The Development Events Manager is an important part of a three-person events team and works closely in collaboration with the Events Director, Events Assistant, and other Conservancy, Presidio Trust, and Park Service staff and volunteers to implement a program of events and outreach to cultivate and engage supporters. This position is based in San Francisco, CA.
The purposes of these events are to: raise funds for the national parks, celebrate the milestones and accomplishments of the fundraising initiatives, engage new and prospective donors in capital and program initiatives, grow our donor base, show donor appreciation and benefit, show staff and volunteer appreciation.
Types of events produced may include: galas for 400 to 600 people, dinners, receptions, auctions, picnics, camping experiences (including overnight), benchmark celebrations, neighborhood house parties, hikes and outings, park updates, donor and new audience engagement, staff and volunteer appreciation, board and committee meetings, etc. There can be over 30 events a year. The events often take place outdoors - usually in park locations, in tents, in event venues, and homes. Events are often on evenings and weekends.
The person will plan, lead, and produce whole events, as well as work in collaboration on other events. The person will also be responsible for sourcing and obtaining financial support for and marketing certain events. The person will plan events to achieve maximum impact in terms of audience appreciation, public visibility, memorability, and financial support.
Responsibilities:
Planning, administration, and responsibilities for all events:
• Collaborates with, and works under the direction of, the Events Director to plan and implement an annual calendar of special events and giving opportunities that provide superlative experiences, and maximizes potential impact and benefits in areas of donor cultivation, stewardship and recognition, and creates a revenue stream for the Conservancy.
• Ensures events maintain high standards for: customer relations, attention to detail, appropriate tone, efficient schedule, smooth operation, thorough clean up, accuracy and appearance of all events-related correspondence and follow-up. Works directly with the Conservancy’s most generous supporters, leadership volunteers and their guests.
• Leads and plans Conservancy and NPS staff and organization events, and other events as assigned.
• Leads, plans, and implements aspects of large events such as staff recruitment, training and management, check in procedures, and others as assigned.
• Leads, plans, and implements the meetings and work of the Events Committee and Family Campfire Junior Committee. Attends Trails Forever, Family Campfire Committee, and other event planning meetings as assigned.
• Hires and directs vendors and is responsible for their performance, fulfilling their contractual obligations, and leaving no negative impact on the parks.
• Participates in training of and delegation of responsibilities to the Events Assistant.
NightHowl and Trail Mixers:
• Takes leadership in the planning, implementation, and audience development for 2 annual Trail Mixers and annual NightHowl (after party for Trails Forever Dinner) with a goal of growing the audience, staying within budget and getting the events to break even financially or earn excess revenue. Audience focus is on young professionals.
• Leads the staff team to test and evaluate ways to promote acquisition and retention of young adult members, and to grow the NightHowl leadership and membership. Convenes and manages a committee of young professional volunteers to enhance the events and grow attendees.
• Manages statistical reports for volunteer committees and staff to report on progress and success, and to provide information for future planning.
• Leads and directs the Development team, Marketing and Communications Dept., and outside contractors to do the social media and other marketing channel outreach to new audiences and communities to obtain and expand event attendance by young adults at Trail Mixers and NightHowl. Does some social media outreach directly. Duties to include pulling/segmenting lists of people to receive communications, creating content, finalizing design and sending out communications.
• Manages events budgets and reports for Trail Mixers, NightHowl, and auction packages.
• Develops sponsorship proposals and solicits cash and in-kind sponsorships for Trail Mixers, NightHowl, and Trails Forever Dinner.
Auction Package Events (in-park events for 20 to 100 people – up to 15 per year):
• Leads, plans, and implements auction package event fulfillment. These are in-park experiences from sit down dinners, to cocktail parties in special and remote locations. Highest level of quality required for these events. Work directly with the auction purchaser/donor to coordinate and arrange.
• Manages events budgets and reports for auction package events.
• Provide a variety of follow up for Trails Forever Dinner, the PCLC Family Campfire, and other fundraising events.
Events Industry Knowledge, Outreach and Leadership:
• Researches, plans, and employs new activities, food and beverages, entertainment and event details for events to have new and fresh elements that solicit active engagement and attendance. Keeps appraised of vendors and services available in the events industry.
• Keeps abreast of events management, guest reception, and auction technology and software and initiates and oversees implementation, staff training and use.
• Pursues involvement in organizations such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA), SF Travel, and other pertinent professional organizations to strengthen relations with event vendors, stay on top of industry trends and new vendors, to increase knowledge and take an active role in the events profession, and provide support and leadership that reflect well on and engender interest in the Conservancy and Parks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• 4+ years’ experience in delivering successful events for diverse audiences.
• Ability to create event narrative, design, content, and timeline.
• Knowledge of details involved in event planning, production and management of a range of events for diverse and distinguished audiences.
• Demonstrated project management, organizational skills, ability to manage details of multiple and complex projects within deadlines, and for several events at a time.
• Possess in-depth and current knowledge of social media platforms and marketing outreach.
• Takes the initiative to and has experience with developing committees, sponsorships, and event content.
• Ability to work independently as well as to serve as a key member of a team.
• Management skills to inform, motivate and guide key volunteers, staff and vendors.
• Experience in working successfully in partnership settings and with leadership volunteers and Board members.
• Ability to work within a defined budget.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Accurate attention to details.
• Knowledge of Raisers Edge fundraising software or familiarity with databases desirable.
• Ability to review, understand and assess the benefit of new software tools.
• Must have a California driver’s license and good driving record.
• Due to remote locations of some events, having own vehicle is desired.
• Must be available to work on evenings and weekends and occasional overnights.
Physical Requirement and Work Environment:
• Work is performed both in an indoor and outdoor setting, and may be in inclement weather.
• Must be able to lift, carry and position objects weighing at least 50 lbs. (beverage cases, furniture etc).
• Ability to hike for 8 miles, and be on your feet for extended periods of time (8+ hrs).
Reports to: Director of Events and Donor Stewardship
Application Deadline Date: December 13, 2019, 5:00 p.m.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Recruitment, placement and promotions are conducted without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical handicap, veteran status or sexual orientation, or any other classification protected by Federal, State, and local laws & ordinances. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.