Events and Partnerships Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Events and Parternships Manager role involves planning, organizing, and executing the annual Furball gala, managing the event budget, and meeting fundraising goals through sponsorships, auctions, and donations. Responsibilities include coordinating event logistics, maintaining relationships with current sponsors, and securing new sponsorship opportunities. The individual will collaborate with the marketing team on promotional materials and communications, support the event committee, and track donor data to report on outcomes. Additionally, this role will cultivate relationships with current and potential sponsors and lead corporate giving programs to acquire and retain new donors, all while meeting fundraising objectives for the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities listed are not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties that are required of the position. Responsibilities, tasks, duties, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Plan, organize, and execute annual Furball gala while working within event budget and fundraising goals through sponsorship, auction, and donation income
• Manage and coordinate timeline, venue, sponsors, gala attendees, room layout, menu, and other logistics for event, anticipating needed resources including volunteers, supplies, equipment, etc
• Maintain relationships with current event sponsors and identify, cultivate and secure new sponsorship opportunities to support event funding
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications Manager on the development of all marketing materials and communications related to event
• Support the event committee, providing guidance and leadership to the event chair
• Maintain accurate records, track donor data and report on event outcomes, including attendance, fundraising results, and participant feedback
• Manage annual corporate giving program, soliciting new workplace giving partnerships while maintaining relationships with current corporate sponsors including workplace volunteer groups, activities, and recognition opportunities
• Meet fundraising goals and objectives set for Furball and corporate giving programs 
• Support Paws in the Park planning, organizing, and execution
• Assist with other areas of Development, as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, non-profit management, or related field
• At least 2 years of experience in event planning and coordination with increasing responsibility
• At least 1 years of work experience with non-profit fundraising, sales, or similar experience highly preferred
• At least 6 months of experience leading a team or working with a committee preferred
• Previous work experience with donor management and CRM software (Bloomerang, QGiv, One Cause, or similar systems) preferred
• Must possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license and must successfully complete a motor vehicle record check

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• In-depth understanding of event planning processes, including logistics, budgeting, scheduling, and risk management
• Knowledge with nonprofit fundraising events and donor engagement strategies
• Knowledge of local community resources, vendors, and venues
• Awareness of nonprofit fundraising principles, including donor stewardship and sponsorship acquisition
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to create and adhere to timelines, ensuring all event details are completed on schedule 
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and projects concurrently without sacrificing quality
• Ability to track expenses, negotiate with vendors, and ensure cost-effective operations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong interpersonal for engaging with community members, donors, and sponsors
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Ability to anticipate and address challenges that may arise during event planning and execution
• Skill in making quick, informed decisions to ensure the success of events
• Strong leadership skills for guiding others and collaborating with other departments
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and build consensus among diverse groups
• Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks and responsibilities
• Ability to develop innovative approaches to achieve and exceed organizational goals
• Ability to use donor management and CRM systems for tracking donations and managing donor relationships
• Knowledge of how to integrate fundraising and marketing efforts to develop a compelling case for support
• Ability to conduct donor prospect research to identify new funding opportunities
• Ability to take initiative and to work with minimal supervision and direction
• Ability to meet or exceed financial targets, often under tight deadlines and in the face of unanticipated challenges

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

• Physical demands include extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, handling, grasping, and coordination with occasional lifting and carrying requirements of up to 50 lbs.
• Work includes constant use of office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers
• Work requires managing the pressures and challenges of organizing and executing events, including tight deadlines, unforeseen issues, and high-stakes situations with the ability to remain calm and composed in a stressful or rapidly changing environment
• Work requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to find creative solutions to complex issues when new information or challenges are presented
• Work requires tact, empathy and understanding when responding to the needs and concerns of donors, community members, committee members, and others while showing compassion and sensitivity to the emotional dynamics in the organization’s work
• Work requires strategic planning to implement long-term strategies to exceed event goals, increase participation, elevate an event, and grow the organization’s development goals
• Work requires analytical skills to assess event data, budgets, trends, feedback, and performance metrics, and to make informed decisions that enhance event effectiveness
• Work requires strong attention to detail for creating comprehensive reports, conducting in-depth research on potential donors, and analyzing trends in fundraising to inform strategic decisions
• Work requires handling rejection professionally and maintain persistence in securing donations and support, while staying motivated and focused on long-term fundraising goals

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Most work is performed in the business office areas of Pet Alliance which are open and well lit, adequately ventilated, but sometimes noisy and distracting environment.
• The job requires moving between rooms and buildings including traveling to outside locations, which may result in increased or prolonged exposure to extremes in temperature and atmospheric conditions.
• The job requires frequent and routinely intense public contact as well as the ability to multi-task under conditions that can be described as extremely fast-paced/high volume and are potentially stressful on a routine basis.
• Travel is required up to approximately 5% of the time.