Consultant, Marketing and Communications for Gala and Development Events

About Apex for Youth

Apex for Youth empowers underserved Asian and immigrant youth from low-income families in NYC to unlock their potential and a world of possibility. Through programming focusing on health and well-being, education, and community engagement, Apex for Youth creates transformative social connections and celebrates cultural identity to build the confidence and self-efficacy of future generations.

Apex serves approximately 2,500 students annually from Kindergarten through their post-secondary years. We provide children and young adults with opportunities to develop strong relationships with adults who volunteer as consistent and caring mentors and role models.

Project Overview

The Inspiration Awards Gala is Apex’s largest annual fundraising event, bringing together over 800 guests — including corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and community leaders — to celebrate mentorship and the transformative power of youth potential.

Apex seeks a Gala Marketing & Communications Consultant to lead all marketing and communications efforts for the Gala and any cultivation events leading up to it. The consultant will oversee campaign strategy, creative production, and partner coordination — ensuring all materials are timely, cohesive, and aligned with Apex’s brand and mission.

Scope of Work

Campaign Planning & Management

• Develop and manage the Gala and cultivation event marketing timelines, deliverables, and approval processes.
• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact between the Marketing and Development teams.
• Coordinate and manage design and creative partners, collaborating closely with Apex’s design agency on all print and digital materials.
• Manage media, PR, and marketing partnerships related to the Gala and cultivation events (press, agencies, sponsors, influencers, etc.).
• Track deadlines, deliverables, and budgets to ensure efficient, high-quality execution.

Creative Development

• Draft and manage production of all Gala and cultivation event materials, including invitations (digital and print), event collateral, sponsorship decks, and email/web copy.
• Oversee the creation of design assets with the agency to maintain brand alignment.
• Ensure fast turnaround on materials during key campaign phases while maintaining a high standard of quality and accuracy.

Public Relations & Media

• Collaborate with Apex’s PR agency or external partners to secure event coverage and manage media relationships.
• Draft talking points, press releases, and promotional content as needed.
• Support honoree, talent, and partner communications in coordination with Development.

On-Call & On-Site Support

• Provide increased availability during the two weeks leading up to the Gala, with an on-call expectation for last-minute materials and approvals.
• Offer on-site communications support during the Gala (if available).
• Lead post-event wrap-up deliverables, including thank-you messages, sponsor recognition, and media recaps.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in marketing, communications, or event campaign management — ideally within development or fundraising contexts.
• Proven success leading marketing for galas, fundraising events, or large-scale nonprofit activations.
• Strong writing, editing, and project management skills.
• Strong grasp of Mailchimp, Canva, Google Drive and other marketing software material needed.
• Experience managing creative vendors, media partners, and multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with quick turnarounds.
• A “go team” attitude — willing to jump in at a moment’s notice, anticipate needs, and adapt as priorities evolve.
• Highly collaborative and solution-oriented, with a focus on end goals and excellent execution.
• Deep alignment with Apex’s mission and values around community, belonging, and possibility.

Timeline

• Start: Immediately (November 2025)
• End: April 2026 (through post-event reporting)