Special Events Manager

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Special Events Manager.

amfAR is a leading nonprofit advancing scientific discovery to improve global health, with a primary and enduring commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As a catalyst for breakthrough science, amfAR supports innovative research in HIV and other diseases where viruses and the immune system play a critical role. Since 1985, amfAR has raised more than $950 million and awarded in excess of 3,900 grants to scientists worldwide.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Responsible for managing all facets of designated amfAR fundraising events. Manages and seeks to develop new event concepts and executes event goals to increase revenue for existing events. Creates and sustains productive relationships within the event industry, corporate revenue contacts, and event production partners. Approves and closely monitors event budgets, with overall responsibility for designated event revenue growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with the Director and Producers to implement event concepts for each gala including entertainment, décor, menus, ticket and table sales and auction items.

• Supervises project teams including staff, consultants, and volunteers

• Works with producers to institute new vehicles for fundraising and working on events to implementation.

• Responsibilities include developing & implementing new event concepts as well as planning and marketing concepts to volunteers, corporate sponsors, and other supporters.

• Establishes timelines for specified events, including, deadlines and milestones

• Works with the Director to establish income and expense forecasts for events; monitors and manages revenues and expenses for each assigned project

• Drafts correspondence and coordinates appropriate solicitation mailings to donors, corporate event sponsors, event leaders, committees, in-kind donors, etc.

• Maintain contact and positive relationships with amfAR trustees, corporate sponsors, consultants, volunteer leadership, vendors/suppliers, and public relations firms. Works closely with communications department to obtain celebrity involvement in selected amfAR events.

• Reviews and negotiates vendor contracts

• Manages event logistics

• Works with the Senior Director to secure corporate support for designated events

• Oversees auction solicitation: cataloging items, ensuring national and international shipping and donor fulfilment

• Develops, fosters, and maintains relationships with artists, galleries, and art dealers to ensure amfAR receives items for its auction

• Develops event-related print materials, e.g., invitations, programs, auction catalogues, etc. in coordination with the Public Information Department

• Ensures appropriate security measures for events

• Anticipates and attends to special needs of celebrities and VIP guests

• Provides event status updates to Director and other departments as needed

• Debriefs team after each event and updates procedures and processes where necessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

BA/BS and 7 years experience in fundraising events, including supervisory experience. Demonstrated capacity to manage successful high-profile, large-scale events, campaigns, and projects. Excellent oral and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills. Flexibility to work extended hours; position requires domestic and international travel.

Outstanding benefits package that encompasses: medical, dental, life, STD, LTD, vision coverage, commuter, dependent care and medical FSA savings, 403B with a very generous employer match. Time off includes: vacation, personal, sick days, and Summer Fridays