About Special Olympics Minnesota
SOMN (Special Olympics Minnesota) is a chapter of the world’s largest organization advocating for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, and through current sports, health, and leadership programs engaging people with and without disabilities, provides a positive impact for Minnesotans of every age and every ability.
Position summary
This position will play a pivotal role in the planning, coordination and execution of a variety of fundraisings events, with a particular focus on Polar Plunges. You will also provide support for and be a liaison to a variety of other Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and fundraising events. In addition to working on the Special Events team, you will work closely with both the Schools and Corporate Sponsorship team on mobile Polar Plunge events.
Reports to: Special Events Manager
Position responsibilities
- Event planning and execution
- Collaborate with the Special Events and Schools teams to plan and execute 20-30 Cool Schools events each year.
- Assist in scheduling and logistics for mobile Polar Plunge events ensuring proper resource allocation and overall efficiency.
- Support the development and implementation of the Event Manager program to enhance event operations without increasing staff burnout.
- Work with a large variety of stakeholders in the planning and execution of other fundraising events as assigned.
- Support for mobile Plunge events
- Provide year-round support for all mobile Plunge events.
- Aid in the future planning and growth of Cool School Mobile Plunges, including scheduling and organization.
- LETR support
- Actively recruit new LETR agencies, focusing on expanding our regional presence.
- Develop and send communications to potential agencies, present at meetings and engage with communities not currently engaged with Special Olympics Minnesota.
- Administrative support
- Provide administrative assistance to your team, manage eblasts, email inboxes and other communication for events.
- Support special projects, including the 2025 LETR International Conference and the 2026 USA Games Torch Run Final Leg.
- Mobile Polar Plunge events
- Run mobile Polar Plunge events for schools and corporate partners.
- Learn to drive a truck and mobile Plunge trailer to and from these events.
- Maintain all equipment related to mobile Polar Plunge events.
Position requirements
- Experience in event planning regarding fundraising or nonprofits preferred, but not required
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- 1-3 years of event experience
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to collaborate effectively with team members and external partners
- Proven experience in customer service with demonstrated ability to connect with others and help various stakeholders achieve their goals
- Must be able to pass a background check and have a clean drivers record
- Experience with CRM systems (such as Raisers Edge), and Microsoft Office Suite, preferred
- Ability to work independently at times
- Access to a vehicle as transport to and from events
Environment
- Hybrid schedule
- Working outdoors: Some events are outdoors, such as sports events, Polar Plunges and others. The number of events per year will vary and change seasonally. In heavier seasons, typically would not exceed 50% of time in a single week but could be up to 100% of your time in some instances.
- Working in hazardous environments: Work at outdoor events may include work in cold or warm temperatures which may require appropriate clothing or other protection to maintain health and safety. Some work may occur in winter conditions and will require accommodation for cold, snow and ice.
- Travel will be required for some events, including the occasional overnight trip to run events multiple days in a row.
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental and vision insurance; life, AD&D and long-term disability insurance; Flexible Spending Account, 401K plan, flexible time off and paid holidays.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Special Olympics Minnesota 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.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected] (preferred); via fax at 612.333.8782, attention Human Resources; or via delivery to Human Resources, Special Olympics Minnesota, 900 2nd Ave S, Ste 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Special Olympics Minnesota will work with candidates to schedule interviews at locations or using video conferencing technology which promote every person’s continued health and safety.
About Special Olympics Minnesota
SOMN (Special Olympics Minnesota) is a chapter of the world’s largest organization advocating for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, and through current sports, health, and leadership programs engaging people with and without disabilities, provides a positive impact for Minnesotans of every age and every ability.
Position summary
Are you passionate about fostering inclusion, making a meaningful impact in your community and the world of nonprofit event management? Special Olympics Minnesota is looking for dynamic and motivated Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Interns to join our team!
- Part time, up to 20 hours per week
- October 2024 through March 2025
- Saturday work at events required most weekends in January, February and March
- Other evening and weekend work may be required
- Can work from home outside of event duties
- Laptop provided
- Starting at $20.00 per hour
- Parking allowance when working in downtown Minneapolis
- Mileage, parking and other travel expenses reimbursed for working on-site at events
Seeking candidates with experience effectively using Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
This internship will provide experience:
- Planning and preparing for fundraising events including Special Olympics Minnesota’s Polar Plunges;
- Preparing materials, supplies and equipment for meetings, trainings and events;
- Managing event details on site including setup and teardown, supervising volunteers and managing the participant experience;
- Recruiting volunteers, groups and businesses to participate in and support events;
- Working with industry-standard tools to track and analyze data and results; and
- Working with an established team to host high-quality, successful fundraising events.
