Special Events & Stewardship Manager

Job Type: Full-time

Description:

Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego’s Recovery Community.

McAlister Institute is expanding its Development team during a pivotal moment—an active capital campaign and a renewed focus on strengthening annual philanthropic support. We are seeking a skilled and mission-driven Special Events & Stewardship Manager to lead high-impact events and donor engagement efforts that elevate McAlister’s visibility, deepen community partnerships, and grow our philanthropic revenue.

This role also intersects with McAlister’s contributed and earned income efforts—including the Bingo Hall and Thrift Store—creating rich opportunities for storytelling and engagement. Exposure to these participatory programs, their participants, and donor-facing events helps expand visibility and supports both philanthropic growth and fee-for-service business development.

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

The Special Events & Stewardship Management is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating McAlister Institute’s fundraising events and donor stewardship activities. This role leads our signature events—including the Miracles of Recovery Luncheon and Walk for Sobriety—as well as events tied to the capital campaign and annual operations. The Manager also supports donor engagement, recognition, and communications strategies that strengthen relationships across McAlister’s philanthropic community.

• Plan, coordinate, and execute mission-aligned fundraising events, conferences, trainings, receptions, and community engagements.
• Identify, solicit, retain and steward event sponsors, underwriters and partners.
• Design and produce high-quality events that reflect McAlister’s mission and meet fundraising goals.
• Manage event logistics, timelines, budgets, vendor relationships, and post-event evaluation.
• Collaborate with internal teams, board members, volunteers, and community partners to deliver effective and engaging events.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders, including donors, sponsors, elected officials, and organizational leadership.
• Utilize event planning software, project management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite to organize and track event progress.
• Maintain high standards of productivity despite interruptions; manage multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Oversee safety protocols, crowd management considerations, and emergency procedures for events of varying sizes.
• Exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Train and guide volunteers, ensuring successful event support and donor hospitality.

• Develop and implement comprehensive stewardship strategies that strengthen donor relationships across all giving levels.
• Produce personalized touches, impact reports, recognition opportunities, and engagement activities for donors, sponsors, foundations, and partners.
• Coordinate donor acknowledgments, recognition programs and communications across email, mail, phone, and visits.
• Support leadership with tailored cultivation, stewardship plans and specialized reporting for major donors.
• Plan donor-focused events, tours, and meetings that advance engagement and giving.
• Ensure compliance with development policies, including gift acceptance and recognition guidelines.
• Work with internal partners to monitor the use of restricted funds and ensure accurate donor reporting.
• Track all stewardship activity in CRM databases and respond promptly to donor inquiries.
• Manage an annual stewardship and events budget.

• Serve as a partner to the Development and Communications Department and agency leadership on the organization’s overall development plan.
• Stay current on trends, tools, and best practices in fundraising to optimize effectiveness and innovation.
• Serve as a team member to…