Part-Time Events Assistant

Summary

Description

Background

Freedom Service Dogs of America is a nonprofit organization that believes dogs make a difference. We purpose-breed and custom-train service dogs, facility dogs, and skilled companions—each placed with the individual or situation for which they’re best suited. We serve veterans and first responders with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, individuals with physical disabilities or autism, and professionals providing mental health and crisis support services—all at no cost to those we serve. FSD is an Assistance Dogs International-accredited organization committed to the highest standards of training, client service, dog health, safety, and wellbeing.

Summary

Position Title: Events Assistant

Position Type: Part time, non-exempt

The Events Assistant provides administrative, logistical, fundraising, and marketing support to the Development and Communications teams, with a primary focus on FSD’s signature events and community partnerships. Working closely with the Events and Community Partnerships Manager, this position supports the planning and execution of FSD special events, third-party fundraisers, and Young Professionals Council activities. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, personable, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Reports To: Events and Community Partnerships Manager 

Our Investment in You 

• Competitive Pay: $24.00 – $26.00/hour

• Prorated Paid Time Off

• Paid Holidays & Floating Holiday Time

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match, upon Eligibility

• Professional Learning Opportunities

• Wagging tails, dog kisses, and puppy breath

Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to be completed by the position:  

Events and Third-Party Fundraisers

• Support the Events and Community Partnerships Manager to coordinate FSD’s annual signature events (Diamonds in the Ruff, Faces of Freedom – Denver, Midland and Houston, 40th Celebration Party), including but not limited to the following tasks:

  • Assist with managing various event vendors before and during the event and follow up if needed post-event.

  • Help with the solicitation of in-kind auction items for events

  • Support event committee coordination, which may include creating meeting agendas, sending meeting recap emails, and leading day-of event committee volunteers

  • Work closely with the Donor Relations Manager and Development Assistant to ensure accurate data entry of event-related gifts and ensure timely acknowledgement of event sponsors and donors

  • Assist the Events and Community Partnerships Manager, Director of Communications, Marketing Manager, and Content Coordinator to create printed and digital event collateral, run-of-show documents and scripts; order event-related supplies and giveaway items; maintain event registration web pages and registration forms ; ensure sponsorship fulfillment as promised; and provide input on marketing and publicity for each event.

• Assist with larger third-party events and partnerships (>$10,000), and take lead on smaller third-party events and partnerships (<$10,000), including but not limited to the following tasks: 

  • Collaborate with Philanthropy, Communications, Volunteer, and Operations teams to evaluate and support event and partnership opportunities.

  • Coordinate volunteers, dogs in training, supplies, and logistics for third-party events.

  • Support event promotion through social media, website content, graphics, flyers, and other marketing materials.

  • Represent Freedom Service Dogs at in-person and virtual events, including occasional evenings and weekends; provide presentations and service dog demonstrations.

  • Coordinate post-event follow-up, including donation processing and acknowledgments.

  • Cultivate and steward smaller third-party fundraising partners.

  • Maintain third-party fundraiser tracking systems, including revenue, partnership activity, and follow-up.

• Young Professionals Council

• Coordinate YPC meetings and support planning and execution of quarterly and annual fundraising events.

• Maintain YPC financial and participation tracking, including Give/Get commitments.

• Serve as the primary FSD liaison to the YPC, attending monthly meetings and Executive Committee meetings.

• Cultivate and steward YPC members to encourage ongoing engagement and support.

• Assist with recruiting and onboarding new YPC members.

• Develop opportunities to deepen YPC engagement with FSD, including IFT celebrations and YPC-led events.

Development

• Give tours, informational presentations and service dog demonstrations to visitors, as needed, at FSD facility

• Assist in stewarding relationships with donors and community partners

• Implement tools to increase peer-to-peer fundraising revenue as appropriate

• Support the Events and Community Partnerships Manager to meet short- and long-term fundraising goals to meet the fundraising goals of the Organization

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in continuing education related to mental health, animal-assisted therapy, veterans, client needs, and dog training. 

• Assist with dog care, kennel care, kennel cleaning and playgroups for dogs-in-training, as needed. 

• Drive company vehicle to transport dogs, event supplies, or other needs of the organization. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility. The Events Assistant may coordinate, train, and provide direction to event volunteers, Young Professionals Council members, and interns in connection with assigned events and activities. 

Work Environment

This job operates in both a professional office environment and in dog kennels and surrounding areas. The noise level in the office work environment is usually moderate. The noise level in dog kennels can often be loud. The location is a non-smoking environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, keyboards or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is expected to communicate frequently with others.  The employee is frequently required to stand and bend.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; escort visitors in or around the office; climb or balance; go up or down stairs; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  This includes the ability to retrieve and distribute files, written documents or office supplies and ability to retrieve and replace objects. 

The employee must have the ability to bend, stretch, and lift and replace files and books from drawers and shelves; rapidly use printers, computer equipment, copy machine, and other general office machines.

This job requires occasional handling dogs in training of up to 100 pounds on and off leash.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time, non-exempt position consisting of approximately 24 hours per week. Regular days and hours of work may be adjusted depending on the needs of the organization and event schedule. This position will require occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays, with additional hours as needed. This position is supervised by the Events and Community Partnerships Manager.

Travel

Local and some out-of-state travel is expected. 

Required Education and Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, business, or related field.

• Outstanding written communication and presentation skills.

• Friendly, enthusiastic, and a positive attitude.

• Strong knowledge of social media and other basic marketing platforms.

• Detail oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects at a time. 

Preferred Education, Experience, and Competencies

• A minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience with non-profit fundraising or event coordination is preferred.

• Experience working with clients who are veterans, have autism-related differences, or experience other neurodiverse or mobility disabilities.

Required Skills and Competencies

Dog and People Interaction Skills:

• Must have an affinity for dogs.

• Must be able to work cooperatively in a team environment.

• Must be able to stay focused despite numerous distractions and multiple tasks.

• Must be a people-oriented person and must be able to work effectively with many types of people.

Language and Communication Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, management, clients, partners, donors, vendors, volunteers, and stakeholders.

• Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments. 

• Routinely utilize advanced English language skills to edit documents and to prepare reports and correspondence, including spelling, sentence structure, syntax, grammar, usage, and the chief aspects of style, such as punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, plurals, possessives, and compound words.

• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively with a diverse group of staff and provide information with ordinary courtesy, patience, and tact.

Reasoning Ability: 

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Ability to interpret and apply common-sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

• Ability to maintain a high level of mental concentration and effort when performing a high volume of analyses and decision-making, as well as other essential duties.

Office Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Acrobat Adobe, Excel and Outlook and typing proficiency.

• Proficiency in using a database system. 

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Valid, current, state-issued driver’s license.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable)

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Diversity Statement

We believe in harnessing the power of diversity to create a culture of belonging where all individuals are celebrated and valued for their unique ideas, perspectives, and strengths as a means to achieving personal excellence and organizational success.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Freedom Service Dogs is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants, clients, graduates, or employees on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by state or local law.  

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Elizabeth Sheehan, Senior HR Generalist at esheehan@freedomservicedogs.org.