What are the responsibilities and job description for the Events and Engagement Specialist position at Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne?
About Us
At the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, we believe in the power of bold dreams. We envision a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, where residents and visitors are engaged, connected, and energized, and where everyone has access to the tools and resources to reach their highest potential.
We know that by looking beyond limitations and embracing our ambitions, we can create a community where neighbors experience greater well-being and an improved quality of life.
We are committed to moving our community toward a more vibrant future. Here, we Imagine Greater.
What We Do
We focus on three key areas to make an impact:
Our work is guided by five core values that shape every decision and action we take:
The Events and Engagement Specialist is pivotal in fostering meaningful connections within the Community Foundation's network. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of events that engage donors, professional advisors, stakeholders, and the broader community. From intimate gatherings to larger-scale forums, the Events and Engagement Specialist ensures that every event reflects the Foundation’s mission and delivers exceptional experiences.
The ideal candidate will balance creativity, organizational expertise, and attention to detail to enhance event planning and execution. They will oversee all aspects of event logistics, manage budgets, and cultivate relationships with vendors, sponsors, and speakers.
The Events and Engagement Specialist will collaborate with internal teams to align on event goals. They will be proactive problem solvers capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a focus on participant satisfaction, stakeholder input, and organizational impact.
This position is integral to promoting the Community Foundation's vision and its mission through memorable events.
Responsible to: Director of Marketing and Communications
Key Responsibilities:Event Planning and Execution
Marketing collateral, name tags, table and wayfinding signage
Links for webinars and virtual events
General Details:Full-time exempt
Experience: 2-3 years in event planning, communications, project management, or a related field. Previous experience in nonprofit event planning is a plus. Experience with design and creative projects is also preferred.
Education: Associate’s degree or higher preferred or equivalent work experience in a related field.
Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management, with the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies. Experience with cloud-based file-sharing platforms like Dropbox and design tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite. Familiarity with WordPress and Mailchimp is a plus, with the potential to assist with website updates and email marketing efforts over time.
Pay range: $50,000 to 55,000
Start date: April 7, 2025
Work schedule: This role requires at least three days in the office each week, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. In-office days will be set based on team needs and organizational priorities, occasionally including evenings or weekends for special events and initiatives. In return, this position provides plenty of flexibility to support a balanced and manageable workweek.
Hybrid work is available to employees after a minimum of 90 days of onboarding and training and based on supervisor discretion.
Must-Haves
You’re a creative problem solver who stays calm under pressure and finds solutions on the fly. A self-starter with a proactive mindset, you take initiative while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
You’re a natural communicator who connects with diverse audiences, builds meaningful relationships, and confidently represents the organization.
As a planner, you bring events to life, balancing big-picture strategy with attention to detail. You adapt easily, handling last-minute changes with a positive, can-do attitude.
A taskmaster and accountability partner, you create processes that keep stakeholders aligned and projects on track. Competing deadlines energize you, and you ensure progress by holding yourself and others accountable.
You embrace technology, using databases, design software, and event platforms to enhance efficiency. A lifelong learner, you stay current on trends and best practices to keep your work innovative and impactful.
You value diversity, elevating voices, spreading power, and expanding opportunities for all.
Skills
Reliable & Organized – You follow through on commitments, balance priorities, and stay accountable to your team.
Strategic Thinker – You see connections across initiatives, understand organizational systems, and figure out the best path forward.
Independent & Resourceful – In a small but mighty team, you own your responsibilities while knowing when to ask for help.
Team Player – You contribute daily, hold yourself and others accountable, and understand that teamwork drives results.
Detail & Data-Oriented – You enjoy optimizing systems, ensuring accuracy, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency.
Action-Oriented – You love checking things off your to-do list and getting things done.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
If you fit this description
Don’t meet every requirement? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Community Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to still consider applying.
For more information on the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, visit www.cfgfw.org.
At the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, we believe in the power of bold dreams. We envision a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, where residents and visitors are engaged, connected, and energized, and where everyone has access to the tools and resources to reach their highest potential.
We know that by looking beyond limitations and embracing our ambitions, we can create a community where neighbors experience greater well-being and an improved quality of life.
We are committed to moving our community toward a more vibrant future. Here, we Imagine Greater.
What We Do
We focus on three key areas to make an impact:
- Amplify Charitable Giving – We help individuals and organizations make their charitable giving more meaningful and impactful.
- Support Nonprofits – We connect resources to nonprofits through grantmaking and educational opportunities.
- Provide Community Leadership – We address our community's most pressing needs through leadership and collaboration.
Our work is guided by five core values that shape every decision and action we take:
- Connectedness: We foster strong, meaningful relationships with every person and organization we work alongside.
- Equity: We honor the unique needs of individuals and organizations, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
- Impact: We are committed to decisions that create positive, lasting change, fostering growth and propelling our community forward.
- Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest standards, honoring donor intent and acting in alignment with our community’s needs.
- Passion: Our love for our community fuels our enthusiasm and dedication to this work.
The Events and Engagement Specialist is pivotal in fostering meaningful connections within the Community Foundation's network. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of events that engage donors, professional advisors, stakeholders, and the broader community. From intimate gatherings to larger-scale forums, the Events and Engagement Specialist ensures that every event reflects the Foundation’s mission and delivers exceptional experiences.
