Temporary Event Assistant

Help bring an exciting nonprofit fundraising event to life. Silent Spring Institute is looking for a temporary Event Assistant to help organize auction items, coordinate sponsors, and support our annual gala this fall. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising and event planning.

Temporary Event Assistant

Organization: Silent Spring Institute

Location: In-person in Newton, MA

Compensation: $20–$25 per hour, depending on experience

Position Type: Temporary / Part-Time (June–October)

Silent Spring Institute is a leading nonprofit research organization dedicated to uncovering the environmental causes of breast cancer. We learn how exposures affect human health and empower communities to reduce harmful chemicals in everyday life.

We are seeking a temporary assistant to support preparations for our annual fundraising gala and auction. This role is ideal for an outgoing person who is organized, detail-oriented, and interested in gaining experience with nonprofit events and fundraising. The position will work very closely with Silent Spring’s Development and Events Manager and the entire development and communications teams.

Responsibilities

• • Work with corporate sponsors to fill out forms, maintain accurate sponsor records, and gather guest information.
  • Reach out and follow-up on auction item solicitations, coordinate pick-up and post-event drop-off, and track donor and item information in our database.
  • Assist with creating auction signage and materials, setting up the table on the day of the auction, launching and managing the online platform Auctria.
  • Ensure all sponsors are properly acknowledged and website listings are updated.
  • Work with staff to send acknowledgements to sponsors and donors.
  • Day of Event will include all areas of support and specifically managing the silent auction table setup and helping guests with bidding.
  • Maintain organized files related to auction items, guests, and sponsors.
  • Other related tasks as needed.

Schedule

• • Position runs June through early October, starting with ~20 hours per week and increasing to ~30 hours per week by September and as the event approaches
  • Mandatory availability: Sept 30 – Oct 2 (Evening hours required on Oct 1 event day)

Qualifications

• • Sense of humor in a high-stress and high-stakes team environment
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfortable learning new online platforms
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively with staff

Additional Requirements

• • This is an in-person position and includes occasional local errands (such as picking up auction items or materials)
  • A car or reliable transportation is required
  • The ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds

To apply, send an email with a resume and cover letter to Julia Runyan at gala@silentspring.org