Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager

Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager

Reports to: Senior Director of Development

Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week)

Position Overview

Founded in 1968, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) is a thriving non-profit organization providing Boston youth with year-round outdoor programs and leadership development opportunities. We are seeking a professional Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager to join YES’s growing fundraising team. This is primarily an in-office position (4 days per week) with one day remote.

This is a new position at YES and will fulfill a critical function and contribute significantly to the organization’s fundraising activities with a focus on events and strengthening relationships with corporate partners. The individual will be a key member of the Development team and help achieve YES’s philanthropic goals as outlined in the organization’s Strategic Plan. We are seeking candidates who have significant experience with event management, enjoy working in a fast-paced, small team environment and connect with the YES mission to make a difference in the lives of Boston young people.

The Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager will provide strategic and creative oversight for a portfolio of events throughout the year and enhance YES’s relationships with a growing roster of corporate funders. This position will be the lead for YES’s signature fundraising event, The Black Diamond Gala. They will also oversee the Annual YES Harbor Cruise, Boston Marathon Charity Team, Rodman Ride Charity Team, MR8K, various donor engagement and prospecting events as well as social events hosted by the YES Young Professionals Committee. This position will work in tandem with the Senior Director of Development, Executive Director, and program staff to develop a Corporate Partnership Program designed to engage, strengthen and increase the corporate donor base. A full-time Development Coordinator will help support this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute an annual event strategy designed to maximize revenue, attract new donors, excite existing donors, and increase visibility for the YES mission.
• Oversee a robust calendar of YES events from inception to completion. Execute all aspects of event production, venue, logistics, programs, communications, guest management, and materials. Manage external vendor relationships, as needed.
• Meet or exceed revenue goals for projected event-derived income. Develop and manage event expense budgets, and leverage in-kind gift opportunities.
• Manage event committees including the Gala Auction Planning Committee and YES Young Professionals Committee.
• Respect existing events and systems while offering respectful feedback on potential improvements and enhancements.
• Oversee with digital platforms used for event execution and fundraising
• Manage the lifecycle of Team YES for the Boston Marathon, Rodman Ride, MR8K and other peer-to-peer athletic fundraising events. This includes runner/rider recruitment participant support related to fundraising, meeting facilitation, and day-of-event presence, if needed.
• Initiate and strengthen relationships with existing and new corporate donors through strategic cultivation and stewardship.
• Conceptualize, establish, and oversee a Corporate Council.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to create an attractive menu of opportunities for corporate partner employees to get involved with YES, both individually and as a group.
• Develop and deliver presentations to corporate groups.
• Train, instruct, and oversee event volunteers and corporate volunteers, as needed.

Qualifications & Competencies

• At least 5-7 years of previous experience in Development, Events, or a related field
• Able to work in a fast-paced, small shop environment
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail
• Masterful at prioritizing tasks/projects as well as time management
• Professional and mature with an ability to work well with different personality types
• Takes initiative and manages time well
• Previous experience with Raisers Edge NXT, OneCause, and event platforms is a plus
• Proficiency Microsoft 365 including Sharepoint, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to keep pace and be flexible with the changing needs within the department and/or organization.
• Bachelor’s degree
• Ability to commute to YES’s Boston office currently located in the South End and understanding that there will be occasional evening and weekend work.

The above job description and qualifications are not meant to be all-inclusive. Additional responsibilities and qualifications may be added at any time by the Senior Director of Development and/or Executive Director.

Deadline to apply is August 15, 2025. Please submit resume with a cover letter to jburch@yeskids.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.