Special Events Manager
3 days ago
Paterson
Job Description Position Summary At Eva’s Village, we believe in the power of community to transform lives. For more than 40 years, we have supported individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges—offering hope, stability, and pathways to lasting recovery. Every program we deliver and every person we serve reflects our commitment to building healthier, more productive futures. This individual leads the planning, production, and execution of the organization’s signature fundraising and stewardship events, as well as its communications strategy, including digital platforms, social media, media relations, and print materials. As Special Events Manager, you will play a vital role in advancing this mission. This hands-on position leads the planning, management, and execution of Eva’s Village’s four signature fundraising events, along with donor cultivation activities and engagement initiatives throughout the year. From concept to completion, you will oversee every aspect of event operations—including logistics, fundraising strategy, volunteer coordination, and post-event evaluation—ensuring each experience is impactful, mission-driven, and memorable. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), you will collaborate closely with senior leadership, staff, Board members, volunteers, and community partners. Leveraging your creativity, organization, and relationship-building skills, you will strengthen donor connections, grow revenue, and elevate the visibility of Eva’s Village. In this role, you serve as a central driver of the organization’s advancement efforts, ensuring that every event and communication reflects our mission and inspires support, helping our community continue to be a place of hope, healing, and opportunity. Key Responsibilities Event Planning & Logistics • Plan and oversee Eva’s four signature fundraising events (Gala, Golf Outing, Casino Night, Chef Tasting), as well as cultivation, stewardship, and other engagement events., • Lead all phases of event planning and execution, including developing timelines, budgets, and logistics plans (run of show, scripts, etc.)., • Manage event budget ensuring accurate tracking of revenue and expenses., • Lead all vendor and venue relations – from sourcing to negotiation to management., • Obtain and manage gambling licenses and event permits for casino nights and raffles., • Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, train, and manage event volunteers., • Manage on-site event operations, including preparing staff and volunteers, serving as the primary point of contact for guests and venues, troubleshooting issues in real time, and keeping the Run of Show on schedule. Fundraising & Donor Cultivation • Create and implement event-based fundraising strategies to meet or exceed the organization’s $1.3 million annual event revenue goal., • Design events to maximize fundraising, donor engagement, and guest experience., • Develop sponsorship packages, donor recognition plans, and giving levels. Identify new event prospects through donor research, wealth screening, referrals, and networking. • Cultivate, solicit, and steward current individual donors and corporate sponsors., • Proactively evaluate event donors for upgrade potential., • Build and maintain strong relationships with Board members, staff, donors, and corporate partners., • Oversee event committee meetings by guiding members in securing sponsors and participants, • Serve as the primary liaison for sponsors, honorees, chefs, vendors, and committee members., • Collaborate with the Advancement team to convert event donors into long-term annual supporters. Marketing & Communications • Create and manage all event materials, including invitations, signage, programs, nametags, scripts, and guest communications., • Develop and execute integrated marketing, branding, and digital campaigns (social media, email, and direct mail) to promote events and drive registration., • Create engaging, mission-aligned content that highlights the event’s purpose and beneficiaries., • Oversee event messaging, RSVP processes, and guest communications to ensure a seamless guest experience., • Lead press outreach, media relations, and post-event publicity to increase awareness and future participation., • Plan and execute targeted individual solicitations in support of event goals., • Collaborate with the Chief Advancement Officer to identify Eva’s Village alumni to be featured at annual signature events., • Oversee alumni spotlight content, including coordinating video production, scheduling and attending shoots, preparing lower-third information, reviewing final footage, and assisting with scriptwriting. Evaluation & Documentation • Prepare event recaps outlining successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement., • Evaluate the ROI of each event and provide fundraising reports with recommendations., • Prepare preliminary and final revenue and expense reconciliations., • Oversee event technology platforms (Give Smart & Raiser’s Edge); create registration sites, track metrics, and ensure data accuracy across systems., • Maintain accurate records of all donor activity, communications, touchpoints, and proposals in Raiser’s Edge., • Continuously improve processes to support efficiency., • Provide robust reporting to various stakeholders throughout the event planning and recap cycle What We Value • Empathy: Designing events that honor the dignity of every client and authentically connect with donors’ passion for change., • Clarity: Communicating event goals, impact, and logistics in ways that are engaging, accessible, and inspiring., • Integrity: Upholding transparency, accountability, and ethical fundraising practices in every interaction., • Collaboration: Working respectfully with staff, volunteers, Board members, and community partners to create meaningful experiences., • Purpose: Believing in the power of shared moments to spark generosity, build community, and drive lasting impact. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, events, or a related field., • 5+ years of experience in special events, fundraising, or nonprofit development, • Ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment., • Experience with donor databases/CRMs (Raiser’s Edge and GiveSmart preferred)., • Experience using Canva and/or Adobe InDesign to create event-related marketing and promotional materials., • Proficiency in Canva and/or Adobe InDesign for event marketing materials., • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. of event supplies and materials., • Evening and weekend availability for events as needed. Organizational Commitment • Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to the highest ethical standards regarding donor, client, and organizational information., • Comply with Eva’s Village policies, safety standards, and client safeguarding protocols., • Demonstrate respect for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or ability. Why Join Eva’s Village? Be part of a mission-driven team making a direct impact on thousands of lives. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative work culture rooted in compassion and dignity. In Eva’s hybrid work environment, the Special Events Manager is expected to be in the office 3-4 days per week and be available for meetings with staff, current and previous Eva’s Village clients, press, and community members. This position requires evening and weekend work, as well as local travel. If you’re passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and have a proven track record in securing institutional partnerships, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in making a lasting impact.
