Special Events Manager

Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW  

STRIVE is a national leader in workforce development solutions, empowering individuals to discover their best future selves through innovative, evidence-based career training and holistic, lifelong support. STRIVE partners with employers, funders and community organizations to close gaps in workforce needs and help local economies thrive.  Founded in East Harlem, NY, in 1984, STRIVE has grown from its roots to now offer programs in locations across the country. 

For more than 40 years, STRIVE has been a catalyst for economic change and prosperity in underserved communities. Our tuition-free skills and job readiness training, one-on-one support and lifetime personal coaching prepare students for careers in high-growth industries such as healthcare, construction and logistics. With a proven pathway to possible, 80% of STRIVE students graduate, 76% attain employment and 70% retain employment long-term.  

Looking to the future, STRIVE has embarked on an ambitious ten-year growth plan to increase its impact in more locations nationwide, aiming to serve up to 10,000 individuals each year by 2033. 

We meet individuals where they are, providing free programs tailored to adults 18 , including those impacted by the justice system. At STRIVE, there is always a path forward.  

See why STRIVE has been the pathway to possible for more than 40 years in our 3-minute mission video. 

POSITION SUMMARY

SUMMARY

The Special Events Manager is primarily responsible for driving special events revenue of over $1 million annually; the Manager leads the logistics and fundraising for the Fall Gala as well as regional donor engagement and stewardship events. The Manager partners with an event consulting firm to plan and implement our annual gala. The Special Events Manager will lead a committee of donors, board members, and volunteers to promote and fundraise for these various events. Support is also given to the Programs team for major events, including graduation ceremonies, with a special eye on how to ensure donors and guests experience STRIVE’s mission.

In addition to managing the aforementioned events, the Special Events Manager will work with corporate funders and prospects to facilitate engagement opportunities as part of our corporate cultivation and solicitation efforts. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

· Manage all event logistics and vendors for fundraising events, donor cultivation events, live conversation events, and visits from special guests, raising over $1 million from fundraisers. 

· Manage special events budget and create projections for fundraising, with an eye to the moves management of donors.

· Ownership of event committee of board members and volunteers to drive content and fundraising.

· In partnership with the Chief Development Officer and Communications and Marketing team develop the storytelling for events, including the scripted program, graduate speakers, and event materials and videos.

· Collaborates with the STRIVE Programs teams to identify students and alumni to be featured as live event Ambassador Speakers or give testimonials in event video collateral.

· Creates the event flow and all storytelling components of the program.

· Works with the Communications and Marketing team and consultants to develop all marketing materials for events. 

· Lead Vendor Relationships (venue, text to donate, designers, photographers, videographers, etc.).

· Maintain reports, as created by the Development Operations Manager, and oversee metrics with an eye for trends and opportunities. 

· Solicit the support of donors via email/mail/phone for renewal and follow up on committee member outreach.

· Liaise with the Programs teams, as needed, for program special events including graduation and donor involvement in program events. 

· Support STRIVE in other duties as needed.

 STRIVE offers a rich benefits package that includes: 

• Health insurance 
• Dental insurance 
• Life insurance 
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 
• Pre-tax Commuter Benefits Program 
• 401k with employer match 
• 20 days of PTO (pro-rated for part-time employees) 
• Sick leave 
• Up to $500 annual professional development reimbursement  
• Paid holidays (including week of Christmas) 
• Early closing each Friday during th

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree required, and a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience working in a fundraising environment with an understanding of the fields of event planning, special events, or volunteer management. 

· Experience running events, with a preference on fundraising and cultivation events, with multiple vendors.

· Knowledge of event fundraising structure (honorees, committees, sponsorship projections).

· Strong attention to detail and administrative support.

· Experience conducting cultivation and stewardship activities or working with donor committees to cultivate and maintain positive donor relationships.

· Exceptional writer and effective communicator, with ability to tailor approach to different constituency groups.

· Exceptional critical thinking skills and attention to detail.

· Demonstrated adaptability and ability to manage multiple requests and prioritize those requests to meet deadlines through excellent planning and organizational skills.

· Exceptional written and oral communication skills.

· Some experience with CRM and event management systems. Experience with Blackbaud/Raisers Edge/NXT a plus.

· Comfortable with cross-departmental collaboration and strong interpersonal communication skills.

Location: This position will be in-person a minimum of two days per week at STRIVE New York’s office in East Harlem

STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status.

Salary : $70,000 - $95,000