Special Event Manager Jobs

GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through its integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, GLIDE empowers individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and to thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.

General Summary:

Working in close collaboration with other members of the Fund Development department and colleagues in other departments across the agency, GLIDE’s Special Events Manager plans and implements all efforts related to the production and presentation of GLIDE special events, which are created to engage donors and the broader community. This person will work with various internal and external stakeholders in conceiving of and executing unique experiences designed to raise funds, maximize opportunities for donor cultivation and recognition, and build a community dedicated to perpetuating GLIDE's mission. The Special Events Manager will oversee projects from start to completion. The ability to partner successfully with multiple stakeholders in all aspects of event design and production is essential.

The Special Events Manager holds primary responsibility for the input, maintenance and generation of current and accurate data/reports related to events and fund development. This person must be able to periodically work non-traditional hours (nights, holidays and weekends) and will be required to attend all assigned events and provide onsite support. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintain small portfolio of individual and institutional donors, ensuring effective stewardship and, when appropriate, solicitation of gifts related to special events.
• Maintain event-related data in Salesforce. Enter all related Actions.
• Maintain operations manuals for all major special events.
• Attend events and provide onsite coordination. Proactively identify potential trouble spots and work with consultants to implement solutions.
• Manage archive of events-related materials, including summary metrics and communications, collateral.
• With GLIDE’s event planning consultants, coordinate on-site volunteers and event staff. Train volunteers regarding event-related tasks.
• In collaboration with GLIDE Communications department staff and consultants, assist with the design, production and distribution of print and digital event assets and collateral
• Generate invitation and mailing lists from Salesforce and coordinate mail-out process for pre- and post-event related communications.
• Manage event sponsorship confirmations and fulfillment, and track progress of individual and institutional sponsors and in-kind donors.
• Work with the FD Operations Team on events-related gifts and pledges, including entering gift data and sending out acknowledgment letters.
• With GLIDE’s event planning agency/consultants, serve as lead on event details (such as food/beverage solicitation, venue relations and décor) and follow-up activities.
• Lead GLIDE’s Events Steering Committee and maintain an organization-wide events calendar.
• Compile and track agreements and benefits promised to sponsors and ticket purchasers, including acknowledgment in printed materials, confirmation materials and thank-you letters.
• Serve as staff liaison to Legacy Committee, attending meetings and events.
• Handle the contracting process with vendors, e.g., catering. As needed, book event talent.
• Lead efforts to define and develop specific event goals, themes, timelines, production logistics and guest lists.
• Manage hospitality for event talent and VIPs.
• Manage the planning and execution of GLIDE’s events, including the annual Holiday Jam, Legacy Gala and Auction Countdown Party; donor cultivation events; community events, GLIDE holiday events and other one-offs.
• Manage pre-and post-event analysis, assess opportunities, and make and implement regarding event improvements.
• Compile and prepare briefing information for events, e.g., venue directions, etc.
• Maintain events-related budgets and financial details.
• Respond to all event-related inquiries (production, fundraising and communications).

Education and Experience Requirements:

• 5+ years’ experience working on performances and events preferably in a non-profit environment or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• BA degree preferred, but not required.
• High-level administrative and project coordination skills and experience.
• Significant experience interacting with the public is required—in writing, on the phone, and in person. Familiarity with San Francisco’s political, community, arts and culture-based agencies a plus.
• Volunteer supervision experience helpful.
• Database management experience, with a preference for Salesforce experience.

GLIDE is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

GLIDE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. People of color, differently abled people and LGBT persons are strongly encouraged to apply.