Manager, Donor 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 Connecticut and New York team, the Manager, Donor Events is responsible for co-planning and executing Audubon donor engagement and fundraising events alongside volunteer engagement committees, the Executive Director, Development, and Communications teams.

The Manager, Donor Events will oversee and execute all aspects of assigned events to ensure that engagem Save ent and financial goals are met, events run smoothly, and partnerships with Audubon colleagues and committees remain productive and effective. They will be primarily responsible for the Keesee Award Luncheon (currently held in New York City) and the Environmental Leadership Awards Benefit (currently held in Greenwich, CT). Both events engage approximately 100-300 attendees and include featured speakers and sit-down meals. The Manager, Donor Events will also support smaller but equally important events at our Audubon Centers.

This role requires travel around Connecticut and NYC/Hudson Valley to meet with board members on major event committees and visit venues and vendors. Limited travel to Audubon Centers in other parts of the two states may be necessary to help support their events.

This position will report to the Senior Manager of Communications and works closely with the Executive Director of Audubon Connecticut and New York, board members, Center Directors, and other internal departments such as the National Audubon Society’s Development team, and Legal.

Location: You may work remotely within Connecticut or New York, or in-person at our Greenwich Audubon Center in Greenwich, CT. Applicants who can easily travel within the NYC/Hudson Valley and southeastern CT areas are preferred.

Compensation:

$65,000 - $75,000/year

• Oversee, organize, and execute new and existing annual events such as Keesee Award Luncheon and Environmental Leadership Awards Benefit; ensuring engagement and revenue goals are met.
• Support the development of a strategic work plan; help set financial goals and budgets, decide logistical needs (including vendors), and determine project timelines.
• Plan, organize, and lead event committee meetings with volunteer engagement committee members. Regularly communicate with committee members about next-steps and action items.
• 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 but not limited to photography, venue and catering, entertainment, audio visual, and travel and lodging.
• Help ideate new opportunities which increase engagement with event committees, honorees, and attendees, and create a more inclusive experience.
• Modify and drive project timelines and hold vendors, staff, and volunteers accountable for completing actions within the agreed-upon budgets and timeframes.
• 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.
• Along with the communications team, co-create event materials including but not limited to custom built event pages, email communications, the creative suite of design material, and mailing event materials. Support PR efforts.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and event committee, develop event scripts and detailed run of shows.
• 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.
• Report back on event success and ideate improvements for the following year.
• Support Center-based fundraising events, as needed.
• Support donor engagement events such as project site visits.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years’ experience in planning and executing fundraising events. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Experience at a nonprofit organization desired, but not required.
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals and project deadlines, managing third-party contracts, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
• 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, as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
• Familiarity with event venues and opportunities in New York City, New York State, and Connecticut.
• Must have strong judgment and decision-making skills and take initiative where appropriate.
• A flexible approach to work, including a willingness to work some evenings and weekends and travel for events when necessary.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook) to implement, develop, and maintain computer-based business operations.
• Experience with reporting from donor/event databases. Experience with Salesforce and EveryAction preferred, but not required.
• Commitment to conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society. Must have a valid driver’s license and/or reliable transportation.

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.