Events and Sponsorship Manager

The Events and Sponsorship Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a portfolio of events that advance The Richmonder’s fundraising, audience engagement, and community impact goals.

In addition to overseeing event revenue, logistics and attendee experiences, this role will lead to corporate sponsorship sales and stewardship efforts, cultivating relationships with local businesses and organizations seeking to connect with The Richmonder’s engaged audience. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, highly organized, and passionate about connecting the Richmond region through the power of local news.

Key information

Salary range: $65,000 to $80,000 annually
Benefits: Employer-paid health insurance, flexible time-off policy
Location: The employee must be based in the Richmond, Virginia area, with a hybrid working schedule

This role will report to The Richmonder’s Development Director.

Sponsorship and Stewardship

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward local businesses and organizations interested in investing in local, nonprofit news through sponsorship opportunities.
• Manage the full sponsorship cycle, including prospecting, proposal development, contract execution, invoicing, and renewal conversations.
• Collaborate with sponsors to understand their goals and recommend appropriate sponsorship packages.
• Ensure accurate fulfillment of sponsorship benefits, including placement, timing, and reporting.
• Track sponsorship inventory and maintain a pipeline of prospective and current sponsors.
• Provide sponsors with performance metrics and post-campaign reports to demonstrate impact and encourage continued investment.
• Support sales of newsletter sponsor ships.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow sponsorship revenue.

Event Planning and Execution

• Plan and manage The Richmonder's current two signature events, in addition to developing a third signature event.
• Develop event timelines, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate venues, catering, audiovisual needs, entertainment, signage, registration, and on-site logistics.
• Oversee event setup, execution, and breakdown while serving as the primary point of contact during events.
• Track attendance and evaluate event outcomes.

Budget and Administration

• Develop and manage event budgets and revenue projections.
• Process contracts, invoices, and event-related expenses.
• Maintain accurate records within donor relationship management systems.
• Prepare reports on event performance, sponsorship activity, and revenue outcomes.

Marketing and Communications

• Market ticket sales to the general public to create well-attended events.
• Coordinate sponsor recognition and event communications across newsletters, social media, and event materials.
• Ensure all messaging aligns with The Richmonder's mission, values, and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in event management, communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Two or more years of experience in event planning, sponsorship sales, fundraising, advertising sales, or community engagement.
• Demonstrated success meeting revenue goals and building community relationships.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience using CRM, donor databases, or relationship management platforms preferred.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.
• Passion for local nonprofit news and community engagement.

Preferred Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a comfort level in sales and relationship building.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work independently.

About The Richmonder

The Richmonder is a nonprofit local news organization dedicated to delivering independent, community-centered journalism that helps residents understand their city, connect with one another, and engage in civic life. We believe that local news provides the information that can elevate our community. Our mission is to inspire a more informed, better-connected community by filling gaps in local news coverage with balanced, nonpartisan reporting.

The Richmonder is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.