Event Planner (Board position)
Position summary
Do you love bringing people together, organizing fun events, and using your creativity to make a real difference for animals? Join our dynamic team at Sigonella Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (SAWS Inc.) as our Volunteer Event Planner! In this exciting role, you’ll help design, coordinate, and execute events that raise awareness, build community, and support our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals across Sicily.
Location
We would prefer this role to be a local community member, but you don't need to live just around the corner. It's a given, that you know how the community ticks, how the local area looks and what opportunities this gives SAWS. Many planning tasks can be done remotely, but the magic happens when strong collaboration meets community spirit.
Position summary
The Event Planner is responsible for conceptualizing, planning, and executing engaging, mission-driven events such as fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and adoption drives. This volunteer role requires strong organizational and communication skills, creativity, and teamwork. You’ll collaborate closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and Communications team to ensure every event is well-staffed, well-promoted, and aligned with the SAWS mission.
Key responsibilities
✨ Plan and execute quarterly events including adoption fairs, car washes, community drives, galas, and educational Q&A sessions.
✨ Ensure event dates do not conflict with major base or local community events to maximize attendance.
✨ Maintain event materials such as decorations, posters, and promotional supplies.
✨ Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure adequate staffing for each event, assigning roles and responsibilities as needed.
✨ Collaborate with the Communications team to promote events across social media, newsletters, and flyers.
✨ Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses, and monitor cost-effectiveness.
✨ Coordinate vendors, sponsors, and community partners for events.
✨ Oversee on-site event setup, registration, and smooth execution from start to finish.
✨ Collect post-event feedback, track donations, and prepare short event reports for the Board.
✨ Assist with planning and organizing special fundraising campaigns and awareness activities to increase community engagement.
Qualificatins & skills
✔️ Creative thinker with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
✔️ Excellent communication and teamwork skills for coordinating with staff, volunteers, and vendors.
✔️ Experience in event planning, logistics, or public relations is an asset (but not required).
✔️ Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and competing priorities effectively.
✔️ A mission-driven attitude and passion for animal welfare.
What we offer
🌟 The opportunity to create memorable community events that directly support animal rescue efforts.
🌟 A fun, creative, and multicultural volunteer team that values compassion and collaboration.
🌟 Opportunities to develop event management, leadership, and communication skills.
🌟 Recognition and letters of reference for dedicated volunteers.
Join us!
If you’re full of ideas, love teamwork, and want to make a difference - join SAWS Inc. as our Volunteer Event Planner! Help us create events that inspire compassion, build community, and make tails wag across Sicily.
👉 Apply by filling out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.