The ideal candidate will balance creativity, organizational expertise, and attention to detail to enhance event planning and execution. They will oversee all aspects of event logistics, manage budgets, and cultivate relationships with vendors, sponsors, and speakers.
The Events and Engagement Specialist will collaborate with internal teams to align on event goals. They will be proactive problem solvers capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a focus on participant satisfaction, stakeholder input, and organizational impact.
This position is integral to promoting the Community Foundation's vision and its mission through memorable events.
Responsible to: Director of Marketing and Communications
Key Responsibilities:Event Planning and Execution
- Plan and execute 8 annual Community Foundation events
- Oversee event logistics such as venue selection, catering, room layout, technology setup, and registration.
- Manage participant experience, including décor, swag, playlists, and overall ambiance.
- Coordinate online event registration via CSuite, including attendee management, sponsor/guest additions, and payment processing.
- Organize and distribute eventrelated materials, including:
Marketing collateral, name tags, table and wayfinding signage
Links for webinars and virtual events
- Prepare gift bags and thankyou cards for key contributors as appropriate.
- Collect and analyze postevent feedback through tools like SurveyMonkey.
- Build and maintain vendor relationships; negotiate contracts to ensure value and quality.
- Manage and populate a reference document with venue and catering information.
- Organize and count event inventory
- Manage event budgets, ensuring costs align with allocations.
- Process invoices and check requests for sponsors, vendors, and caterers, coordinating with the Accounting Specialist.
- Schedule and conduct kickoff meetings with internal stakeholders, create agendas, document/distribute notes and action items, and schedule followup meetings.
- Collaborate with staff to incorporate their feedback and desires into events.
- Work to secure and coordinate entertainment as needed.
- Provide updates on attendee lists to staff.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive event calendar for hosted CFGFW and Women’s Fund events and all external invitations.
- Work with key internal stakeholders to determine which external invitations we will attend and to designate an event coordinator.
- Work with the designated event coordinator to ensure that the event is added to the primary calendar with all pertinent information and that tables or tickets are purchased.
- Work with your manager to ensure that events are appropriately advertised to attract the maximum number of attendees.
- Work with your manager to develop project timelines for invitations, RSVPs, and followups.
- Assist with the design and development of event assets through inhouse or outside resources.
- Help manage the inventory of printed marketing materials and organize and maintain the digital asset library.
- Provide marketing support through copywriting, proofreading, and reviewing website content for accuracy and consistency.
- Ability to lift and transport event supplies such as signage, canopies, and beverages.
- Availability to work outside traditional business hours, including nights and weekends, to attend and manage events.
- Occasional local and regional travel may be required for events.
General Details:Full-time exempt
Experience: 2-3 years in event planning, communications, project management, or a related field. Previous experience in nonprofit event planning is a plus. Experience with design and creative projects is also preferred.
Education: Associate’s degree or higher preferred or equivalent work experience in a related field.
Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management, with the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies. Experience with cloud-based file-sharing platforms like Dropbox and design tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite. Familiarity with WordPress and Mailchimp is a plus, with the potential to assist with website updates and email marketing efforts over time.
Pay range: $50,000 to 55,000
Start date: April 7, 2025
Work schedule: This role requires at least three days in the office each week, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. In-office days will be set based on team needs and organizational priorities, occasionally including evenings or weekends for special events and initiatives. In return, this position provides plenty of flexibility to support a balanced and manageable workweek.
Hybrid work is available to employees after a minimum of 90 days of onboarding and training and based on supervisor discretion.
Must-Haves
You’re a creative problem solver who stays calm under pressure and finds solutions on the fly. A self-starter with a proactive mindset, you take initiative while thriving in a collaborative team environment.
You’re a natural communicator who connects with diverse audiences, builds meaningful relationships, and confidently represents the organization.
As a planner, you bring events to life, balancing big-picture strategy with attention to detail. You adapt easily, handling last-minute changes with a positive, can-do attitude.
A taskmaster and accountability partner, you create processes that keep stakeholders aligned and projects on track. Competing deadlines energize you, and you ensure progress by holding yourself and others accountable.
You embrace technology, using databases, design software, and event platforms to enhance efficiency. A lifelong learner, you stay current on trends and best practices to keep your work innovative and impactful.
You value diversity, elevating voices, spreading power, and expanding opportunities for all.
Skills
Reliable & Organized – You follow through on commitments, balance priorities, and stay accountable to your team.
Strategic Thinker – You see connections across initiatives, understand organizational systems, and figure out the best path forward.
Independent & Resourceful – In a small but mighty team, you own your responsibilities while knowing when to ask for help.
Team Player – You contribute daily, hold yourself and others accountable, and understand that teamwork drives results.
Detail & Data-Oriented – You enjoy optimizing systems, ensuring accuracy, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency.
Action-Oriented – You love checking things off your to-do list and getting things done.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
If you fit this description
Don’t meet every requirement? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Community Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to still consider applying.
For more information on the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, visit www.cfgfw.org.
Salary : $50,000 - $55,000
