Special Events 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 concept through execution, managing everything from budgets, venues and vendors to sponsor ships, auctions, guest experience and on‑site logistics. The Special Events Manager will play a key role in creating memorable experiences that strengthen relationships with our donors, corporate partners, chefs, volunteers and broader community while raising critical funds for pediatric cancer research.

We’re looking for someone who is both strategic and exceptionally detail‑oriented. Someone who can see the big picture, anticipate what needs to happen next and keep all the moving pieces organized — but who is also comfortable rolling up their sleeves, solving problems in real time and making sure every detail is handled.

This is a role for someone who can take ownership and run with it. You should be comfortable managing complex projects independently, communicating confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, making sound decisions and adapting quickly when priorities change. You should also bring new ideas to the table and look for ways to make our events stronger, more engaging and more successful each year.

The Special Events Manager will report to the Chief Revenue Officer and work closely with our Founder and Executive Director, as well as colleagues across the organization, event chairs, committees, vendors and other 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…