The Events Manager, reports to the Director of Grantee Support, is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a variety of events that engage and support the organization’s philanthropic goals.
This role will focus on building meaningful relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, creating networking and learning opportunities, and organizing events that enhance the impact and success of WSFs funded programs.
The ideal candidate is meticulous and organized, skilled in event management, and passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations and social impact initiatives.
Above all, they will bring a strong sense of our organization’s needs and how events fit into our broader communications strategy.
They will be able to coordinate multiple moving parts under pressure and ensure that any last-minute changes or obstacles are handled with grace and minimal disruption.
YOUR MISSION
Event Planning and Execution :
- Plan and manage all aspects of both internal and external Waverley events, including convenings, grantee appreciation events, community engagement activities, and virtual events.
- Work closely with external vendors to coordinate logistics such as venue selection, catering, entertainment, audio / visual needs, and event timelines to ensure smooth execution.
- Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial oversight.
- Help manage in office events, such as catered lunches and birthday / anniversary celebrations
Grantee Engagement and Stewardship :
- Collaborate with the programs team to create targeted grantee engagement strategipartners to enhance event success.
- Develop personalized experiences for major grantees and partners at events to ensure positive engagement and stewardship.
- Work with the communications team to promote and drive grantee participation
Volunteer Coordination :
- Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to assist with event setup, execution, and follow-up activities.
- Ensure volunteers are properly briefed on event details and their roles to create a seamless guest experience.
Post-Event Reporting and Analysis :
- Conduct post-event evaluations to assess the success of the event, gather feedback for each event.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with grantees, sponsors, and community members, and identify areas for improvement.
- Prepare reports on event outcomes, including financial results, grantee engagement, and impact analysis for internal stakeholders and board members.
Compliance and Risk Management :
- Ensure all events comply with relevant legal, safety, and organizational regulations.
- Manage event-related contracts, permits, insurance, and address any potential risks proactively.
EXPERIENCE YOU BRING
- Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field.
- 5-10+ years of experience in event planning and management, preferably with the nonprofit or philanthropy sector.
- Proven track record of organizing successful events and managing grantee relations.
- Strong budget management and financial planning skills.
- Exceptional project management and organizational abilities with a keen attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of grantees, vendors, and stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in event management software, databases, and other relevant tools.
- Experience working in the philanthropy or nonprofit sector, preferred