Development & Events (Specialist/Associate)

The Development and Events Specialist position is a pivotal role within the Discovery network, an educational organization dedicated to fostering community engagement and support. Discovery operates multiple campuses, including the main site in Kenner, with outreach extending to areas such as Baton Rouge. This full-time, 11-month office-based role requires a dynamic professional capable of working collaboratively to support the organization’s development and event initiatives. The position offers flexibility in scheduling to accommodate events occurring outside of regular office hours, including occasional nights and weekends. This role reports directly to the Development Director and works closely with the Events Coordinator, serving as a vital link between internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the success of fundraising and community-building efforts.

In this role, the Development and Events Specialist is responsible for facilitating a variety of administrative and operational duties central to the development and event functions of Discovery. From supporting donor stewardship initiatives to managing complex event logistics, this position plays a critical role in cultivating relationships and administering successful events that help advance the organization’s mission. The Development component involves engaging with donors, local businesses, and alumni to secure sponsorships, donations, and partnerships while supporting grant research and maintaining donor databases. On the event side, the specialist manages event planning, registration, volunteer coordination, and production oversight to ensure smooth execution. Acting as the primary liaison for the Discovery Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTO) board further expands the role’s responsibility, involving communication, logistics coordination, and platform management for PTO fundraising activities.

This role requires a person with excellent organizational and communication skills, able to juggle multiple projects and deadlines efficiently. The ideal candidate will have experience in development, fundraising, or event planning, alongside proficiency in Google Workspace and familiarity with online fundraising and payment platforms. Engagement with parents, alumni, community members, and local business representatives is essential, requiring a personable and collaborative approach. Flexibility, a positive attitude, and willingness to travel occasionally to other campuses are equally important to meet the diverse needs of the Discovery network. Educationally, a Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, with a minimum qualification of an Associate’s Degree or High School Diploma combined with relevant experience. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to an educational institution’s growth and community impact through coordinated development and events management.