Event Coordinator
About Special Olympics Colorado:
Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) is at its core a sports organization, but it is so much more! SOCO is dedicated to promoting inclusion for ALL people across Colorado, using the undeniable power of sport as a catalyst to create change.
Each year, SOCO provides hundreds of opportunities for our 23,000+ athletes with intellectual disabilities to train, compete and participate in sports, competition, athlete leadership, health programming and more. Through the support of an incredible community of coaches, volunteers, educators, donors, partners, and staff, SOCO is transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities while building communities of unity and inclusion.
For more information about Special Olympics Colorado please visit SpecialOlympicsCO.org
Why Work at SOCO?
If you have a passion for creating joy, promoting social inclusion and equality for all and having fun along the way – this is a great place for you!
At SOCO, we’re committed to building a diverse, creative, engaged, collaborative, and hard-working team that does the right thing for our athletes, our communities, and each other.
Our employees are valued and appreciated, and we celebrate this by creating a supportive work-environment, offering flexible work hours, opportunities for professional development and benefit enhancements that reflect our changing times and help our employees create a satisfying work-life balance for themselves and their families.
Position Summary:
The Events Coordinator plays a key role in supporting the planning, execution, and success of Special Olympics Colorado’s (SOCO) fundraising events, including Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) events and Development events. This position will assist in event logistics, fundraising efforts, sponsorship fulfillment, and marketing to ensure seamless event execution while maximizing participation and revenue. The Events Coordinator will work closely with law enforcement agencies, volunteers, sponsors, committees, and community partners to assist in high-quality events that support Special Olympics Colorado’s mission.
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Position Responsibilities
- Assist in planning and executing LETR fundraising events, including the Polar Plunge Series, Plane Pull, Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, Guardian of the Flame Hockey Tournament and Truck Raffle
- Assist in Planning and executing Development Fundraising events as needed including the Hall of Fame Luncheon, Golf Tournament, and third-party events
- Assist in the recruitment of new event participants working toward higher fundraising
- Assist in ensuring fundraising goals are met for all assigned events
- Support donor and sponsor stewardship, including timely acknowledgments and invoicing
- Assist in researching and building relationships with potential sponsors, donors, and corporate partners
- Help set up peer to peer fundraising event pages and create event-related solicitation letters
- Solicit in-kind donations from local businesses to offset expenses, auction items and fundraising incentives
- Work with Vendors participating in the Polar Plunge and Plane Pull events
- Assist in managing event-related communications with attendees, nominees, athlete leaders, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers
- Assist in tracking event budgets, revenue and expenses
- Ensure events are planned with accessibility in mind for all participants
Volunteer Management:
- Collaborate with Athlete Leadership Manager to recruit athletes for events
- Ensure timely delivery of requests and revisions to Marketing for all event-related marketing needs
- Support additional duties as assigned to enhance event success and overall fundraising initiatives
Position Requirements:
- You believe in spreading joy and are dedicated to the mission of Special Olympics and have a thirst to be at the heart of social change
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Previous experience with non-profit fundraising a plus
- Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Experience with fundraising platforms such as OneCause, Gesture (encouraged not required)
- Strong background in multiple event coordination and promotion
- Effective interpersonal and presentation skills
- Excellent written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals
- Ability to promote and manage volunteer participation
- Support other departments contributing to team spirit and sharing of responsibilities
- Have a drive for results and are a self-starter committed to the greater good
- Exceptional team player with a great work ethic
- Have excellent organization, time management skills and attention to detail
- Outside-of-the-box thinker who thrives on innovation to drive mission success – even if it means we fail once in a while
- Comfortable working independently and in a wide range of social and business settings
- Professional, friendly, enjoy networking, communicating, and engaging with internal and external constituencies
- Sense of humor
- Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed, travel independently throughout the state, lift and carry 30 lbs., and the ability to operate a computer for extended periods
Other:
- Collaborate with the Athlete Leadership Manager to recruit athletes for events
- Build and grow relationships, and recruit and train law enforcement officers for fundraisers
- Work with the Marketing Department to create all event collateral, website, and social media platforms and an overall marketing plan and promotion for each event
- Attend and support Special Olympic Colorado’s check presentations, athletic competitions, and fundraising events
- Ensure timely delivery of requests and revisions to Marketing for all event-related marketing needs
- Other duties as assigned
We encourage you to apply if:
- You believe in spreading joy and are dedicated to the mission of Special Olympics and have a thirst to be at the heart of social change
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Previous experience with non-profit fundraising a plus
- Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Experience with fundraising platforms such as OneCause, Gesture (encouraged not required)
- Strong background in multiple event coordination and promotion
- Effective interpersonal and presentation skills
- Excellent written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals
- Ability to promote and manage volunteer participation
- Support other departments contributing to team spirit and sharing of responsibilities
- Have a drive for results and are a self-starter committed to the greater good
- Exceptional team player with a great work ethic
- Have excellent organization, time management skills and attention to detail
- Outside-of-the-box thinker who thrives on innovation to drive mission success – even if it means we fail once in a while
- Comfortable working independently and in a wide range of social and business settings
- Professional, friendly, enjoy networking, communicating, and engaging with internal and external constituencies
- Sense of humor
- Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed, travel independently throughout the state, lift and carry 30 lbs., and the ability to operate a computer for extended periods
Additional Requirements:
Applicants will undergo a background check after conditional employment offer. Applicants must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license, (or willingness to obtain one within a month of employment) with a driving record that allows employees to be covered by agency auto insurance and drive agency vehicles (must be at least 21 years old) with at least 2 years of driving experience. Applicants must also have access to a personal vehicle to travel throughout the state. Mileage reimbursement is provided.
Benefits:
Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental and Vision Insurance; Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts, 401K plan with a 2% company match at the end of the year. SOCO has a “Flexible Time Off” policy, offers paid holidays, paid family leave, and employees are eligible for a 5-week sabbatical every 5 years of service with the organization. Additionally, we offer flexible work hours as allowable per the job responsibilities and professional development opportunities annually. We are willing to consider candidates outside of Colorado but are unable to provide a relocation package for this position.
Compensation:
The Event Coordinator position is an exempt full-time position with an annual salary of $58,656. A bonus may be available dependent on organizational performance. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should email the following to HR@specialolympicsco.org:
- Cover letter (1-page or less) that includes why you want to join the Special Olympics Colorado team and why you feel this position is a good fit for you.
- Resume
Our interview process takes approximately 3-4 weeks.
A complete application is required for consideration for this position.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
Special Olympics Colorado is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Updated 1/27/2025