Virtual Fundraising and Events Associate

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is currently hiring for a full time, regular and benefited, Virtual Fundraising and Events Associate at our Miramar location.

ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK

Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing nutritious food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. For more information about the organization, please visit

Our Mission:

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and our North County Food Bank Chapter provide nutritious food to people in need, advocate for the hungry, and educate the public about hunger-related issues.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The San Diego Food Bank feeds approximately 400,000 people every month in partnership with 450 nonprofit community partners.
• We are the fourth largest independent food bank in the country.
• We distributed 52 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2024-2025; almost 45% of that food being fresh produce.
• We have a 99% rating on Charity Navigator.

We are committed to innovation and sustainability to reduce our impact on the environment. We have 1,400 solar panels, we are LEED v4 Gold Certified, we have a 3,600 sq. ft composting and recycling center that houses our recycling and composting machine, and received the 2020 Business Waste Reduction & Recycling award.

POSITION PURPOSE

As the Virtual Fundraising & Events Associate, you hold a pivotal role in developing, executing, assessing, and refining virtual food drives and third-party fundraising initiatives. Additionally, you will collaborate with the Events Manager to coordinate, budget, and orchestrate various special events, notably our annual gala which generates over $1M annually. Central to this role is the cultivation of relationships, encouraging deeper engagement, and rallying support from individuals. Emphasizing virtual food drives and third-party fundraising avenues, you'll actively leverage these channels to attract new donors and construct a sustainable pipeline for ongoing support for SDFB. Collaborating closely with the Events Manager, this position involves providing administrative support, particularly in donation data entry and processing. Flexibility is key, as the role demands occasional weeknight and weekend hours, along with mandatory attendance at both on-site and off-site events.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position. All duties are expected to be performed in accordance with existing company policy and procedure. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist the Events Manager on all aspects of event planning and execution: pre-event, onsite and post-event.
• Assist Events Manager with programs, agendas, budgets, and services according to event requirements; assisting with the inspection and permitting of event facilities to ensure that they conform to event, city, and county requirements.
• As required by the Events Manager, meet with event organizing committees and sponsors to plan the scope and format of events, review administrative procedures, assist with efforts to publicize events and promote sponsors.
• Facilitate pipeline development for integration of Peer-to-Peer/virtual/3rd party participants into annual giving program.
• Manage and maintain relationships to ensure continued engagement. Ensure consistent, meaningful, year-round stewardship for all fundraising participants and volunteer leaders.
• Responsible for data entry and acknowledgments process. Manage event outreach and execution of third-party events.
• Maintain, evaluate, and optimize online virtual food drive fundraising tools available through our fundraising platforms.
• Work closely with event volunteers as assigned by Events Manager– recruiting, scheduling, training, support and acknowledgement.
• Provide excellent customer service for all event participants and both internal and external stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate for the Virtual Fundraising & Events Associate role is a calm, adaptable professional who thrives under pressure and can make quick, thoughtful decisions during events. They have a keen ability to identify gaps and step in seamlessly to ensure smooth execution. Skilled at giving clear direction and working collaboratively, they build strong relationships with volunteers and help create an organized, positive event experience. This individual brings a creative and strategic approach to developing, executing, and enhancing virtual fundraising programs and third-party event initiatives. Highly attentive to detail, they excel in fast-paced environments and manage multiple tasks with confidence. They are comfortable making phone calls, engaging supporters, and guiding participants into deeper levels of involvement. Their commitment to utilizing digital platforms and third-party fundraising channels aligns with our mission, demonstrating enthusiasm, dependability, and a drive to support impactful initiatives and meaningful community engagement.

EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE

A typical way of obtaining the necessary education, training, and experience for this position includes:

• Associate’s degree in communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree, preferred.
• 1- 3 years demonstrated experience in fundraising, event planning, or a similar role within a nonprofit or relevant industry.
• Demonstrated ability to support and execute virtual fundraising programs and third-party event initiatives with strong attention to detail, and clear communication.
• Proficiency in utilizing digital platforms and fundraising software for campaign management and donor engagement.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Office administrative and management practices and procedures. Knowledge of Blackbaud preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including correct English syntax, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Intermediate proficiency in word processing, computer equipment, donor and event software, and data processing principles including Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and Outlook),and Adobe Acrobat. Working knowledge of Canva is a plus.
• Special events include silent & live auctions, dinners, private and large scale-events.
• Experience with donor stewardship.
• Intermediate proficiency in computer and hard file record keeping and filing procedures.

Ability to:

• Exercise confidentiality in dealing with sensitive financial matters.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks with constant interruptions and work under demanding deadlines.
• Speak securely and confidently in front of public groups, small and large.
• Type accurately at a speed necessary to meet the requirements of the position.
• Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment with areas of responsibility.
• Work independently with minimal direction.
• Professionally interact with volunteers and donors.
• Speak Spanish or other second language a plus.
• Organize, research, and maintain complex and extensive office files.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise records and reports.
• Use discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and individuals.
• Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and others encountered in the course of the work.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid California Driver’s License.
• Must have own vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, non-exempt/hourly/benefited position.

• A market-level competitive salary is between $27.00 - $30.00 per hour based on experience.
• The compensation package includes a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including: 403(b) plan with 200% employer matching; excellent health care coverage with free employee medical, dental and vision plans; company paid term life insurance; and a generous accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Typical schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00 am- 4:30 pm.
• This position regularly requires overtime, weekend shifts and long hours.
• Position is required to travel 5% of the time; travel is primarily local during business days.

HOW TO APPLY

• Interested and qualified candidates should apply below.
• Submissions missing a resume will not be considered for the position.
• Background check and drug test are required for the position before employment starts.