Events and Stewardship Specialist

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is currently seeking to hire a mid-level Events and Stewardship Specialist.

Are you a meticulously organized and creatively driven professional with a passion for philanthropy and donor stewardship? VAI is seeking a dynamic Events and Stewardship Specialist to join our dedicated Philanthropy Team. In this role, you will be instrumental in executing impactful signature events and providing crucial stewardship support to foster strong donor relationships and drive fundraising success.

As the Events and Stewardship Specialist, you will manage the logistical execution of VAI's signature fundraising events, cultivate corporate giving opportunities, and provide essential stewardship support to ensure donor satisfaction and continued engagement. You will thrive in a collaborative and energetic team environment, leveraging your exceptional organizational skills and relationship-building abilities to deliver outstanding event experiences and cultivate lasting donor partnerships.

Your Key Responsibilities in this role will include the following:

• Event Planning and Execution:
  • Execute event planning and execution tasks, including managing auction details, logistics, and donation solicitations for VAI's signature fundraising initiatives.
  • Manage vendor relationships, venue coordination, and on-site event logistics.
  • Develop and maintain detailed event timelines, budgets, and operational procedures.
• Corporate Giving and Stewardship:
  • Cultivate and steward relationships with Philanthropy event donors ensuring their continued engagement and support.
  • Develop and deliver personalized stewardship plans and communications to acknowledge and recognize donor contributions.
• Donor Relationship Support:
  • Provide essential support to the Philanthropy team in donor relationship management, including data entry, report generation, and communication.
  • Assist in the creation of donor-centric materials and communications.
• Program and Volunteer Management:
  • Support volunteer coordination for signature events, ensuring a positive and productive volunteer experience.
• Marketing and Communication:
  • Coordinate event marketing and communication efforts, including website updates, social media promotion, and asset development.
  • Assist in the creation of donor-focused communications.
• Data Management and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate event records, donor information, and financial data.
  • Prepare event reports and analyze data to inform future event strategies and stewardship efforts.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

What you will like most about working in the Philanthropy Department:

• Meaningful Impact: Contribute to groundbreaking research and science education.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside passionate professionals in a supportive organization.
• Creative Execution: Translate creative vision into impactful event experiences.
• Professional Growth: Develop your skills in event management and corporate giving.
• Community Engagement: Build relationships with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the community.

You should possess the following characteristics/traits:

• Exceptional Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Relationship Building: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented: Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify and resolve challenges effectively.
• Team Player: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and volunteers.

To be a successful member of our team, we will measure the following areas:

• Professionalism
• Networking and relationship-building
• Strong technical skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Collaborative team player
• Donor and event host satisfaction
• Timeliness
• Creativity when troubleshooting

The qualifications and skills you will be required to have in this role:

• A bachelor’s degree in a business-related field and at least five years of experience in fundraising, marketing, public/community relations, or event planning is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with other members of the Philanthropy team, volunteers, and the public.
• Excellent organizational skills to meet deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Word and Excel)
• The ability to work in a malleable environment with rapidly changing priorities and a variety of projects simultaneously, including work outside of the normal workday, including weekends.

Compensation and Benefits

• All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits, effective Day One! The salary you can expect in this Events and Stewardship Specialist role is based on your experience and skills.

How to Apply

• If you are a person who has demonstrated success in these areas, we would love to have a conversation with you!  Apply online now.
• In addition to your resume, provide a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this role and how this position aligns with your goals. The cover letter and resume must be uploaded as one combined pdf document.
• If you have any difficulty uploading your application or any questions, please email Megan Doerr at [email protected].

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to excellence through broad participation and diverse perspectives. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences who share our passion for innovation and collaboration.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.   

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process.  This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines. 

About Grand Rapids, MI  

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile.  A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.  

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.