The Event and Institutional Manager (EIM) will be an active member of the Philanthropy Operations team for the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter. They will have excellent project management skills and the ability to complete a wide variety of tasks required to successfully produce events and manage institutional funders (corporate and foundation). The position is responsible for two major areas of work.
The EIM will be the event lead responsible for the full production and successful execution of the Minneapolis-based Green Tie Affair, a 600+ person, biennial fundraising gala. Success requires exceptional mastery of task and project management, excellent communications skills (creative, persuasive and technical), aptitude across a variety of computer software platforms (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), creativity, strong facilitation and decision-making skills.
After each successful Green Tie Affair, the EIM will be responsible for continued stewardship of guests who attended the event, including written communications/reports, solicitations and follow-up events. Work will involve focused follow-up with a small number of key prospects identified through the Green Tie Affair to determine if they have a deeper interest in engagement with TNC.
Other event responsibilities include the coordination of member appreciation events in North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as other events when needed.
In addition to the biennial Green Tie Affair the EIM will be responsible for ongoing management of event sponsors and managing a portfolio of institutional funders (corporate and foundation). This involves writing funding proposals, managing relationships and activities with institutional contacts, and completing grant reports. The EIM will also provide direct assistance to fundraisers managing institutional supporters, including writing, editing, assisting with coordination, and formatting proposals and reports.
The Event and Institutional Manager will be the chapter representative for the Minnesota Environmental Fund, a workplace giving coalition. Work includes attending meetings, completing annual applications and reports, and fulfilling work required of TNC as a member of the coalition
The Event and Institutional Manager (EIM) will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the Philanthropy team by implementing and leading tactics for events and institutional management. They will manage logistics for special events and meetings. They will evaluate potential vendors and assure that contracts are completed and payments are processed as required. They will identify priorities for the Green Tie Affair and portfolio of institutional funders. They will maintain documentation, modify processes, and utilize tools used by the Philanthropy team. They will manage diverse tasks, analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, project outcomes, and implement solutions to improve effectiveness. They will have substantial contact with stakeholders and may have a key role regarding outreach for the program to internal and/or external audiences.
They will manage, track, and report on key data and activities. The EIM will perform independent project management and analysis on key data/actions to inform Philanthropy team activities, which may include donor or gift information. They may be responsible for handling gifts and/or participating in the development of organizational best practices. The EIM must maintain advanced skills with the systems and resources utilized by the Philanthropy team to execute tasks. The EIM will effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. They may be asked to take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience.
- Coordinate projects with several variables, work within a defined timeline and budget.
- Does not supervise any staff, but may supervise interns, volunteers, and/or temporary staff.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget, processing invoices and transfers, and contracting with vendors.
- Manage and implement multiple projects, including managing budgets, setting deadlines and ensuring accountability.
- Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs.
- Consult with supervisor on uncommonly difficult questions and unusual problems.
- Travel and work long and flexible hours especially during the weeks prior to the Green Tie Affair event.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years’ experience or equivalent combination.
- Experience building relationships with staff, vendors, customers or similar.
- Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating and implementing events.
- Demonstrated experience in business writing, persuasive writing, creative writing, editing, and proofreading.
- Experience working across teams.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Cross cultural and multilingual skills appreciated .
- Ability to analyze information for coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems.
- Ability to implement processes and strategic program goals.
- Ability to coordinate projects and work under pressure.
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
- Experience negotiating agreements.
- Proficient in use of database systems used to manage lists, donors and related activity.
- Ability to write and edit written materials for use with donor solicitations, member communications, and special events.
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
- Experience with Microsoft platforms (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Publisher).
- Strong organization skills, planning and problem-solving skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.