Signature Event Manager

Job Title: Signature Event Manager

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Philanthropy

Classification: Regular Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: $55,352

Full time role benefits include:

• A generous paid time off program (10 paid holidays per year plus 2 Floating Holidays).
• We cover 100% of the costs of medical and dental benefits for employees and their dependents.
• A SIMPLE IRA with up to a 3% match.
• An Employee Assistance Program.
• Annual volunteer hours.

Primary Purpose: The Signature Event Manager is responsible for the comprehensive planning, execution, and evaluation of RMHC’s Portland-based signature events, including the Golf Classic, Hope-Raiser Gala, and Tequila Party. Additionally, this role supports regional signature events as needed. This role ensures each event aligns with RMHC’s mission, meets or exceeds revenue goals, and provides exceptional experiences for attendees, sponsors, and volunteers. The manager will develop strategic plans and budgets for each event, maintain fiscal responsibility, and collaborate closely with the Director of Philanthropy to deliver high-caliber experiences, particularly for major giving society events. Additionally, the Signature Event Manager supports organizational leadership in planning and executing board meetings, staff retreats, and employee appreciation activities, contributing to a positive and engaging organizational culture.

Primary Responsibilities:

Event Planning and Execution

• Develop and implement comprehensive work plans, budgets, and timelines for each signature event.
• Secure corporate sponsorships, ensuring fulfilment of sponsor benefits and maintaining strong sponsor relationships.
• Oversee all event logistics, including venue selection, vendor management, and on-site coordination, to ensure seamless execution.
• Coordinate procurement and management of auction and raffle items, including DOJ management, enhancing event revenue potential.
• Collaborate with the Communications Project Manager to develop and execute effective event marketing and communication plans.

Budgeting and Financial Management

• Develop strategic budgets for each event, setting realistic revenue targets and intentional expense allocations.
• Maintain accountability for achieving revenue goals and adhering to expense budgets, demonstrating fiscal responsibility.
• Monitor financial performance throughout the event planning process, adjusting as necessary to meet financial objectives.

Major Giving Society Events

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Philanthropy to plan and execute high-caliber events for major giving societies, ensuring exceptional donor experiences.
• Ensure these events are meticulously planned and executed to foster donor engagement and satisfaction.

Volunteer Coordination

• Work with the Volunteer Manager to recruit, train, and supervise event volunteers, ensuring effective support for event operations.

Organizational Support

• Provide logistical and planning support for board meetings, staff retreats, and employee appreciation events, contributing to a cohesive organizational environment.

Innovation and Best Practices

• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in event planning and fundraising, incorporating innovative approaches to enhance event success.
• Develop and implement systems to optimize event production and guest experience.

Collaboration

• Foster productive collaboration with the philanthropy and community engagement teams to ensure cohesive and effective event strategies.

Skills Required:

• Proven experience in event planning and management, particularly within the nonprofit sector.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and expense management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with sponsors, donors, volunteers, and team members.
• Creative problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with event management and donor relations software (e.g., The Raiser’s Edge).
• Familiarity with event management software tools like Greater Giving is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with Canva and ability to create design assets for events as necessary.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in event planning and management, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising event execution, sponsorship asks and achieving revenue goals.
• Experience in managing volunteers and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based with frequent off-site event locations.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as event schedules require.
• Ability to lift and carry event materials up to 40 pounds.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.