The Director of Events and Engagement Programs is a member of Audubon’s Development team and is responsible for developing strategies for, organizing, and implementing special events, three board meetings annually, and other donor and prospect engagement opportunities including national and international trips. Reporting to the VP - Development, s/he will act as the lead project manager for these duties and will focus on creating lasting, effective partnerships with Development staff across Audubon, Program colleagues, and national/international volunteers to ensure seamless and successful fundraising and donor cultivation activities with measurable outcomes.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Develop an overarching engagement and fundraising strategy for events and programs on behalf of Audubon.
- Execute mission-based events to cultivate and steward donors and prospects inclusive of, but not limited to: Audubon’s Annual Medal Gala raising $1.2 million; Women in Conservation luncheons in NYC and Texas; state-based fundraising events; other cultivation events; 5-6 national and international field trips; programmatic events to support organizational initiatives; special committee meetings; and other donor events.
- Provide site selections (hotel, restaurants, and field trips) for three board meetings annually.
- Act as lead project manager for all events; create timelines, analyze revenue and expense information against budgets, and hold staff accountable for completing actions necessary for event success.
- Liaise with external vendors on all event logistics, such as catering, entertainment, facility and audio visual needs, travel, and lodging. Prepare, negotiate, and execute contracts as needed.
- Manage timelines for development of Audubon staff and board speaking notes and presentations.
- Along with the VP – Development and other staff as needed, build and finalize invitation lists, check in with invitees, and organize the process of requesting gifts and securing pledges.
- Manage the event follow-up process both internally and with donors; oversee mailings, to-do lists, and acknowledgements to individuals. Additionally, coordinate with the prospect research team to ensure event briefings are produced in a timely way.
- Manage volunteer host committees.
- Supervise Audubon events team.
- Oversee the hiring and supervision of professional event planners and key vendors.
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree, as well as 6-8 years’ supporting special events for an organization in progressively senior positions.
Skills/Experience:
- Experience working in a nonprofit organization supporting fundraising needs desired, but not required.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; experience with reporting from donor/event databases also necessary. Knowledge of Salesforce a plus.
- A self-starter, one who is able to work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects, and ensure deadlines are met.
- Excellent organizational skills, as well as written and oral communication skills, a must.
- Keen attention to detail required.
- Ability to interact with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders, such as Board and Committee members, vendors, and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
- Familiarity with event venues and opportunities in New York City.
- A team player who works collaboratively with others, has strong judgment and decision making skills, and takes initiative where appropriate.
- A flexible approach to work, with the willingness to work some evenings and weekends and travel for events when necessary.
- Valid U.S. Driver’s License and U.S. Passport with the ability and willingness to travel.
- Bilingual in Spanish is highly preferred.
- Commitment to conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jul 7 2018
Active Until:
Aug 7 2018
Hiring Organization:
National Audubon Society
industry:
Nonprofit