Special Event Manager

Full-Time | Remote, U.S. | $80,000–$90,000

Preference given to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut

This role will oversee events from planning through execution, managing budgets, venues, vendors, sponsor ships, auctions, guest experience and on-site logistics. The Special Events Manager will help create memorable experiences that strengthen relationships with donors, corporate partners, chefs and volunteers while raising critical funds for childhood cancer research.

We’re looking for someone who is strategic, detail-oriented and comfortable taking ownership of complex projects. The ideal candidate can see the big picture while managing the details, anticipate challenges, solve problems in real time and confidently work with a wide range of stakeholders. They should also bring fresh ideas and continually look for ways to improve our events.

The Special Events Manager will report to the Chief Revenue Officer and work closely with our Founder and Executive Director, internal teams, event committees, vendors and external partners.

• Develop event concepts, experiences and programming that reflect our mission, strengthen relationships and support fundraising goals.
• Own the annual special events calendar, ensuring timelines, milestones and deliverables are clearly defined and managed.
• Develop, manage and maintain event budgets, monitor expenses and identify opportunities to maximize resources.
• Research, identify, negotiate with and manage venues, vendors, subcontractors and other event partners.
• Oversee event logistics, including floor plans, seating arrangements, guest needs and allergies, lighting, staging, production and audiovisual requirements.
• Develop event agendas, run-of-show documents, program content and other materials needed for successful execution.
• Coordinate invitations, printed materials, RSVP management and guest communications in collaboration with internal team members and external partners.
• Recruit, coordinate and manage event volunteers, committees and other event support.
• Lead on-site event execution, including setup, vendor coordination, program flow, troubleshooting and breakdown.
• Manage virtual event logistics and other event formats as organizational needs evolve.
• Travel as needed to support events and ensure a high-quality experience for attendees, sponsors and partners.
• Develop and execute event fundraising strategies designed to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Manage event fundraising platforms and auction software, including related accounts, processes and vendor relationships.
• Lead in-event fundraising opportunities, including silent auctions, live auctions, reverse auctions and other creative fundraising experiences.
• Coordinate auction item procurement, package development, donor communications and fulfillment.
• Work with event chairs, leadership committees, corporate partners and major donors to expand participation and increase revenue through sponsor ships, ticket sales, auction items and other opportunities.
• Monitor fundraising progress against goals and provide timely updates and reports to organizational leadership and key stakeholders.
• Evaluate event fundraising performance and identify opportunities to improve revenue, participation and the overall guest experience.
• Coordinate with Marketing & Communications to promote events across social media, email, website and other channels.
• Process gifts and support event-related gift administration as needed.
• Oversee donor acknowledgments and post-event stewardship to ensure timely, thoughtful and consistent follow-up.
• Support the development and execution of annual and multi-year stewardship plans for event donors, sponsors and top prospects.
• Build strong…