Special Events Manager (San Diego, CA)

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is currently hiring a full-time, salaried, and benefited Special Events Manager at our Miramar location. Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience If you are a good match, make an application. ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing nutritious food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. For more information about the organization, please visit Our Mission: The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and our North County Food Bank Chapter provide nutritious food to people in need, advocate for the hungry, and educate the public about hunger-related issues. DID YOU KNOW? The San Diego Food Bank feeds approximately 400,000 people every month in partnership with 540 nonprofit community partners. We are the fourth largest independent food bank in the country. We distributed 44 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2021-2022; 31% of that food being fresh produce. We have a 99% rating on Charity Navigator. We are committed to innovation and sustainability to reduce our impact on the environment. We have 1,400 solar panels, we are LEED v4 Gold Certified, we have a 3,600 sq. ft composting and recycling center that houses our recycling and composting machine, and received the 2020 Business Waste Reduction & Recycling award. POSITION PURPOSE This position is responsible for leading the planning and execution of all externally facing special events. They are the point person to ensure that events are effective, planned to have maximum impact, and are executed without issue through the entire process. This includes our premier fundraising events, a Gala and Golf Tournament, raising more than $1.2 million annually. This position requires being very organized, detail oriented, and having strong communication skills. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position. All duties are expected to be performed in accordance with existing company policy and procedure. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Lead the successful planning and execution of all externally facing special events, including the annual Gala, Drive Out Hunger Golf Tournament, Open Houses, volunteer recognition events, donor stewardship events, and third-party events hosted on behalf of or in partnership with the Food Bank. Represent the Food Bank at event committee meetings, corporate and community events. Collaborate with volunteer committees to raise funds for the organization by securing sponsors, table hosts, event guests and auction items. Partner with the Marketing & Communications department to create and implement promotional campaigns and develop on-brand event collateral to drive participation and support. Working with the Director of Corporate Partnerships, identify, cultivate and solicit event sponsors, ensuring robust financial support for fundraising efforts. Oversee vendor selection, negotiation and management to meet event requirements, ensuring favorable terms and outcomes that align with organizational goals. Manage and oversee event volunteers including recruitment, training, and scheduling plans, including creating role descriptions, training materials, and facilitating training sessions for volunteers and staff leads. Provide exceptional customer service to event participants, donors, sponsors, and stakeholders by addressing inquiries promptly, resolving issues effectively, and fostering positive relationships to enhance engagement and support for organizational goals. Ensure events achieve revenue goals while maintaining expenses within budget. Accurately track and manage all financial aspects of events including maintaining detailed records. Conduct thorough post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement lessons learned for future events. Effectively utilize peer-to-peer and event management platforms including Greater Giving, Blackbaud RENXT, and Fundraise Up to streamline planning and enhance fundraising efforts. Manage and oversee event budgets, ensuring accuracy and alignment with financial goals. Supervise and support the Virtual Fundraising & Events Associate, providing guidance and professional development opportunities. Other duties as assigned. IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate is a dynamic and highly organized professional with a passion for advancing the mission of the organization. They excel at managing all aspects of event planning and execution, including logistics, vendor coordination, and budget management, ensuring seamless and impactful experiences. Equally important, this individual thrives on building relationships and fundraising, leveraging events as opportunities to inspire donor support and deepen engagement with the mission. They are creative, results-driven, and adept at storytelling, connecting the organization's purpose with the hearts of attendees. Strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to excellence are essential. EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in hospitality or event management, communication, marketing or related field. 4+ years of major event planning experience in the non-profit sector. Experience in developing and executing fundraising strategies, specifically in peer-to-peer and virtual fundraising initiatives preferred. Proficiency in utilizing digital platforms and fundraising software for campaign management, donor engagement and volunteer management. Experience managing volunteers a plus, including creating schedules, setting clear expectations, and providing leadership on the day of events to ensure smooth operations, effective coordination, and the timely resolution of any issues. Adept at working with cross-functional teams and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Experience soliciting in-kind and monetary donations desired. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES Knowledge of: Office administrative and management practices and procedures Excellent written and verbal communication skills including correct English syntax, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Intermediate proficiency in word processing, computer equipment, donor software, and data processing principles, including Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel and Outlook), Blackbaud, and Adobe Acrobat. Working knowledge of Canva is a plus. Experience with project and event management software, with knowledge of Click Up, Fundraise Up, and Greater Giving preferred. Special events include silent & live auctions, dinners, private and large scale-events. Experience with donor stewardship nonprofit special events such as galas, golf tournaments, and donor appreciation events. Intermediate proficiency in computer and hard file record keeping and filing procedures. Ability to: Exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines without close supervision. Develop original communication pieces for internal and external audiences. Work productively in a fast-paced and challenging environment. Anticipate project needs and prioritize tasks with the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously. Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with all levels of the organization including members of the Board of Directors. Professionally interact with sponsors, service providers, and volunteers. Supervise staff and volunteers. Communicate and interact effectively with a variety of audiences. Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure. Exercise sound judgement in making critical decisions. LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid CA driver's license Must have own vehicle and will be reimbursed for mileage. COMPENSATION This is a full-time, Exempt /benefited position. A market level competitive salary is between $72,000 - $84,000, based on experience. The compensation package includes a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including: 403(b) plan with 200% employer matching; excellent health care coverage with free employee medical, dental and vision plans; company paid term life insurance; and a generous accrual of paid vacation and sick leave. WORK SCHEDULE Typical schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm. This position occasionally requires overtime and weekend shifts. This position is expected to attend each event. This position requires travel throughout San Diego County for external events. HOW TO APPLY Interested and qualified candidates should apply on our career website located at Submissions missing a resume will not be considered for the position. Background check and drug test are required for the position before employment starts. This is a management position This is a regular full-time position #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-01-03