Events Manager

Terner Labs is seeking a skilled and highly organized Events Manager for a term-limited engagement to plan and execute a robust calendar of events spanning large public convenings, intimate donor dinners, program retreats for entrepreneurs, international learning trips, and internal staff events.

This is a cross-cutting role that touches nearly every part of the organization. The ideal candidate is an experienced event professional who can manage complex logistics independently, represent the organization with professionalism in donor and partner-facing settings, and bring calm and rigor to a high-volume event calendar. Given the scope and pace of this role, we are looking for someone who is genuinely autonomous, able to drive projects forward with limited oversight.

This position is intentionally designed as a fixed-term engagement, with a possibility of renewal based on continued funding and programmatic need. It offers a defined scope, a clear timeline, and the opportunity to build something from the ground up.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning & Execution

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution for all organizational events, including managing venue sourcing, vendors, invitation lists, catering, A/V, and travel logistics
• Develop and manage detailed project timelines, and run-of-show documents for each event
• ​​On-site, day-of coordination to ensure seamless execution, strict adherence to the event timeline, speaker preparation and staging, materials distribution, and final vendor check-ins
• Build and manage event budgets that maximize program impact without compromising on quality
• Lead internal meetings and processes in preparation for each event
• Serve as primary point of contact for venues, vendors, and external partners

Stakeholder & Guest Management

• Manage speaker engagement end-to-end, including outreach, communications, preparation calls, and appreciation gifts
• Manage invitations, RSVPs, registration, and communications for event attendees
• Coordinate with program staff to ensure participant needs are met, including accessibility, dietary restrictions, and travel arrangements
• Support relationship management with donors, partners, and guests in coordination with senior staff

Remote Events & Multi-Day Logistics

• Coordinate complex multi-day and international travel for staff and program participants, including group flights, hotels, ground transportation, and itinerary planning
• Navigate logistics for events in non-local venues

Internal Staff Events

• Plan and execute internal staff events that foster team connection and culture, including offsite retreats and appreciation events

Budget & Vendor Management

• Track event budgets and work with Finance Manager who processes payments and invoices
• Research and negotiate with vendors to ensure quality and value

Post-Event Evaluation

• Gather feedback and compile post-event summaries
• Maintain organized records of event materials, contacts, and contracts

ANTICIPATED EVENT CALENDAR

• Large public convenings (2–3 per year, 100–200 attendees): evening receptions featuring speakers, panels, and networking, held primarily in the SF Bay Area with at least one out-of-state event
• Invite-only program events (2–3 per year, 20–50 participants): multi-day retreats, industry convenings, and international learning trips requiring complex group travel logistics
• Donor and cultivation events (ongoing): intimate dinners and receptions for 10–20 guests in coordination with senior leadership and Development Manager
• Internal staff events (2–3 per year): full-day onsite and overnight offsite retreats and appreciation events

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5–8+ years of event planning experience, including large public events (75+ attendees)
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder events from concept to execution
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable in donor and executive-facing settings
• Able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and meet deadlines under pressure
• High degree of autonomy and self-direction

Preferred

• Experience working in a nonprofit, research, or mission-driven organization
• Familiarity with the housing, real estate, or urban policy sector
• Experience supporting donor cultivation or fundraising events
• Proficiency with event management and project management tools (e.g., Eventbrite, Monday)
• Experience coordinating group travel, including international logistics

COMPENSATION

• $90,000–$105,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, and disability, FSA and dependent care accounts, as well as 18 vacation days, one sick day a month, 14 paid holidays, paid parental leave, an annual professional development stipend, and the opportunity to participate in a generous retirement savings plan matching program.
• This position will be located in Oakland, CA, with opportunities for a limited hybrid work schedule (up to 40% remote).
• This position involves travel (up to 10%).