Events Manager

About CRLA:

California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA) is an anti-poverty law firm dedicated to dismantling unjust systems through community lawyering in Californias historically rural areas. For over five decades, we have partnered with communities priced out of private legal representation to uphold civil rights in housing, employment, health, and public education. Building on a radical legacy rooted in the farmworker movement and the War on Poverty, CRLA continues to fight for the rights and prosperity of rural Californians through bold advocacy, systemic change, and a vision of thriving, empowered communities. CRLAs community-led legal services activate community power to achieve justice, ensuring our clients and partners have the tools to dismantle poverty, discrimination, and systemic inequities.

Joining CRLA means becoming part of a team that honors dignity, fights for fairness, and embraces bold, community-led solutions to systemic injustices.

Position: Events Manager
Reports to: Vice President of Operations & CFO
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Location: Modesto, CA

Term of Employment: Regular, Full-Time
Other: FLSA Exempt, Non-Union Position

Position Overview:

CRLA is seeking a highly organized and experienced Event Planner to coordinate and execute events, conferences, and meetings that advance our mission of providing legal aid services across California. The ideal candidate will have a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification, extensive experience in event planning, and strong connections with venues, catering services, and other event resources throughout California.

The events include, but are not limited to:

• Annual or bi-annual statewide training conferences for staff, board members and stake holders.
• Training sessions and workshops for attorneys and advocates.
• Fundraising galas and donor appreciation events.
• Community outreach events to raise awareness about legal aid services.
• Board meetings and strategic planning sessions

Key Responsibilities:

• Event and Meeting Planning
  • Plan and manage logistics for meetings, conferences, and special events, including scheduling, venue selection, catering, audio/visual needs, and on-site coordination.
  • Ensure all events align with the organization's mission and operational goals.
• Vendor and Venue Management
  • Leverage established connections with venues, caterers, and other service providers across California to negotiate contracts and secure favorable terms.
  • Build and maintain relationships with reliable vendors and partners.
• Budget Management
  • Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial guidelines.
  • Track expenses and prepare post-event financial reports.
• Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensure all events comply with legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
  • Provide detailed reports on event outcomes, participant feedback, and recommendations for improvement.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Work closely with internal teams, including leadership, communications, and program staff, to align events with organizational objectives.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for event-related inquiries and updates.
• Travel and On-Site Coordination
  • Travel to event locations as needed for site visits, vendor meetings, and on-site management during events.
  • Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown.

Required Qualifications:

• • Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in event planning, preferably in non-profit or mission-driven organizations.
  • Extensive knowledge of and connections with venues, catering services, and event vendors throughout California.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, with excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
  • Proficiency in event or project management software and tools.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to travel statewide and work flexible hours as needed.

Highly Preferred Qualifications:

• • Familiarity with the legal aid sector or non-profit event planning.
  • Experience with virtual and hybrid event platforms.
  • Bilingual skills are a plus.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.