Auction Specialist

Auction Specialist

Children's Diabetes Foundation

Denver Metro

What We Look For

We are seeking a detail-oriented, highly organized Auction Specialist to join CDF's event team. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, highly organized, and motivated to take initiative. You must be able to adapt quickly to a dynamic and constantly changing work environment. If you are a fast learner with good communication skills and a generous passion for nonprofits, this role is for you. While we work in a team setting, it is essential to be highly accountable and to be an independent thinker.

Extremely organized with a knack for following up and tracking information

Resourceful in cultivating new ideas and building new relationships

A keen eye for design and auction layout

Consistently exudes a pleasant demeanor, a willingness to go above and beyond, and a tolerance for change and flexibility

A dedication to the utmost professionalism when dealing with donors, sponsors, and staff

Ability to complete tasks promptly, and able to perform tasks with minimal supervision

About the Position

The Auction Specialist solicits and acquires auction items for all CDF events. They are responsible to create and maintain relationships with businesses and individuals to solicit for donations. The Auction Specialist tracks all items and partners with the event coordinators for each event. The logistics, setup, and layout of the auction are also the responsibility of the Auction Specialist.

Planning, Procurement & Donor Development (70%):

Coordinate, plan, and execute auction item acquisitions

Assemble and coordinate auction committee and routine meetings for larger events

Oversee committee members and general volunteers during auction load-in and setup for large-scale events

Coordinate transportation logistics, including scheduling a moving truck to transfer auction items between the CDF office and the event venue

Build connections with partners and strategize with leadership to create a pipeline for reoccurring item donations

Conduct physical mailings, phone calls and emails to solicit donations from stakeholders and partners

Create and oversee online auction auction catalogues for events

Design and prepare display props for all procured auction items

Develop PowerPoint slides for live auction items and assist in producing auction brochures and signage

Design high-end auction displays and innovate ways to highlight auction categories

Secure DJ/photo booth/emcee for auction, as needed

Coordinate auction notifications, payments and item pick up for designated events

Send tax acknowledgments and thank you letters to donors as items are received

Attend all internal event coordination meetings as well as meetings with event vendors in relation to the auction

Oversee the inventory, organization, and storage of all auction props before and after each event

Assist with relevant budgeting, invoicing, A/R, reconciliations, and receipt letters

Data Entry (30%):

Enter auction item donations and purchases into CRM and event platform

Verify and update current solicitation list and research new donation opportunities

Create and maintain tracking sheet of auction solicitations and donations for each event

Maintain and submit necessary reports during and after designated events

Maintain records of leftover auction items for use in future events.

Track wine and liquor inventory, including donor information, for wine and liquor pulls.

Track auction expenses to align with budget

Qualifications & Competencies

Bachelor's degree and 3 years event experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

2 years of experience in planning and managing auction item procurement preferred, with strong skills in developing and maintaining positive and effective relationships

Excellent project management skills and follow-through

Experience in designing unique and appealing auction layouts and creating compelling categories to drive interest

Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group settings to stakeholders, partners, and other employees of the organization

Computer literate and technologically proficient in standard word processing, spreadsheet and database software applications, specifically Raiser's Edge and Raiser's Edge NXT

Highly detail oriented, adaptable, organized, and able to successfully prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks, while providing excellent verbal and written stakeholder and partner communications

Strong interpersonal skills, including patience and understanding for dealing with diverse groups of coworkers, donors, volunteers, and families

Superior self-management skills and prove