Director of Events and Volunteers

About Walker

Since 1961, Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs has been a trusted partner for children, youth, and families, navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges. Based in Needham, our mission is to nurture hope, build strengths, and develop lifelong skills in partnership with the children, youth, families, and communities we serve. We provide comprehensive, trauma-informed residential, educational, and clinical services to children and youth with complex social-emotional, behavioral, and learning needs, while supporting their families every step of the way. Through three specialized divisions—Residential & Educational Programs, Behavioral Health & Community-Based Services, and Walker Solutions—we deliver relationship-based care and capacity-building that makes a lasting difference. Today, we serve children, youth, and families from more than 150 communities across Massachusetts.

At Walker, the work behind the scenes is just as important as the work on the front lines. Behind every child and youth served, every family supported, and every program delivered is a team of professionals who make that work possible. Mission-driven organizations do not run on passion alone. They run on people who are skilled, accountable, and take pride in their work. These support teams provide the structure and consistency that allow our programs to deliver high-quality care. Every role has a clear purpose. If you are someone who values doing your work well and wants that work to contribute to something larger, you will find a place here.

Make a Difference Every Day

The Director of Events & Volunteers is responsible for the planning, oversight, and direction of Walker's signature fundraising and volunteer events to increase revenue, boost participation, and deepen donor engagement. This position will help to design and oversee a comprehensive volunteer program that expands Walker's visibility and attracts, recognizes, and builds relationships with key contacts in social, charitable, and business communities. The Director of Events & Volunteers is also responsible for designing and implementing small-scale cultivation and stewardship events and initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with manager to plan and implement fundraising events and volunteer activities to enhance cultivation opportunities with supporters. 
• Design, implement, and oversee all aspects of Walker's fundraising events, ensuring optimal attendee experience (e.g., Gala, Golf Tournament, Holiday Toy Drive, and other events) including fundraising, budgeting, vendor relations, schedule, speakers, communications, promotion, menu, volunteers, set-up and break­ down, and more. 
• Recruit, cultivate and recognize event committee members; manage all committee meetings. 
• Meet participation and revenue targets for event registration and in-program event giving opportunities; develop and design event fund-a-need, contests, raffles, etc. 
• Manage silent and live event auctions to meet revenue targets; solicit and recognize item donors; package, write-up, and post items; coordinate prizes with winners. 
• Manage Boston Marathon non-profit partner program; steward and support participants and donors to meet revenue goals. 
• Support communication and stewardship of event participants and partners. 
• Assist in the creation of and implement updated menu of volunteer opportunities to attract new volunteers and increase donor engagement; develop & maintain updated volunteer requirements, paperwork, and procedures to meet all necessary guidelines and ensure optimal volunteer experience.  
• Manage all planning and day-of oversight of logistics for volunteer events and campus visits with corporate and community partners. Coordinate with appropriate Walker staff to accommodate volunteer activities. Coordinate follow up communication and cultivation of volunteers as potential donors. 
• Design, implement and support small-scale cultivation events throughout the year. 
• Additional duties as assigned. 

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Perform sedentary work for extended periods, lifting (up to 10 lbs.), typing, and looking at a computer screen.
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow through with multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to respond to and follow through with requests professionally.  
• Must be task-driven and detail-oriented. 

Schedule:

• 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday-Friday with flexibility for weekends and evenings based on program and operational needs

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree

Experience

Required:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in similar role

Other Requirements:

• Successfully complete all background check suitability requirements
• Must have reliable transportation with ability to travel to different locations

Supervision:

Reports to: Vice President of Advancement

Equal Opportunity Statement

Walker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon an individual's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, national guard or reserve unit obligations, participation in discrimination complaint-related activities, or membership in any category protected by federal or state law.