, plan, manage, and execute Turnstone fundraising events (e.g., Board Gala, Casino Night, Center Stage, and other signature events), ensuring alignment with event goals, budgets, and timelines. Lead internal event planning and logistics for staff engagement, donor stewardship, and community initiatives as assigned. In partnership with the Director of Development, develop and manage event budgets, tracking projected vs. actual costs and revenue. Coordinate volunteer committees and engagement for events, including scheduling meetings and preparing agendas, materials, and minutes. Serve as primary liaison with staff, volunteers, partners, and vendors for event-related logistics, contract coordination, and event-day management. Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team, in partnership with the Director of Development, to develop and execute event promotional and stewardship strategies. Ensure accurate post-event reconciliation and reporting, including attendee data, revenue results, and lessons learned for future event improvement. Support donor recognition efforts by providing accurate attendee and gift information to the Development Data Specialist and identifying opportunities to enhance donor experience. Maintain knowledge of industry trends, compliance guidelines for charitable events (raffles, gaming, auctions, sponsorship recognition, etc.), and innovative approaches to nonprofit event fundraising. Support digital fundraising and corporate engagement efforts as needed to help achieve annual development goals. Actively participate as a member of the Development Team; engage in cross-department collaboration to advance Turnstone's mission and strategic goals. Support community engagement activities and represent Turnstone professionally at internal and external functions. Enhance donor stewardship by ensuring donors feel supported and valued, helping create positive experiences, and contributing to relationship-building efforts. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills:

Strong interpersonal skills to engage professionally with sponsors, volunteers, media, board members, donors, staff, and the public. Excellent written and verbal communication skills supporting public-facing messaging and coordination. Exceptional organizational and project management skills to manage multiple deadlines and event logistics. Creative problem-solving with the ability to design engaging, mission-focused event experiences. Ability to remain composed and effective in fast-paced environments, while coordinating vendors and event operations.

Schedule

Typical schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm May have some schedule and work-from-home flexibility.*
Evening and weekend work will be required at times based on event schedules.*

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related subject area and/or 3+ years of experience in Event Planning/Project Management.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience planning events in a Nonprofit setting.

Full-Time Turnstone employees receive the following benefits:

12 paid holidays 8 paid sick days and 2 personal days after 90 days Paid vacation time - 1 week after 6 months, 2 weeks after 1 year Employer-sponsored life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance Health, dental and vison insurance offerings Health Saving Account (HSA) offering 403(b) retirement plan with 2% employer match Employer-sponsored Employee Assistance Program Free on-site fitness membership including our fitness center, pool, & track 35% discount for our on-site childcare program (based on availability) 50% discount for our sports and recreation programs Eligibility for public service loan forgiveness (after waiting period) Supplemental insurance offerings (employee-paid) 529 plan payroll deduction available (employee-paid)
Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance
Work Location: In person