The Events Manager provides a range of services related to producing special events for The Nature Conservancy’s Washington philanthropy program and the Washington chapter as a whole. They are the primary event planner for donor and local community Conservancy events.
The Events Manager will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the Washington program by developing and implementing plans for donor events (60%), community engagement events (30%), and special events targeted to VIP internal and external stakeholders (10%). They coordinate plans and schedules across functional teams to develop event concepts and content to meet multiple strategic needs, and maintain a master schedule of chapter events. The Events Manager project manages planning, logistics, procurement, outreach, RSVPs and follow-up. They will assemble teams, organize resources, monitor workflows, and solve problems. In some instances they will serve as an advisor on events outside their primary focus that are managed by other staff. The Events Manager must exercise knowledge of The Nature Conservancy’s work and fundraising principles to develop concepts that elevate our priorities in ways that are relevant and appealing to our key audiences. The Events Manager must have advanced knowledge of the systems and resources utilized for event planning, donor relationship management and project management. They will develop documentation, adapt processes, and participate in the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team. The Events Manager will keep up-to-date on market trends and best practices in order to improve services. The Events Manager works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, volunteers, vendors, public agencies, corporate partners and non-profit partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Level of position: This is a mid-level position that works with staff at all levels of the organization to plan and implement events.
- May supervise administrative, professional and/or volunteer staff, responsibility includes training and professional development.
- Manage internal stakeholders and lead cross-functional teams in the planning and execution of events.
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget and negotiating and contracting with vendors. Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally.
Within the scope of this position, the Events Manager will:
- Plan, manage and implement the year-round schedule of donor and local community Conservancy events.
- Design events to meet multiple chapter strategic needs, establishing key event objectives and measuring success.
- Work creatively to build event concepts that elevate the Conservancy’s work in relevant ways to inspire and engage a targeted donor audience.
- Produce or facilitate the Conservancy’s participation in inclusive and accessible community engagement events aligned with our mission.
- Be nimble and resourceful in capitalizing on timely opportunities that may emerge, such as the availability of a content expert, or a VIP host.
- Oversee event budgets for cost-efficiency appropriate to the needs of the event, including all vendor contracting and supplies purchases.
- Lead or advise on events projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, and manage a timeline.
- Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
- Ensure programmatic commitments, internal policies, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance.
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
Work Environment and Schedule
- Travel occasionally, work long and flexible hours as needed, including evenings and weekends.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements.
- Duties may require the ability to load/unload vehicles and lift up to 25 lbs.
- Experience coordinating projects.
- Experience planning and managing events.
- Experience managing a budget and contracting with vendors.
- Experience working for a donor audience.
- Ability to travel within Washington State; must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to beginning the position.
Desired Qualifications
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to implement complex processes.
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff.
- Experience with database management.
- Knowledge of current trends in the field of special events.
- Strong organization and negotiating skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.