Manager, Events & Special Projects

Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to addressing hunger, access to healthcare, mental health and student supports. Based in Enumclaw, WA, RFWF serves the greater Enumclaw/Buckley Plateau.

The Manager of Events & Special Projects leads the planning and execution of RFWF’s signature fundraising and community engagement events, as well as strategic special projects that advance the Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability.

The cornerstone of this role is Holiday Fantasy, RFWF’s annual gala and auction, which hosts more than 400 guests and generates approximately 40% of RFWF’s annual operating revenue. Reporting to the executive director, the Manager of Events & Special Projects owns the full event lifecycle – from strategy and sponsorship through execution, stewardship and post-event analysis.

Additional areas of focus include execution of smaller community and donor engagement events and supporting special initiatives such as capital campaigns, board engagement and strategic planning efforts.

This is a highly autonomous role requiring strong project management, relationship-building and strategic thinking skills.

• Recruit and lead an event committee comprised of staff, volunteers and contractors under overall direction of Executive Director.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive event plan, including timelines, budgets, vendor coordination and production elements.
• Secure sponsor ships sufficient to cover, at minimum, the full cost of producing the gala.
• Drive ticket sales to achieve a minimum annual attendance of 440 guests.
• With support from event committee and contractors, develop event elements including presentation.
• Oversee the solicitation, procurement and organization of donated items for live and silent auctions.
• Collaborate with committee members and contractors to develop event presentation elements, printed materials and guest experience enhancements.
• Continuously evaluate all aspects of the gala and implement industry best practices to maximize revenue, donor stewardship and attendee experience.
• Lead post-event reconciliation, analysis and reporting, including revenue performance and recommendations for future improvements.

• Lead production of multiple small- to mid-size events that contribute to the Foundation’s long and short term strategies around fundraising, donor/community relations and services as they align to RFWF’s mission.
• Partner with Executive Director to develop annual event strategy and build a supporting calendar of events.
• Manage all aspects of assigned events, including planning, budgeting, marketing/promotion, committee leadership and post-event evaluation.
• Events may include, but are not limited to:
  Volunteer appreciation, Dine Out and Give Back.
• Represent RFWF at resource fairs and various other community events.
• Identify and assess new event opportunities that align with the Foundation’s mission and fundraising goals.

• Support Executive Director and Board of Trustees on projects that align with RFWF’s mission, fundraising objectives and strategic plan through comprehensive project management and cross-functional coordination.
• Examples may include but not be limited to:
  Strategic planning initiatives and events, Board of Trustees retreats, Community- and stakeholder-led initiatives, In-depth grant application packages and/or recognition.

• Lead and organize cross-functional committees related to events and special projects.
• Serve as a community ambassador for RFWF, representing the organization at meetings, events, and public speaking engagements, independently or in support of the Executive Director.
• While this role does not directly supervise staff, it requires strong leadership, collaboration and influence skills to guide volunteers, committees and contractors.
• Assist the Executive Director in developing event and project budgets and maintain day-to-day oversight and monitoring of those budgets.
• Act on behalf of Executive Director as needed.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of…