Fundraising Events Manager

DREAM seeks a Special Events Manager (posted as the Fundraising Events Manager) to join its Advancement team. Reporting to the Director of Special Events, this role is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of DREAM's fundraising and donor engagement events while serving as the operational project manager for the Advancement department.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Director of Special Events to execute DREAM's annual portfolio of fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and donor engagement events; Develop and manage detailed event project plans, timelines, and operational checklists to ensure successful event execution; Oversee event logistics, including venue coordination, vendor management, production schedules, staffing plans, décor, guest experience, and day-of operations; Partner with the Communications team to coordinate event branding, invitations, collateral, programs, signage, and promotional materials; Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment, volunteer engagement, and cross-functional planning with internal stakeholders; Manage relationships with vendors, consultants, and external partners supporting Advancement events; Support the Director of Special Events during fundraising events by overseeing day-of operational execution and resolving operational issues; Conduct post-event evaluations and recommend operational improvements; Support planning and execution of volunteer, cultivation, and stewardship experiences; Coordinate event logistics and operational support for donor engagement activities; Support stewardship fulfillment, donor recognition, and in-kind donor engagement; Partner with the Database Manager to support accurate event revenue tracking, reconciliation, and timely recording of event data; Monitor event-related KPIs and leverage dashboards and reporting; Support gift acknowledgment, stewardship, and post-event data management; Coordinate cross-functional projects and operational workstreams; Support planning and execution of departmental operational priorities; Identify opportunities to improve Advancement operations through effective project management, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration; Additional duties as assigned

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Three or more years of experience in fundraising events, nonprofit operations, advancement operations, project management, or a related field; Demonstrated experience planning and executing fundraising events or complex organizational projects; Excellent project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills; Experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities; Experience managing vendors, budgets, timelines, and event logistics; Strong relationship-building skills; Experience supporting fundraising operations and donor engagement activities; Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement; A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM

Nice to have

Familiarity with Salesforce or a comparable CRM preferred

Benefits

Flexible Medical Health Plans; Dental and vision plans; Disability benefits; Life insurance; Up to 12 weeks fully paid Parental Leave; Flexible spending account options; Pre-tax commuter benefits; Fitness and entertainment discounts; Employee assistance program; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; Referral, performance, and tenure milestone bonuses; Discounted school meals through Scratch Food Program; Tuition reimbursement support; Professional development fund; Approximately 48 days off for school-based 12-month employees