Senior Manager of Special Events

Title: Senior Manager of Special Events

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Revenue Officer until the Director of Stewardship is hired

Location: Remote or based in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco

About the Organization

Over the last two decades, Upwardly Global has supported thousands of immigrant and refugee

professionals in transitioning from poverty or exclusion to quality, thriving-wage careers through

its customized coaching program and comprehensive approach to integrating skilled immigrants

into the US job market. Upwardly Global is a data-driven, innovative organization with a bold

vision and a fearless spirit operating out of four major US markets and providing remote

services to several parts of the country. It is unwavering in its commitment to a diverse and

inclusive culture where every voice matters.

Position Overview

Upwardly Global seeks an innovative, entrepreneurial, experienced, and dedicated Senior

Manager of Special Events to lead the planning, implementation, and execution of all external

(donor facing) organizational events. We see special events as an important component of an

effective development program that serve to inspire and educate an organization’s key

constituencies while providing critical unrestricted funds. The Senior Manager of Special

Events will formulate and implement strategies to raise the profile of Upwardly Global; convey

the organization’s priorities, values, and brand; attract new supporters/partners; and provide

opportunities for meaningful cultivation, engagement, and stewardship of new and existing

donors. The Senior Manager works collaboratively with organizational leadership, including

members of the ELT, Development leadership, and community stakeholders.

This person will strategically design, lead, and own the successful execution of extraordinary,

memorable experiences from immersive, world-class fundraisers to intimate dinners, bringing

our mission to life with creativity and purpose to deliver lasting impact and mobilize

philanthropists, donors, influencers, and partners to support organizational growth.

The successful candidate will have proven leadership and project management skills, a keen

eye for detail, the ability to oversee external event vendors, and experience with managing

client/donor relationships. The Senior Manager of Events will report to the Director of

Stewardship and work in close collaboration with Development, Finance, and Communications

teams.

Key Responsibilities:

a) Event Program Strategy & Management

• Design in partnership with the Director of Stewardship & CRO a compelling and targeted annual events plan and calendar that advances UpGlo’s fundraising, growth, and impact goals.
• Effectively and passionately articulate and implement event goals, from vision to execution.
• Lead creative event concept development.
• Oversee and approve event invite lists and invitations in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Co-manage key stakeholders (i.e., external vendors, event staff, and volunteers) participation, ensuring exceptional standards across all events.
• Manage the execution of the event on-site, troubleshooting issues and ensuring a seamless experience for attendees and participating staff partners

b) Event Fundraising and Communications

• Advise on all communications and marketing of events, in collaboration with the Development and Communications teams.
• Support efforts to secure corporate sponsorship in partnership with the Institutional Giving Team for events with existing corporate partners and initiate prospecting for new corporate partners for sponsorship.
• Coordinate event fundraising with the Development Team, including host sponsorships, table and ticket purchases, auctions, event donations, and other event-driven fundraising.

c) Administration & Operations

• Plan, prepare, and manage event budgets and timelines.
• Negotiate and secure rates and contracts with vendors (e.g., catering, venues, A/V) and coordinate all logistical aspects, including staffing, transportation, and equipment.
• Coordinate & oversee event finance and administration with the support of the Development Associate.
• Collaborate with the Development Associate on the tracking and reporting of fundraising outcomes, donor engagement, and ROI for events.
• Ensuring accuracy and timely execution of tasks.
• Develop SOPs for event execution in remote locations
• Build a workflow for future event co-ordinator/manager to join the team (as needed)

Skills & Experience:

• 8+ years of relevant leadership experience producing successful high-profile fundraising
• events, galas, and/or luxury activations.
• Enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, self-motivation, and a professional demeanor.
• Strong interpersonal and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple stakeholders and priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct in all interactions and decision-making.
• Operates with transparency and accountability, building trust through consistent follow-through and ethical judgment.
• Exceptional communication skills, including writing, editing, and correspondence.
• Strong decision-making and crisis management skills to handle unexpected issues under pressure.
• Ability to balance bold vision with precise operational delivery and strong organizational skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience with Salesforce/CRM and event management software preferred.
• Passion for our mission and changing the perception of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the U.S., and furthering immigrant workforce inclusion.
• Experience mentoring a collaborative team is a plus.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Requires the ability to travel regionally and nationally; travel up to 10%.
• Must be available to occasionally work evening events (when and if needed)

Salary Range: $85,000- 95,000 annually

Salary Range Disclaimer

The base salary range represents the low and high end of the Indeed salary range for this position.

Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and

performance. The range listed is just one component of Upwardly Global's total compensation

package for employees. Benefits include paid time off policy, hybrid or remote work schedule,

medical/dental/vision insurance, short-term disability insurance, life insurance and retirement plan with

employer match.

Salary We’re proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse

environment. Come join us and help us make a real difference in the lives of skilled immigrants and

their families, and influence substantive cultural shifts in the workforce.

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Upwardly Global is deeply committed to building a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment.

Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off and support for professional development
• Flexible, mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture
• Wellness benefits include (but are not limited to) Calm App subscription, Birthday Holiday, 16 hours of health and wellness PTO in addition to regular sick leave (40 hours) and PTO (160 hours); office-wide end-of-year closure (paid) from December 23 to January 1, to allow our team to rest and recharge for the new year.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave (gender inclusive)