Manager, Fundraising Events

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

As a member of the Audubon’s Development team, the Manager, Fundraising Events is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Audubon fundraising events that contribute to the philanthropy goals of Audubon.

The Manager, Fundraising Events will oversee and execute all aspects of assigned events to ensure fundraising goals are met, events run smoothly, partnerships with Audubon colleagues and volunteers remain productive and effective, and a subset of each event’s participants are identified for donor cultivation and stewardship by other Development team members. Specifically, the Manager, Fundraising Events is responsible for the Keesee Award Luncheon, Women in Conservation (WIC) Luncheon, Texas Women in Conservation (TWIC), and the Environmental Leadership Awards Benefit, and plan smaller events as necessary, including any events for members of the Rachel Carson Awards Council.

This position reports to the Director, Events and Engagement Programs and works with other internal departments such as Development Communications, Development Services, Campaigns Team, and Legal.

• As part of Audubon’s Development team, lead, plan, organize, coordinate, and execute all aspects of the Keesee Award Luncheon, Women in Conservation Luncheon, Texas Women in Conservation, and the Environmental Leadership Awards Benefit, to generate revenue, cultivate and steward donors and prospects.
• Develop a strategic work plan, including setting fundraising goals and budgets, deciding logistical needs (including vendors), and determining project timelines, in consultation with the Executive Director for Audubon New York and Connecticut and the Director of Events and Engagement Programs to ensure revenue goals are met.
• Act as the main point of contact for both internal and external partners/vendors, developing requests for proposals, negotiating contracts, and managing all vendor relationships, including photography, venue and catering, entertainment, audio visual, and travel and lodging.
• Plan, organize, and lead event committee meetings with volunteer event leadership members.
• Modify and drive project timelines and hold vendors, staff, and volunteers accountable for completing actions within the agreed-upon budgets.
• Ensure expense budgets are on track and not exceeded.
• Oversee the process for effective invitation list and mailings management, coordinating with Development Services as needed.
• Ensure the Audubon website and relevant social media are updated in a timely fashion with current event and honoree information, event registration, and underwriting opportunities.
• Act as on-site manager during each event, including overseeing Run-of-Show, staff, vendors, and volunteers to ensure satisfaction of attendees and the resolution of any problems.
• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to, supporting the Audubon Gala, in coordination with the Audubon events team.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years’ experience in planning and executing fundraising events (or equivalent combination). Experience supporting fundraising needs at a nonprofit organization desired, but not required.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook) to implement, develop, and maintain computer-based business operations. Cvent certification preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain event websites. Cvent certification preferred.
• Experience with reporting from donor/event databases. Experience with Salesforce and EveryAction preferred, but not required.
• Stellar project management skills required, including the ability to take a project from concept to completion in a pre-determined period with a fixed budget.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and a keen attention to detail a must.
• A self-starter who can work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize workload, and ensure all deadlines are met.
• Ability to create and maintain relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including board members, event committee members, and other VIPs; vendors; and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Familiarity with event venues and opportunities in New York City, New York State, and Connecticut.
• A team player who works collaboratively with others, has strong judgment and decision-making skills, and takes initiative where appropriate.
• A flexible approach to work, including a willingness to work some evenings and weekends and travel for events when necessary.
• Commitment to conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.

This position is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.