Director of Events and Special Projects

About GLIDE:

GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through its integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, GLIDE empowers individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and to thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization. 

GLIDE hosts an annual array of special events, all of which have potential to attract and engage advocates, ambassadors, and donors. GLIDE’s Director of Events and Special Projects oversees GLIDE’s special events portfolio across the organization, to include events and special projects in the Fund Development area (most notably Holiday Jam, Power of One, Summer Gala); as well broad community events (Center for Social Justice, Sunday Streets, political leaders) and events at Glide Memorial Church.  

Under the direction of the Chief Advancement Officer, this role works cross-functionally across all GLIDE departments to ensure that events are strategic, goal-oriented, well-organized, cost effective, and in service to GLIDE’s mission.  

The individual who will thrive in this position is a creative, collaborative and conscientious events professional who can work cross-functionally across GLIDE to direct and ensure the highest quality execution. This person is expected to develop a strong understanding of GLIDE, its mission and values, actively participate in the ethos and culture of GLIDE, and maintain collaborative working relationships across the organization.   

This individual must be able to work non-traditional hours (nights, holidays, and weekends) and attend all assigned events, providing onsite support as necessary. Regular and predictable attendance is required. 

• Provide leadership, strategy, and vision for GLIDE’s largest and most public-facing events and mission-critical special projects.
• Work across the organization and with diverse staff, Board, and volunteer constituents to design events that are strategic, goal-oriented, and executed at the highest level of quality.
• Lead the org-wide Events Steering Committee monthly meetings to enable and enforce inter-organizational communication and collaboration.
• Oversee and lead the Special Events Team in planning and executing GLIDE’s largest signature performances and events.
• Provide oversight and guidance for event strategy and production, vendor and committee relationships, and fundraising/sponsorship.
• Act as the primary liaison for GLIDE service departments, such as safety and meals programs, to balance needs and coordinate support for GLIDE events.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, ranging from high-level event planners to venues, caterers, rentals, and other services related to event execution.
• Strategically consolidate these relationships to help GLIDE obtain economies of scale and contributions when possible.
• Provide oversight and guidance for the Young Professionals Committee and facilitate their efforts to advance GLIDE’s work.
• Develop and mentor the Special Events team, managing the team to a high standard of individual and collective performance.

• BA degree with 5–7 years experience in special events management, or an equivalent combination.
• Outstanding relationship-management and stewardship skills, with meticulous attention to detail, follow-through, and excellent writing and presentation abilities.
• Supervisory, volunteer, and relationship-management experience with meticulous follow-through.
• Experience in developing and successfully executing large performances and events.
• Strong project-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines with minimal direct supervision.
• Proven ability to partner successfully with multiple stakeholders in all aspects of event design and production.
• Ability to collaborate internally to develop and implement practices that will significantly grow revenue.
• Exceptionally strong interpersonal, networking, and strategic-thinking skills across diverse constituencies.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a demanding, fast-paced work environment.

At GLIDE, we ensure competitive and fair compensation by utilizing data from seven comprehensive pay surveys, including Gallagher, and analyzing over 450 nonprofits in our sector. Our pay structure considers location, organization type, and market trends to attract and retain top talent.

GLIDE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. People of color, differently abled people and LGBT persons are strongly encouraged to apply. 

GLIDE participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees. E-Verify is a web-based system that helps employers verify work authorization in the United States. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Work Environment: 

GLIDE’s buildings are in the Tenderloin neighborhood.  GLIDE maintains an "open door" policy for the community and its clients, who frequently enter and leave the building. 

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000