Auction Specialist in Aurora, Colorado at Children's Diabetes Foundation

Auction Specialist
Aurora, CO 80014

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 proven ability to work and make judgments independently and take initiative. Well-disciplined and a self-starter who is extremely resourceful
● Ability to travel locally. Occasional overnight travel as needed. Occasional evening and weekend work required as needed

Benefits & Schedule
This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed. The role follows a hybrid office schedule and is based in Aurora, CO.
• 403 (b)
• 403 (b) matching
• Employer paid health insurance
• Dental & Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Pay: Hourly wage of $25.00

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume in one PDF to hr@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org with the subject line: Auction Specialist

About Us
The Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) was established by Barbara and Marvin Davis in 1977 in Denver as a non-profit organization dedicated solely to the support of research in diabetes and to provide the best possible clinical and educational programs for people with the disease. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, where thousands of patients of all ages from all over the world receive the finest diabetes care available.

CDF is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and provides consideration for an employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, genetic predisposition, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.