While most Special Olympics services are provided by a dedicated group of volunteer coaches, fundraisers and event workers, Special Olympics Kentucky does employ a small staff to help organize competitions fundraising events and handle day-to-day operations of our statewide program. This offers opportunities for work in a challenging and rewarding environment that helps to change the lives of the athletes we serve and their families.

Development Marketing Manager

Position: Development Marketing Manager

The Development Marketing Manager is a full-time exempt role within the SOKY Development Team, responsible for leading development marketing across websites, email, social media, text campaigns, and other channels to boost participation and revenue. The position oversees the creation of print, digital, and video collateral, contributing to event logistics, participant recruitment, sponsor activation, budget oversight, and strategic planning. Regular attendance and moderate travel—including evenings, weekends, and overnights—are required. Limited remote work may be available after a successful six-month probationary period. 

Responsible To: Senior VP of Development

Skills/Qualifications

• Skilled Marketing Professional with experience in community-based events promotion 
• Proven success in strategizing and delivering marketing campaigns that increase participation and financial results, in alignment with organizational goals 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills 
• Proficient in social media and digital marketing 
• Experience in Media Relations 
• Fundraising and sponsor solicitation experience 
• A people-person – someone who is interested in and engages easily with others 
• Ability to lead, motivate and manage collaborative projects 
• Positive attitude & work ethic  
• Enthusiastic and eager to work, learn and grow with SOKY  
• Computer proficient, have solid skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva and Adobe 

Responsibilities

• Manage and implement marketing plans for signature fundraising events: Polar Plunges and Truck Pulls. Actively develop and manage communications timeline and content calendar to ensure timely execution of plan. 
• Create marketing plan to include all key elements to drive registration, build buzz, improve participant experience and increase financial results. 
• Create all event marketing content 
• Work to secure new sponsorships and manage current relationships. 
• Work to build relationships with vendors, facilities and service providers to facilitate plan execution in cost-effective manner. 
• Support efforts by the team to cultivate community support for projects and events.  
• Establish and maintain regular communication and project input with SVP, Development to implement budgets, timelines, goals, and best practices.  
• Represent SOKY at meetings and conferences as appropriate. 
• Attendance at SOKY state-level events that will include weekend and overnight travel. 

Benefits

• 401k
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• PTO
• PSLF Eligible Employer
• Life & LTD Insurance

Special Olympics Kentucky EEO Statement

Special Olympics Kentucky is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.