Reports to: Director of Philanthropy

Location: Seattle

Job Type: Hourly, temporary (although could be recurring on a seasonal basis)

Engagement Dates: December 15, 2024 to March 15, 2025

Compensation: Seeking proposals from consultants

Summary:

Upaya’s signature fundraising event, the Annual Gala, takes place in March of each year. This event attracts 200-250 generous donors and is responsible for 25% of our annual budget.

We are looking for a consultant who can help us take it up a notch, particularly by empowering a larger group of volunteers than we’ve previously had on our committee. The right person will join our team in the months preceding the gala to direct, recruit and support our phenomenal volunteer committee, provide legwork in the weeks leading up to the gala, and be the critical point of contact for sponsors, donors, and guests.

Key Responsibilities:

The Event Consultant will be part of the Seattle-based team working on this event but will be primarily responsible for:

• Recruiting, supporting, and inspiring a committee of volunteers from the Upaya community

• helping to secure live auction items

• helping to secure table captains 

• helping to design decor, theme, and engaging elements for the event

• Driving sponsorships 

• Participating in program design and execution

• Working with our program team to coordinate receipt of goods for our silent auction from our portfolio of entrepreneurs in India 

• Helping to promote the event and reporting on the status of table captains and guests

• Serving as the point of contact for hotel and program vendors leading up to the event and on the day of the event

Qualifications:

We are looking for a consultant who has nonprofit event experience, and has preferably attended our gala in the past.

Desired skills include:

• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal language

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, self-motivated

  environment

• Great at execution and demonstrated ability of building and managing relationships

• Highly organized, attention to detail and an ability to prioritize and multitask

• Willingness to adapt and execute based on changing needs

• Proficient in MS Office and/or Google Docs applications

• Prior nonprofit event experience, preferably having attended our gala before

How to Apply:

Please send a proposal to dtaknet@upayasv.org by November 30th that describes your experience and qualifications. Please include “Event Consultant” in the subject line. This position is open until filled.

About Upaya Social Ventures:

Upaya Social Ventures is a nonprofit organization building an inclusive economy by providing investment and support to early-stage businesses creating dignified jobs for people living in the most extreme poverty. 

Upaya’s award-winning, impact-first model seeks out and supports oft-overlooked companies creating work that is safe, stable, inclusive, and rewarding — generating a transformative impact on families, communities, and economies. 

Since its founding in 2011, Upaya’s portfolio companies have created over 42,000 dignified jobs across India.