Events Associate bei Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Title: Events Associate

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Your Mission: Build Experiences That Inspire Support

Are you passionate about creating events that bring people together for a greater cause? As an Events Associate at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, you’ll play a key role in advancing our mission by planning, promoting, and executing engaging fundraising events. From community favorites like Yappy Hours and the Dog Easter Egg Hunt to ARL’s signature events like the Raise Your Paw Auction, your creativity and organizational skills will help raise critical funds that change lives for animals and people across Iowa.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, people-focused professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building partnerships in the community.

What You’ll Do

At the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, our events don’t just bring people together, they create lifesaving opportunities for animals in need. As an Events Associate, you will play a vital role in advancing our mission by planning, promoting, and executing fundraising events that generate support and strengthen connections between the ARL and the community. From Yappy Hours and Doxie Dash to the Raise Your Paw Auction and Cats Meow, your creativity and organizational skills will help transform events into memorable experiences that inspire compassion and generosity.

What You’ll Do

The Events Associate is responsible for organizing a wide variety of fundraising events that raise critical resources for the ARL. In this role, you will coordinate vendors, develop community partnerships, and secure sponsorships to support successful outcomes. You will research and implement creative event strategies, ensuring each gathering is engaging and effective, while also managing the promotion of events through marketing content such as emails, website updates, and social media.

Collaboration will be central to your work. You will partner with staff across departments and with volunteers who contribute their time and talent to ensure smooth execution at every stage. From managing event logistics to monitoring budgets and evaluating results, you will play an essential part in ensuring events meet financial and strategic goals. Beyond scheduled fundraisers, you will also support additional revenue-generating opportunities such as facility rentals and other initiatives as they arise.

What You Bring

To succeed in this role, you will need a high school diploma or GED, with additional education such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. A minimum of two years of event planning or related experience is strongly recommended. You must hold a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, sometimes high-pressure environment. Strong customer service, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential, as is the ability to manage conflict with professionalism and care. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, while experience with budgeting and Blackbaud software is preferred. Attention to detail, accurate spelling and grammar, and fast, precise typing will be critical in managing event communications and documentation.

Working Conditions

This role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and may involve working outdoors in both hot and cold weather. You should be comfortable in an environment that occasionally involves exposure to animal odors, dander, waste, scratches, or bites, as well as periods of standing or sitting for extended times.

Why Work at the ARL?

At the ARL, you will join a passionate, mission-driven team that is committed to saving lives and strengthening the bond between people and animals. As an Events Associate, your work will directly impact our ability to fund lifesaving programs and create meaningful connections with the community. Every event you help create will make a difference, not only for the people who attend, but also for the animals whose lives are transformed through the support these events generate.

Employment in this position is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the ARL may terminate the employment relationship at any time.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or applicable state regulations, the Animal Rescue League will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations.