Nature of Work

The Events Manager (“EM”) is responsible for the development and execution of Arizona Community Foundation’s (“ACF”) events strategy in alignment with the strategic direction of the organization and the extension of ACF’s brand.  The EM is a collaborative position that works with colleagues across ACF to plan and coordinate a variety of special events designed to support our mission, engage our stakeholders and increase public awareness of ACF’s work and impact across the state

Essential Job Functions

• In collaboration with key Impact Team and leadership colleagues, develop and execute annual signature and special events strategy to engage donors, nonprofits, community leaders and potential donors and partners. 
  • Events may include both large-scale and small, including community building events, donor stewardship and cultivation events, nonprofit forums, convenings, and lectures.
• Oversee and ensure appropriate event approval and execution protocols are followed.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage significant strategic partnerships and relationships to develop and manage events and sponsorship opportunities which support the organization’s current and emerging directions.
• Proactively identify and ensure appropriate budget is allocated to cover annual event expenses.  For additional events requested throughout the year, ensure requestor has developed a proposed budget and has worked with the finance team to allocate funds to cover all expenses.
• Manage event expenses to the allocated budget.  Work with finance team and Chief Operating Officer if additional funding will be needed. 
• Conduct site visits to event venues (statewide) to select the most appropriate location for each event and ensure that venues are prepared prior to each event.  For onsite or regional events, coordinate with appropriate ACF staff.
• Interface with external event venue staff, coordinating all audio-visual, food and beverage, entertainment, parking and valet, and other services as needed.
• Act as liaison for vendors, including facilities, catering, printing companies, and others.
• Collaborate with colleagues hosting the event to develop compelling content and presenters curated for the event audience.
• Work with the Marketing & Communications team and other appropriate colleagues to develop event marketing strategies to educate and engage various audiences, drive attendance, and achieve key objectives.
• Event execution:  run-of-show development, ensure scripts and presentations are finalized, ensure appropriate technology is available and working properly, on-site staffing and volunteers, set-up, management, and tear-down.
• Stay abreast of event industry best practices and innovations to ensure ACF events are relevant and appealing to a diverse range of audiences.   
• Manage the follow up post event including:  event debriefs with event staff and colleagues connected to the event, including executive team members; surveying attendees, analyzing feedback and learning from feedback to inform future events and ideas. 
• Collaborate closely with the Director, Employee Engagement & Culture to provide support to internal events, as necessary.  Ensure annual special events calendar takes into consideration signature internal and staff events and CEO travel.
• Communicate with colleagues and be accountable for working relationships across ACF.
• Oversee Event Management System, CVENT, ensuring events and registrations are setup properly.

Required Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in event planning, marketing, or promotions.  Bachelor’s degree in related field desired.  Other certifications, such as Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) a plus welcome.  

• Nonprofit sector experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge and experience in event, marketing and fundraising principles.
• Ability to work successfully with a wide range of diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated superior computer literacy skills including the Microsoft Office Suite, project and working knowledge of project management systems (Wrike or similar), event management systems (CVENT), and administration level knowledge of Zoom.
• Creative skills including writing, basic graphic design, and overall presentation skills.
• Ability to function independently as a self-starter, making sound decisions based on experience, knowledge, and business acumen.
• Experience leading group processes and building consensus among various parties. 
• Excellent organizational, attention to detail, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, objectives, and deadlines.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of event registration platforms and audio-visual technology.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to address unexpected changes or solve issues that arise in the planning or executive of events and stay calm under pressure.

Major Accountabilities

• Effectively represent the Foundation in a positive manner.
• Manage multiple projects and situations in an effective and efficient manner.
• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, at all levels.
• Be an independent, critical, and creative leader.

Other Requirements

This position functions in hybrid office environment and requires some local and/or regional travel as well as occasional evening hours or weekends. 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of the position. Incumbents may be required to perform other job-related tasks other than or in addition to those specifically presented in this description.

Career Opportunities – Arizona Community Foundation (azfoundation.org)