Director of Events

The Director of Events will execute large and small-scale internal and community-led events throughout the year which may require design and creation, implementation and execution, and solicitation of sponsorships and in-kind gifts. This position requires a leader that is highly organized, creative, able to multi-task, has excellent communication skills, and is excited to be part of a fun and growing team. The Director of Events is responsible for ensuring that TDF’s image and mission are communicated effectively through events to bring in critical revenue to further our mission to bring strength, courage, and joy to pediatric cancer patients and their families. 

Director of Events

Full-Time: 40 hours per week

Reports to: Vice President of Development

Salary: $65,000 - $68,000/annual (exempt position)

Location: Cincinnati, OH (506 Oak Street 45219)

Start Day: On or before December 1, 2025.

Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree with 3+ years of event management experience or 5+ years of event management experience

About:  The Dragonfly Foundation’s (TDF) mission is to help pediatric cancer patients and their families find strength, courage, and joy. We make this possible in a time of fear and uncertainty by lessening the long-term emotional, physical, and financial effects of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for pediatric cancer patients, siblings, and caregivers. Our strong partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) ensures that we reach as many patients and families as possible to provide hope and relief from these stressors. 

We provide programs for families in three key areas of need: 

• Patient & Family Support – Events, Urgent Needs, Gifting, and holiday Adopt-a-Family
• Hospital Support Programs – Care Bags, “I Am Still Me”, Beads of Courage, hospital staff requests, and Joy Cart
• The Landing and the Farmer Family Dragonfly Center – facility where families can gather, rest, build community with each other, and find support

Role Description:

This full-time position is responsible for all fundraising events that support TDF. The Director of Events will execute large and small-scale events throughout the year which may require design and creation, implementation and execution, and solicitation of sponsorships and in-kind gifts. This position requires a leader that is highly organized, creative, able to multi-task, has excellent communication skills, and is excited to be part of a fun and growing team. The Director of Events is responsible for ensuring that TDF’s image and mission are communicated effectively through events to bring in critical revenue to further our mission to bring strength, courage, and joy to pediatric cancer patients and their families. 

Essential Duties

Dragonfly Event Execution (50%)

• Plan and execute our signature annual fundraising gala (spring)
• Help plan and execute a golf outing every other year (fall)
• Work with our Ambassador Board on their annual event execution
• Work with leadership to meet or exceed event fundraising goals through sponsorships, ticket sales, and other revenue sources
• Organize and appropriately track all in-kind gifts related to events
• Work with leadership to build relationships with current corporate, community, and individual event sponsors and bring in new event support
• Work with the Director of Communications & Marketing to create all marketing and solicitation materials for events

• Manage event volunteers
• Create event budgets, track income and expenses, and communicate with VP of Finance on a regular basis
• Create, record, and track all event logistics in online tools (Salesforce, GiveSmart Events, Google applications, Excel)
• Coordinate with multiple vendors at any given time

Community Event Management (40%)

• Serve as the point of contact for community events and fundraisers where proceeds benefit TDF 
• Attend in-person meetings and presentations, and provide a Dragonfly Foundation staff presence for some events as needed 
• Coordinate and manage the use of our event CRM as needed to support external events

School Program Management (10%)

• Serve as the point of contact for any school program or project (both K-12 and university levels) that wants to benefit or utilize TDF
• Attend in-person meetings and presentations, some check presentations, and provide a Dragonfly Foundation staff presence as needed 

Skills Needed:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Salesforce, FormAssembly, GiveSmart Events and other CRM & events management systems a plus
• Computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent time-management, organization, and record keeping skills
• A positive and energetic attitude
• Extreme attention to detail
• A strong desire to meet goals and commitments on or before deadlines/expectations
• Excellent client interaction, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Must be self-motivated and have the ability to be self-directed
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Effective problem-solving and mediation skills
• Must be present at Dragonfly’s largest events and additional events throughout the year
• Must be willing to submit to a background check and sign a confidentiality agreement
• Must have own transportation to and from work and for work-related responsibilities
• The ability to handle conflict, confrontation, and uncomfortable situations head-on and with grace
• Demonstrated ability for public speaking and delivering a compelling message (about an organization, mission, and goals).

Schedule and Flexibility:

In general, our work week happens at our Dragonfly campus located at 506 Oak St. This position will also require regular time out in the community to assist with community events, give presentations, and perform other activities related to executing our events. There will be required evening and weekend events.

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Retirement account with company match
• Company cell phone
• 3 weeks vacation
• Sick time
• Paid parental leave
• Centrally located in the Walnut Hills Community, close to the hospitals

To Apply:

• Send cover letter and resume to m.milstead@dragonfly.org
• Deadline to Apply: October 17, 2025

The Dragonfly Foundation does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.