Special Events Coordinator

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Like all DREAM employees, the Special Events Coordinator should demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of DREAM and should have substantial expertise in all areas of responsibility.  Candidates must also value DREAMs comprehensive approach to education and desire to make a lasting impact in underserved communities as part of a growing organization.  

• Supports the Special Events Team in all aspects of planning and execution of special events;
• Serves as the lead in logistics, staffing management, budget management, attendee management for all fundraising events;
• Supports in managing vendor outreach and contract coordination;
• Manage the strategy for gift bag solicitation by gearing the outreach for each event audience and supporting in-kind donations and silent auction asks;
• Coordinates the management and recruitment of volunteers for all events;
• Work with Special Events Team on strategy on auction solicitation and fulfillment with donors on auction items;
• Oversees administrative support and coordination for Special Events;
• Coordinates with communications team on all event invitations, websites and printed collateral;
• Collaborates on the journal outreach and coordination process for DREAM Gala with the communications;
• Assists with creating the vision for decor at all fundraising events with the events and communications teams;
• Create and implement all pre- and post- event donor communications including solicitation letters, thank you correspondences and stewardship touch points;
• Provides input on stewardship strategies to ensure seamless transition between fundraising events and stewardship activities;
• Facilitates the fundraising reports for event leadership for all fundraising events;
• Assists in the outstanding gifts process with major gifts, events teams, and finance teams;
• Monitors budget documents to ensure tracking, coding and expense for all events including the management of the Special Events AMEX account;
• Oversees the reconciliation of event revenue and assists with the preparation of board materials;
• Supports on building out the strategy and the automated process for reporting and data analysis;
• Coordinate all special event-based financial reporting, data analysis, accurate and timely tracking of revenue and reconciliation of revenue and data in Salesforce;
• Serve as the Events Teams super user for Salesforce and uses analytical skills to inform critical fundraising decisions for each event;
• Researches and implements a strategy for innovating systems and processes in SaleForce;
• Lead a suite of programmatic & school based events for the organization such as Championship Day, DreamWorks Graduation, MLK Assembly, DREAM 8th Graduation and work with other team members to consult with other departments on event support.  

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; 
• At least 3-5 years of experience required, preferably in a nonprofit or school setting;  
• Strong collaborative skills with ability to integrate big picture organizational objectives and departmental objectives and work in a solutions-oriented manner; 
• Outstanding time management and multi-tasking abilities.

• The Special Events Coordinator is part of the Advancement Team, which currently works 3 days in the office and up to 2 days remote, per week (subject to change, and with some weeks requiring more time in-person, for example for donor events).
• Some evening and/or weekend work, for example to prepare for and attend donor events, is required.

• We offer comprehensive benefits including:
• Flexible Medical Health Plans,  subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
• Dental and vision plans;
• Disability benefits;
• Life insurance;
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave; 
• Flexible spending account options;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
• Fitness and entertainment discounts;
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
• A 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment;
• Access to a professional development fund;
• Referral bonuses;
• All full-time Network Support employees are eligible for approximately 48 days off throughout the year including holidays, sick days, personal days and summer Fridays;
• Benefits are subject to change.

• DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All staff are eligible for annual performance-based increases. Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. 

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims 

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.