Special Events Associate

Hearth is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of homelessness among the elderly. This mission is accomplished through a unique blend of prevention, placement, and housing programs all designed to help elders find and succeed in homes of their own. To this end, all housing operated by Hearth provides a creative array of supportive services that assist residents to age with dignity, regardless of their special medical, mental health, or social needs.

Hearth believes these goals are best accomplished through respect for elders and staff, with the desire to see both achieve their highest degree of potential.

The Special Events Associatetakes a lead role in planning and executingspecial eventsfor Hearth. This position plays a key role in connecting Hearth with the broader community by increasing awareness of the organization’s mission, strengthening partnerships, and expanding engagement opportunities. The Associaterepresents Hearth  at community events, develops outreach strategies, supports volunteer engagement, and collaborates across departments to elevate Hearth’s visibility and impact among corporate and individual partners.

The role works closely with the Development Director and other programmatic and administrative staff to support initiatives that strengthen organizational support, partnerships, and brand recognition.

• Support the planning and execution of three primary events in the Hearth calendar:
  Winter Walk, Annual Meeting, and Annual Inspire Action Gala.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with community leaders, neighborhood associations, elected officials, businesses, universities, and civic partners.
• Represent Hearth at internal and external events, meetings, and other public-facing opportunities.
• Collaborate with development, volunteer, and program teams to align messaging, partnerships, and engagement efforts.
• Support communication and marketing initiatives that elevate Hearth’s mission and highlight community impact.

• In partnership with the CEO, Board, and Development team, assist in the development of short and long-term growth plans for special events.
• Assist in developing detailed event timelines, including vendor and venue coordination, marketing and email schedules, invitations, sponsor ships and auction items, ticket sales, logistics (including permit and license deadlines), themes and activities, guest experience, communications, and night‑of fundraising.
• Coordinate pre‑event planning, day‑of run‑of‑show, and post‑event follow‑up, communications, recognition, and reporting.
• Develop compelling event‑related materials, including emails, social media promotions, event websites, signage, guest communications, and speaking points.
• Coordinate Hearth representation, staffing, logistics, and participant engagement at Winter Walk.
• Help with planning and logistics for the Annual Meeting.
• Support fundraising and program activities for the Inspire Action Gala, including community outreach, invitation management, sponsor cultivation, and volunteer coordination.
• Coordinate third‑party events benefiting Hearth, ensuring appropriate, ethical, and approved use of the organization’s brand.
• Research, develop, and support the launch of a young professionals group aligned with Hearth’s mission.
• Help develop new community events that advance Hearth’s mission related to donor stewardship, advocacy and education, community engagement, geographic expansion, and emerging opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Development Director and colleagues to engage corporate and individual prospects and develop sponsorship packages tailored to donor and partner interests.
• Solicit event sponsors, steward sponsor relationships year‑round, and secure in‑kind donations for raffles and auctions to support fundraising goals.
• Partner with the Development team to build fundraising and planning committees, raise awareness of Hearth events, and determine the most effective communication strategies across print, digital, and social platforms.
• Ensure accurate entry of event‑related gifts and participation data in Raiser’s Edge, including…