The Special Events Manager is responsible for planning, organizing and executing Affair to Remember, an annual black-tie gala, and for the logistics of Walk to End Alzheimer’s - St. Louis. Responsibilities include strategic planning for event; venue and vendor contract negotiations and coordination; collateral, sponsorship and promotional materials; event budget management; recruitment and supervision of volunteer leaders; sponsorship solicitation, and community partnerships; event logistics and execution. This position is relationship focused and results driven. Measurable outcomes for the position include achieving designated financial goals through individual fundraising, corporate sponsorship acquisition and establishing sustainable community partnerships.
Areas of Responsibility:
Affair to Remember Gala
- Achieve revenue targets and expense budgets for a $1,000,000 gala with direct accountability for goals set forth in the Greater Missouri Chapter’s annual budget
- Plan, organize and execute annual black-tie relationship event including budgets, timelines, logistics, corporate sponsorships and committee recruitment, development and retention
- Manage all financial aspects of event to include invoicing, timely payment collection, post-event follow-up and creating comprehensive financial reports for revenue and expense tracking
- Increase gala attendance and awareness using innovation, industry best practices, relationship management and sponsor/guest motivation
- Monitor activities to identify trends and best practices; measure impact of specific actions; anticipate and address issues as they arise and adjust plans as required
- Partner with event chair(s) to recruit and engage dinner committee; steward committee members throughout the year to ensure retention
- Recruit, train, set clear expectations, lead and inspire the steering committee; ensure on-going mission education for steering committee members
- Direct activities of high profile committees to meet revenue goals and develop strategies for success; build and cultivate relationships with these volunteer groups
- Partner with gala chairs and committees to secure corporate sponsors; foster and grow corporate sponsor relationships throughout the year
- Manage venue details such as décor, catering, entertainment, transportation, supplies, equipment, and event collateral
- Supervise vendors to ensure timeline, production needs and budget goals are met for all event logistics, collateral and communications (mailings, print and digital)
- Provide direction and support to the graphic designer for production of event promotional materials
- Support the Vice President of Development in establishing timelines, developing strategies, goal setting and management, and cultivating relationships
- Collaborate with appropriate chapter departments to ensure cross-promotion and support of organizational goals and/or messages
- Oversee day of event logistics and volunteers; proactively handle any ensuing issues and troubleshoot any emerging problems
Logistics, Walk to End Alzheimer’s - St. Louis
- Manage logistics for the second largest walk in the nation including, but not limited to venue layout, contract management, run of show, digital graphics, décor, catering, rental equipment and security for a $1,500,000 signature event
- Plan and secure three mile walk route and coordinate with city/county officials and appropriate venues including, but not limited to obtaining necessary permits, ensuring street closures and arranging parking for 7,000 participants
- Evaluate and procure logistical needs including personnel, supplies, and equipment leading up to walk, day of walk and after the event
- Collaborate and fully engage staff, vendors, and volunteers across all responsibilities of the position by establishing and communicating expectations, monitoring progress and celebrating milestones
Educational Background:
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, fundraising or related field
Skills/Experience:
- Minimum five years experience in development or special events with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
- Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
- In depth knowledge of budget development and management
- Strong organizational skills to plan, implement, and administer fundraising events
- Able to work successfully in a diverse team environment (independently or with supervision)
- Excel in fast paced, high pressure environments
- Outcomes driven; great attention to detail while maintaining ‘big picture’ perspective
- Flexibility of schedule and availability of time necessary to accomplish events goals
- Demonstrated expertise recruiting, leading and inspiring volunteers and committees
- Leadership skills in supervising high level committee and event volunteers with professionalism
- Experience developing and managing large-scale special events with six figure budgets
- Project management skills, including demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple and competing deadlines
- Comfortable asking for donations and securing corporate sponsorships
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications
- Knowledge of (or ability to learn) Convio, OneCause, BidPal or other fundraising/auction software
How to Apply:
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Mar 5 2019
Active Until:
Apr 5 2019
Hiring Organization:
Alzheimer's Association
industry:
Nonprofit