Independent Contractor Opportunity: Event Assistant (Fundraising Events)
Location: Spokane, WA (local travel required)
Engagement Type: Independent Contractor (Not an Employee)
Project Focus: Fundraising Event Support, including Vanessa Behan's Annual Pumpkin Ball and potentially other fundraising initiatives
Compensation: Candidates should submit their proposed contract rate with their application
About Vanessa Behan
Vanessa Behan is a Spokane-based nonprofit dedicated to keeping kids safe, strengthening families, and creating a healthier community in an environment of inclusion, authenticity, and adaptability.
Our vision is to provide immediate refuge for children and support that strengthens families. The organization was created following the tragic death of Vanessa Kay Behan, a Spokane child who died from abuse-related injuries at the age of two. In response, community leaders established Vanessa Behan to ensure families would have a safe place to turn during times of crisis.
Today, Vanessa Behan provides:
- 24-hour care for infants and children under age seven (and ages seven to twelve on a case-by-case basis)
- Parent education
- Crisis counseling
- Referrals to community resources
We serve families facing a wide range of challenges, including homelessness, domestic violence, substance use disorders, and overwhelming parenting stress. Our fundraising events play a critical role in sustaining these services and ensuring families have access to support before a crisis becomes a tragedy.
Position Overview
Vanessa Behan is seeking a highly organized, relationship-focused Event Assistant Contractor to support the planning and execution of major fundraising events, including our signature Annual Pumpkin Ball.
The ideal contractor is self-motivated, detail-oriented, comfortable interacting with community supporters, and passionate about strengthening families and supporting children in our community.
This contractor will work closely with the Marketing & Events Coordinator and Development Team on event logistics, procurement, volunteer coordination, data management, and event-day operations.
Independent Contractor Notice
This opportunity is for an independent contractor and is not an employment position.
The selected contractor will:
- Provide services under a contractor agreement.
- Be responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and business expenses.
- Not be eligible for employee benefits.
- Have flexibility in determining how services are performed while meeting agreed-upon project requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
Applicants should include their proposed hourly or project-based rate when applying.
Scope of Services
The Event Assistant Contractor may support the following activities:
Event Procurement & Sponsor Support
- Source and secure sponsorships and donated items for auctions, raffles, games, and other fundraising activities.
- Procure auction packages and Fairy Tale Tote items.
- Follow up with donors and supporters regarding item procurement, collection, and delivery.
- Coordinate transportation of donated items between supporters, Vanessa Behan, and event venues.
Event Planning & Administration
- Assist with event preparation, setup, execution, and teardown.
- Attend event committee meetings as requested.
- Track sponsor commitments, table registrations, and advertising submissions.
- Generate reports and assist with post-event follow-up activities.
- Support general administrative needs of the Development Team.
Volunteer Coordination
- Recruit, onboard, and coordinate event volunteers.
- Provide volunteer training and support prior to and during events.
- Collaborate with staff and committee members to ensure successful volunteer engagement.
Data & Technology Support
- Enter and maintain event-related information within event management platforms.
- Manage auction item data, bidder information, sponsor records, and guest registrations.
- Assist with event reporting and data reconciliation after events.
Marketing Support
- Assist with social media content creation and scheduling.
- Support fundraising promotions and event communications.
Desired Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Previous administrative or office-support experience.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for local travel.
- Ability to successfully pass Washington State and national background checks.
Preferred
- Experience supporting nonprofit fundraising events.
- Volunteer management experience.
- Experience working with event management software, donor databases, or CRM platforms.
- Familiarity with social media scheduling and content creation tools.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Successful contractors will demonstrate:
- Compassion and a commitment to supporting children and families.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Adaptability and willingness to assist with a variety of event-related tasks.
Physical Requirements
The work may require:
- Standing, walking, sitting, lifting, reaching, and repetitive hand movements.
- Occasional bending, kneeling, crouching, and climbing.
- Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to work at event venues and transport materials as needed.
Work Environment
Services may be performed in office settings, event venues, and child-centered environments where children and families are present.
- Primarily indoor work with occasional outdoor event activities.
- Local travel within the Spokane area required.
- No overnight travel anticipated.
How to Apply
Please submit the below information to [email protected].
- Your résumé.
- A brief statement describing your interest in supporting Vanessa Behan's mission.
- Your proposed hourly or project-based contractor rate.
- Relevant experience with fundraising events, volunteer coordination, administrative support, or nonprofit organizations.
Join us in helping keep children safe, supporting families in crisis, and building a stronger, healthier community.
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Spokane, WA 99202
