Manager of Special Events
20 days ago
Los Angeles
Job Description POSITION OVERVIEW: Reporting to the Director of Development, the Manager of Special Events leads the revenue generation, planning, execution, evaluation and stewardship of high-impact fundraising events that advance BBBSLA's mission and revenue goals. In collaboration with staff, Board members and volunteer leaders, this role will plan and implement two to three signature events, a rolling online auction, and multiple smaller-scale events per year by building strong working relationships with internal and external partners, volunteers, and vendors. A successful candidate will strive to maximize philanthropic support and elevate the event experience for current and potential donors (individuals, corporations, foundations) by identifying additional fundraising opportunities, cost saving measures, and mission-engagement. In addition, this role works directly with high-level volunteer fundraisers to develop and execute plans to support the organization through event honoree campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising, and sponsorship sales efforts. This is a full-time, benefits eligible, hybrid work position with a mix of virtual and in-office work. The position also requires travel for special events and face-to-face meetings with event honorees, volunteers, donors, corporate leaders, Board members, and vendors. ESSENTIAL JOB ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The activities and responsibilities outlined below represent the core functions required for successful performance in this role. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation • Achieve revenue goals across BBBSLA's portfolio of events, including signature events (Big Night Out Gala, Golf Classic, 5K), third-party events, peer-to-peer campaigns, and online auctions., • Partner with the Director of Development and Development team to set realistic revenue targets, identify growth opportunities, and implement strategies that maximize fundraising and minimize expenses., • Work with fundraising event honorees and peer-to-peer fundraising participants to maximize their impact on the mission of BBBSLA. Motivate and empower volunteer fundraisers to set appropriate impact goals, and partner with volunteer fundraisers to achieve or exceed their goals through strategic fundraising planning and follow-up., • Lead solicitation, development, and stewardship of auction items and packages; oversee donor recognition and cultivation tied to auction activities., • Develop sponsorship pricing, benefits, and activation opportunities for all events., • Work closely with donor relationship managers and Development staff to identify potential event sponsors or increased partnership opportunities via special events, and to ensure donor relations best practices are implemented - including acknowledgement, recognition and maintenance of donor tracking systems., • Introduce and implement new revenue-generating opportunities (e.g., raffles, wine pulls, paddle raises) to diversify income streams., • Own and manage BBBSLA's Charity Buzz program, including idea generation (in partnership with Director of Development), vendor relationship management, outreach coordination, auction package development and descriptions, stewardship of auction donors and board influencers, accurate Salesforce revenue tracking and crediting, and collaboration with Marketing on promotion and visibility., • Lead all aspects of BBBSLA's fundraising events, from concept to execution, including logistics, budget management, production timelines, run-of-show scripting, awards creation, and on-site coordination., • Serve as lead manager for signature events (Big Night Out Gala, Golf Classic), overseeing honoree engagement, program development, venue research, vendor management, event software (ticketing, sponsorships, auctions), guest relations, and real-time fundraising tracking., • Manage the agency's relationship with third-party production and logistics vendors, venues, and contractors to ensure seamless execution, cost savings, and high production value., • Oversee creation of event-related materials, including signage, presentations, invitations, sponsorship decks, and award recognition, working closely with the Marketing team and design vendors., • Coordinate logistics for event communications and donor outreach/cultivation through electronic and printed mailings to send in a timely manner., • Elevate the event experience for current and potential donors (individuals, corporations, foundations) by identifying meaningful mission-engagement opportunities and creating memorable event moments., • In partnership with the Director of Development, support and guide high-level honorees, board members, and peer-to-peer fundraisers by providing tools, education, and personalized plans to maximize their fundraising impact., • Collaborate with donor relationship managers and Development staff to identify and cultivate new sponsors, steward current supporters, and ensure donor engagement best practices., • Coordinate and execute Board and donor participation in events through sponsorships, in-kind donations, auction donations, and event participation., • In partnership with the Director of Development, support Gala and Golf Classic Committees, including recruitment, stewardship, meeting facilitation, and accountability for fundraising outcomes., • Research fundraising and event trends to ensure BBBSLA events remain competitive, engaging, and mission-driven within the Los Angeles philanthropic landscape., • Infuse events with mission-based storytelling and experiential opportunities to deepen donor connections with BBBSLA's impact., • Maintain accurate event records in Salesforce and ensure timely entry of sponsorships, donations, and auction revenue., • Manage websites and on-site technology needs for all events., • Ensure compliance with IRS regulations and nonprofit fundraising guidelines related to sponsorships, goods and services, raffles/gaming, auctions, and other event activities. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: • Bachelor's degree required., • Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, event management, or a related development role; transferable event-planning experience from other industries will be considered when paired with significant nonprofit fundraising experience and/or knowledge., • Proven track record in planning and executing high-impact fundraising events, including revenue achievement, budget oversight, sponsor cultivation, and donor engagement., • Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; confident presenter with the ability to inspire diverse audiences., • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt quickly, and problem-solve with a solutions-focused mindset., • Demonstrated creativity and innovation in event design, fundraising strategies, and donor engagement., • Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain a solution-based mindset., • Skilled in tracking, analyzing, and reporting success metrics to inform strategy and decision-making., • Knowledge of nonprofit best practices, fundraising compliance, and current trends in special events and philanthropy., • Advanced proficiency with MS Office and experience using donor databases/CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred)., • Professional, proactive, and collaborative team player with a positive attitude, high energy, and emotional maturity., • Willingness to travel locally and occasionally nationally for events and meetings; valid driver's license required. Customer/Client Focus - Dedicated to meeting the expectations of staff, volunteers, children, parents, and agency partners; acts with their needs in mind; builds trust and respect; strengthens parent and volunteer engagement; values diversity and demonstrates flexibility and adaptability. Active Listening & Approachability - Practices attentive, patient listening and accurately reflects others' perspectives, even when in disagreement; approachable, warm, and gracious; creates an environment where others feel heard and supported; remains vigilant in recognizing and addressing child safety issues. Interpersonal Savvy - Relates well to individuals at all levels; uses diplomacy and tact to build rapport and diffuse challenging situations; mediates effectively and fosters mutual understanding; demonstrates composure under pressure. Priority Setting - Focuses on what matters most; identifies critical tasks and eliminates distractions; anticipates potential roadblocks and creates clarity and alignment to achieve goals. Commitment to Task - Demonstrates dedication, follow-through, and pride in accomplishments; takes initiative and consistently strives to exceed expectations. Results Orientation - Motivated by outcomes and impact; sets clear objectives and metrics; monitors progress and holds self accountable for achieving and surpassing goals. Organizing & Resource Management - Efficiently coordinates people, time, and resources to achieve objectives; manages multiple activities simultaneously; identifies gaps in information or processes and takes action to resolve them. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The conditions outlined below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. • Work setting: Hybrid office environment with flexibility in scheduling. Evening and weekend work may be required to support organizational needs., • Travel: Independent travel to partner sites, events, and meetings required. BBBSLA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. Employment decisions are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or domestic partnership status, military or veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Americans with Disabilities Act BBBSLA is committed to complying with all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. Applicants and employees who require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job are encouraged to notify the organization. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis, consistent with applicable law. Compensation, Hours and Benefits Benefits include 21 days paid PTO, 14 paid holidays, comprehensive health plans covering 100% of the employee cost of medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as STD, LTD, life insurance and an employee assistance program. Optional pet insurance, critical care, and flexible spending accounts. Eligible for 403(b) retirement plan(s) immediately, with salary matching benefits (up to 4% of salary) after one year of service. Big Brothers Big Sisters is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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