Event Manager for Charity Benefit

Reach the World, a global education nonprofit based in New York City, is seeking an experienced Event Manager (independent contractor) to lead production of our annual Benefit at The Players in June 2026. This is a two-month contract position with no benefits, designed for a highly organized professional who can independently manage a complex nonprofit event.

The Event Manager will work closely with the Executive Director to manage all operational aspects of the Benefit fundraising campaign, including the silent auction, vendors, volunteers, event communications, and event-night execution.

Responsibilities

• Conduct proactive donor outreach, including cold outreach, to secure a full catalog of >50 and ideally >75 high-value items for the Silent Auction
• Coordinate confidently with vendors of all types to ensure a smooth and professional run-of-show
• Collaborate with a small internal team to develop the event theme, design, and décor – and execute the vision with polish
• Maintain pristine donor and event records using Salesforce, Google Sheets, and Dropbox
• Use Asana to manage all aspects of project planning and execution
• Ensure clean, on-brand copy and imagery across all event materials and communications, including weekly list emails and reports to internal stakeholders
• Recruit and lead a Benefit Committee to assist with auction sourcing, outreach, and event execution
• Serve as the primary point of contact during the live event
• Support responsive, relationship-centered communications with donors, vendors, and guests before, during, and after the event

Key Requirements

• Flawless, fearless communicator able to confidently interact with donors, volunteers, vendors, and board members
• Exceptionally organized with strong project-management discipline and meticulous data management
• Proven experience supporting or managing at least three comparable fundraising events or galas
• Already proficient in Salesforce and Asana
• Ideally experienced with Givergy, Pardot and Give Lively
• Comfortable conducting outreach, coordinating many stakeholders, and maintaining clean, actionable data

Contract Details

• Independent contractor role (no benefits)
• Start date April 6, 2026
• End date June 10, 2026
• Candidates should be based in New York City. Applicants who are not based in New York may still apply but must be present in New York City from approximately June 1–10 to support final event preparation and the live event. Contractors are responsible for their own travel and lodging; no travel expenses will be reimbursed.

No benefits are offered; this is an independent contractor contract and will be paid on a 1099 basis.