Other duties may include preparing proposals and reports for corporate partners, collaborating with marketing staff to promote events and recruit participants, entering data and managing photos and other resources.
Great multi-year opportunity! Come back in future years to continue building on the team’s success! Also talk to us about summer opportunities!
Must be available to work weekends January, February and March 2025. Flexible scheduling and opportunities to work from home available outside event schedules; opportunities to collaborate and gain experience working in-person in an office setting up to two days per week. Laptop and training provided.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Special Olympics Minnesota 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, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, neurodiversity, age, parental status, socio-economic background, military service, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law.
Special Olympics Minnesota will work with candidates to schedule interviews at locations or using video conferencing technology which promote every person’s continued health and safety.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected] (preferred); via fax at 612.333.8782, attention Human Resources; or via delivery to Human Resources, Special Olympics Minnesota, 900 2nd Ave S, Ste 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Special Olympics Minnesota will work with candidates to schedule interviews at locations or using video conferencing technology which promote every person’s continued health and safety.
About Special Olympics Minnesota
SOMN (Special Olympics Minnesota) is a chapter of the world’s largest organization advocating for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, and through current sports, health, and leadership programs engaging people with and without disabilities, provides a positive impact for Minnesotans of every age and every ability.
Position summary
As an Individual Giving Manager for SOMN, you will have the rewarding opportunity to grow and develop in your career as you work with our existing donors, as well as obtain new individual donors through multiple programs and initiatives.
Reports to Vice President Development Relations
Position responsibilities
- Cultivate existing and new donor relationships with the intent of sustaining and increasing donor engagement and support.
- Increase funding from current donors, which includes setting and achieving goals, managing touchpoints, and tracking in Raiser’s Edge.
- Develop and manage a portfolio of prospects capable of making significant gifts to secure gift commitments.
- Strive to meet and exceed measurable targets for each fiscal year (e.g., personal visits, stewardship activities, solicitations).
- Build solid working relationships with staff and other key personnel to achieve successful fundraising and nurture a culture of philanthropic support.
- Work to further the goals of the organization by effectively motivating and engaging volunteers, as appropriate.
- Monitor all donor information; provide and present statistical analysis to senior leaders.
- Develop and implement a stewardship program aimed at cultivating lasting relationships with donors.
- Support and partner with the Vice President Development Relations on all major fundraising initiatives.
- Research and analyze information about individuals to identify potential sources of funding for operating support and new initiatives and invite them to become philanthropic partners.
- Responsible for the management and implementation of Give to the Max Day and other campaigns/programs for the organization and meeting established fundraising goals.
- Serve as liaison to Special Olympics International on all donor-related matters, including the integrated Direct Marketing (IDMP) program.
- Work with the Development Team to create points of entry and other events to steward current donors and introduce new individuals to the organization and cultivate their interest and involvement.
- Coordinate closely with the Marketing Department to calendar activity and deliver donor-centric collateral and communications.
- Attend and support Special Olympics Minnesota athletic competitions and fundraising events.
Position requirements
- Demonstrate commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Special Olympics Minnesota
- Three to five years of donor relations experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work professional experience
- Professional and friendly demeanor
- Strong computer skills are essential, including being able to manage data related to individual contacts and donation history (experience using Raiser’s Edge is preferred)
- A passion for improving the lives of those with intellectual disabilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- The ability to assist fundraising and donor cultivation events
- Strong self-motivation and the ability to work independently
- Support other departments contributing to team spirit and sharing of responsibilities
- Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed
- Ability to travel independently throughout the state
- Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs
- Ability to operate a computer for extended periods
- Applicants will undergo a background check after a conditional employment offer
- Sales experience
- All other duties as assigned
Benefits
Our comprehensive benefits package includes health, dental and vision insurance; life, AD&D and long-term disability insurance; Flexible Spending Account, 401K plan, flexible time off and paid holidays.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
Special Olympics Minnesota 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.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected] (preferred); via fax at 612.333.8782, attention Human Resources; or via delivery to Human Resources, Special Olympics Minnesota, 900 2nd Ave S, Ste 300, Minneapolis, MN 55402. Special Olympics Minnesota will work with candidates to schedule interviews at locations or using video conferencing technology which promote every person’s continued health and safety.
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