This stipend eligible position is for the 2021-2022 school year and includes a $1000 stipend paid in December and April. Two Gala Support Interns will work together to support Development Team staff and volunteers in various aspects of The Arc Gala’s event planning and execution (TBD in 2021), specifically with the auction and corporate sponsorship. This includes: tracking and preparing auction packages; supporting corporate sponsorship and individual giving solicitation and tracking; assisting with guest experience-related aspects of event planning; guest registration; and other gala-related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Auction administration:
  • Prepare solicitation letters, track incoming donated items/donors/values, brainstorm and research new auction donors, assist with donor follow-up, preparing weekly donated items report
  • Assist in auction package promotion, write package descriptions, photography and uploading them to our event planning software, Auction Harmony
• Corporate Sponsorship:
  • Assist staff in researching and identify new sponsorship opportunities, track and maintain corporate table lists in event management software
  • Make updates in databases for corporate and individual contact information, table lists, relationship linking (company and guests)
• Event follow up:
  • Send acknowledgments to attendees; write/collaborate on thank-yous, capture contact information from guests; maintain this information in our database
• Day of the event:
  • Leading volunteers during the set up and break down of the silent auction
  • Assist Arc staff with set up of registration, including bidder name and nametag preparation
• Provide assistance for any other aspect of the event: table and centerpiece set-up and clean up; Wine Toss set up and break down; Arc’s Value Village Pop-Up Shop set up, execution, and breakdown, etc.

Professional Development Opportunities:

• Includes $1000 stipend payable in December and April or utilization of work study if eligible
• Will participate in planning all aspects of a 600+ person event that raises over $600,000, specifically helping to raise up to $300,000 in corporate sponsorships and $120,000 in auction donations
• Will understand the complex day-to-day roles of a nonprofit, especially how nonprofits raise funds and how nonprofits engage the community through special events
• Will learn to use Salesforce, a Client Relationship Management (CRM) software, which is an essential technological tool used by many businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies
• Will learn detail-oriented data tracking for both donations and event attendance
• Will learn professionalism: intrapersonal relationships, administrative skills, phone and email communication
• Will learn and lead volunteer management in an events-based context

Qualifications:

• Good written, oral communications and interpersonal skills needed; attention to detail/accuracy
• Works well with others and autonomously. Respects all cultures, people and work styles
• Outstanding organizational, time management, problem solving skills; along with proficient computer skills
• Sales, marketing, customer service, database or event experience helpful

Time Commitment: September 2020- early April 2021; Must be available all day and night Saturday, TBD 2021for The Arc Gala. September - December 16 at 10-12 hours per week and January 11 th to April at 12-15 hours per week. Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Intern is requested to work January 4-10 and a few shifts December 17- January 4. An exit interview will also be conducted to gauge intern experience and recommendations for improvement.