Special Events Manager

The Special Events Manager is a full-time year-round position that will report directly to the Director of Individual Giving. This creative and experienced professional is an event “pro” with a “can-do” attitude and an understanding of the importance of special events in cultivating existing donors and sponsors as well as attracting new ones. This role both executes and envisions compelling event experiences.

This position works closely with the fundraising and development team, as well as with program departments and external partners and vendors to design and produce donor events ranging from private guided hikes and small dinners to the annual gala (A Taste of Nature) and the newest fundraising and community engagement event, Climb It For Climate, including both cultivation and stewardship events.

The successful candidate thrives when creating their own systems and using their own project management techniques to meet deadlines and achieve goals. This person is also flexible, navigating multiple stakeholders, long- and short-term priorities, and different kinds of work from administrative to event setup and breakdown.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Special Events

· Manage all events relating to donor stewardship and cultivation from conception through completion. Deliver donor events and sponsor activations that engage participants in our mission, create connections within our donor/sponsor community, and imbue a sense of pride in supporting Walking Mountains

· Manage the planning and execution of our annual gala, A Taste of Nature, working closely with team members, internal departments, consultants, and vendors to meet or exceed timelines and budgets

· Manage the planning and execution of our new annual fundraiser, Climb It For Climate (~400 people), working closely with stakeholders – including Vail Resorts– to meet timelines and budgets.

· Project manage the planning and execution of 15+ development events throughout the year including monthly EdVentures (for donors $1,000+), private events, and cultivation events (e.g. Corporate Happy Hour, Hiking Club Happy Hour, Holiday Open House). Events may be both planned and unplanned and the successful candidate will be adaptable to event opportunities as they arise.

· Manage sponsor activation throughout the event life cycle

Administrative

· Meet or exceed budget expectations for event expenses and revenue generation; maintain budget worksheets and revenue projections

· Develop insightful reporting that supports strategic and tactical planning for the organization

Additional Duties & Responsibilities

·  Participate in regular meetings with development team, leadership team, and all-staff

· Many of our corporate partnerships are directly tied to our events and programs and there is an opportunity for growth in this role to manage corporate philanthropy over time

· Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

· Experienced event planner with attention to detail in all elements of event management

· Ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders, and deadlines simultaneously

· Experienced project manager proficient in communication timelines and expectations with internal and external stakeholders

· Excellent written, oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills are essential

· Strong computer skills and ability to utilize Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Bloomerang (database), Google Suite, Zoom

·Hard working, self-motivated, and creative individual with ability to set SMART goals and make efficient plans for execution

·This role requires input from many stakeholders but the successful candidate will be comfortable drafting event visions, project plans, and budgets independently

· A minimum of three years in event management or related positions is required 

· Ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people

· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

· Note: This role may require the ability to lift up to 50lbs independently and setup/breakdown events in inclement weather or on uneven terrain

Work Environment

· The job is primarily located in the Borgen Precourt Center for Sustainability on the Walking Mountains Science Center’s Tang Campus in Avon with offsite meetings and frequent events

· Evening and weekends are sometimes required

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits are reviewed annually.

· Salary Range $52,000-$65,000 depending on qualifications

· Full Heath, Dental, Vision

·  401K match program

·  Professional development opportunities

·  Discounted ski pass & WMSC program registration fees

·  Early access to WMSC event registration

·  Access to discounted clothing and gear programs

·  15 days of vacation in the first year, 2 days for volunteer opportunities,12 days of sick leave for you or to care for a member of your immediate family, and 12 holidays