SARA DARIO
Vineyard Haven,MA
Summary
Dynamic senior-level events and development leader with over 8 years of experience in nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, specializing in fundraising events, donor cultivation, stewardship, and corporate sponsorships. Expertise in managing complex portfolios of revenue-generating events, developing integrated event strategies, and overseeing six-figure budgets while collaborating effectively with executive leadership, boards, physicians, volunteers, and community stakeholders. Committed to advancing organizational missions through strategic engagement, data-informed decision-making, and exceptional donor experiences. Recognized for delivering well-organized and engaging high-impact events by leveraging strategic planning and creative problem-solving skills to ensure successful outcomes that adapt to evolving client needs.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Marketing & Event Director (Contract)
THE HARBORSIDE INN
Vineyard Haven, MA
01.2024 - Current
- Lead strategy and execution for 30+ annual private, corporate, and high-profile events, managing end-to-end logistics, vendor negotiations, contracts, budgets, timelines, and onsite operations.
- Serve as primary liaison to clients, vendors, municipal departments, and community partners to ensure compliant, well-supported events.
- Develop event marketing collateral, presentations, and digital communications to drive bookings and revenue growth.
- Oversee onsite execution including registration, A/V coordination, vendor management, and guest experience.
- ATS KEYWORDS: fundraising events, special events, donor stewardship, donor cultivation, development operations, nonprofit fundraising, healthcare philanthropy, corporate sponsorships, event budgets, event marketing, volunteer management, CRM data lists, executive leadership collaboration
Membership & Events Director (Part Time)
MARTHA’S VINEYARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Vineyard Haven, MA
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Managed logistics and execution of community and business events to foster collaboration among town boards, public safety officials, and regional stakeholders.
- Engaged with over 750 member businesses to cultivate strategic alliances that promote community involvement and awareness.
- Executed strategic engagement strategies and compliance-aligned reporting to elevate advertising and sponsorship revenue beyond $250,000.
- Represented the organization at public meetings, community forums, and regional events.
- Fostered partnerships with local businesses to drive collaborative marketing efforts.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance community engagement and tourism development.
Director
EAST CHOP BEACH & YACHT CLUB
Oak Bluffs, MA
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Supervised all aspects of 30+ annual private and member events, ensuring seamless execution of corporate functions and prestigious gatherings.
- Coordinated vendor contracts, managed budgets, and executed audiovisual registration and onsite logistics for successful event delivery.
- Facilitated collaboration between regulatory agencies and town departments to ensure successful execution of environmental compliance and capital projects.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring smooth functionality of club services and facilities.
Development Officer
MARTHA’S VINEYARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Edgartown, MA
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Oversaw fundraising initiatives to enhance donor engagement, manage special events, and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
- Orchestrated a series of integrated events and donor cultivation efforts, culminating in a historic fundraising achievement of $725,000.
- Created comprehensive presentations and reports for donors, fostering transparency and supporting stewardship initiatives.
- Developed and implemented fundraising strategies to enhance program sustainability.
- Cultivated relationships with community partners to increase support and engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Sociology
University of Hartford
West Hartford, CTSkills
- Fundraising event strategy
- Donor engagement strategies
- Nonprofit development strategy
- Corporate sponsorship management
- Event portfolio management
- ROI analysis
- Vendor negotiation
- Volunteer committee collaboration
- Collateral design and production
- Event management websites
- Risk management for events
- Stakeholder relationship management
Certification
Certified Floral Designer, Boston School of Floral Design - 2022
Timeline
Marketing & Event Director (Contract)
THE HARBORSIDE INN
01.2024 - Current
Membership & Events Director (Part Time)
MARTHA’S VINEYARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
01.2023 - 01.2024
Director
EAST CHOP BEACH & YACHT CLUB
01.2021 - 01.2023
Development Officer
MARTHA’S VINEYARD BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
01.2018 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Sociology
University of Hartford
PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS
- Strategic, detail-oriented leader with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
- Accomplished communicator with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Calm, decisive, and solutions-oriented under pressure
- Flexible and collaborative, with availability for nights, weekends, and travel as required
ALIGNMENT WITH MARTHA’S VINEYARD HOSPITAL
- Extensive experience managing revenue-generating, cultivation, and stewardship events of varying scale
- Proven success partnering with executive leadership, boards, donors, sponsors, and volunteers
- Strong command of event budgets, timelines, communications, and performance tracking
- Deep local knowledge of Martha’s Vineyard community, vendors, and stakeholders