Benefit Auction Intern

Position Summary

The benefit auction intern is an important member of the development team, providing administrative support and learning about preparation and management of a multi-day event that raises approximately $500,000. Penland’s Benefit Auction is the third largest craft school auction in the US. This position allows the intern a high level of responsibility through which he or she will gain valuable knowledge and experience in auction model fundraising, planning and executing a multi-day event, registration and follow-up procedures, and data management. The internship period is mid-May through August 30, 2010 full time (minimum of 16 weeks at 40 hours/week). The benefit auction intern reports to the database manager and the development associate for special events.

Responsibilities

Manage ticket reservations including receiving and inputting data into relevant databases, communicating with patrons, processing payments, reporting ticket sales to staff, maintains confidentiality, etc.

Manage auction catalog mailing including ordering supplies and organizing volunteers. Prepare letters, ticket receipts, inserts, labels, and postage.

Work with the database manager and development director to compile the patron stewardship sheet for Board of Trustees members.

Assist the development director with auction table seating arrangements.

Manage materials preparation for patron and volunteer packets, prepare volunteer packets, and supervise volunteers in preparation of patron packets.

Assist the database manager and IT manager with event technology preparation and the set-up of the registration, check-out, and auction tents.

Assist database manager and volunteers with running registration tent, patron registration, and express pay sign-up during the Friday director’s luncheon and Friday/Saturday registration hours.

Assist with auction check-out.

Assist with event follow-up including reconciling income with the database manager, follow-up letters, etc.

Attend relevant departmental meetings as well as auction planning and training meetings.

Qualifications

High level of familiarity and comfort working with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge fundraising software a plus; familiarity with databases including MS Access/Filemaker Pro is helpful.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a positive professional behavior.

Good organizing and time management skills.

Attention to detail and accuracy is a must.

Self-motivated and goal oriented.

Excellent customer service skills; must be comfortable making phone calls to patrons and answering questions about the event.

Emotional maturity, self confidence, and a sense of humor.

A proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of individuals.

An ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule; must work the week of Aug. 9th, including the two-day weekend event.

Physical Demands

This position requires the applicant to walk unaided up and down hills and over uneven terrain, bend, stoop, reach above their head, have use of fine and gross motor skills, and work in close quarters. The applicant must have normal visual acuity at near and far distance with correction and hear the spoken word with correction. The applicant must be fluent in English. The position demands frequent exposure to inclement weather. While performing the duties of this job, the applicant is regularly required to sit and to work at a computer. The applicant is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls and to talk fluently. The applicant must occasionally lift and/or move heavy objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

Compensation

All housing and meals will be provided at no charge to the intern for the duration of the internship period.

To Apply

The internship will remain open until filled, however the initial review of applications will consist of applications received by March 15, 2010. Send resume and cover letter addressing relevant experience and interest in the internship, personal contact information and email contact information for at lest 3 references to Mike Davis, Penland School of Crafts, PO Box 37 Penland, NC 28765 or

mikedavis@penland.org

Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education offering residential workshops, residencies, community education programs, and exhibitions. Located on 415 acres in the NC Mountains, Penland has 15 teaching studios and a total of 50 historic and contemporary buildings. Penland School of Crafts is an equal opportunity employer with a staff of 63. Penland operates with a $5.2 million endowment and an annual operating budget of $4.3 million. Penland School of Crafts is an equal opportunity employer.