Events & Partnerships Manager

Foodwiseis a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing thriving communities through the power and joy of local food. Our vision is to inspire a world that nourishes all people, local economies, and the living earth. We look for passionate, mission-driven individuals who believe that fresh, healthy and local food coupled with education are key ingredients to happier, thriving communities. We believe in the power that these ingredients have to transform lives. Foodwise is able to achieve all of this because of the energy our staff brings and shares with others.

Job Summary | The Events & Partnership Manager raises essential funds and builds lasting relationships to support Foodwise's farmers markets, food access initiatives, and education programs. They do this by owning fundraising and cultivation events from conception to realization, seeking and stewarding corporate partnerships and sponsorships and pivotal industry connections, and ensuring a consistent sense of delight and welcome at all Foodwise happenings.

Foodwise is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in our programs and across all aspects of our organization. Our development team works to enable participation from our full community by creating inclusive spaces and opportunities, upholding community-centric fundraising principles, and valuing the time, energy, and resources of all participants.

Responsibilities

Fundraising Events (60%)

• Lead planning, logistics, budgeting, and execution for annual fundraising events in collaboration with the Executive Director and Development team
• Manage event sponsorships, including prospecting, outreach, onboarding, and recognition
• Coordinate vendor relationships, permits, rentals, and day-of production
• Oversee event data, reporting, and financial reconciliation
• Guide event design and messaging with Communications Director and event designers
• Supervise seasonal interns, volunteers, Events Committee, and cross-departmental support
• Liaise with external partners (e.g., Ferry Building, restaurant participants) for co-hosted events
• Support Host Committee engagement and cultivation activities

Corporate Partnerships & Market Activations (30%)

• Develop and manage brand activations, sponsorships, and bespoke corporate events at Foodwise farmers markets and off site
• Field and pursue partnership leads, schedule meetings, negotiate and draft agreements
• Ensure Foodwise mission alignment and coordinate cross-departmentally for successful implementation
• Maintain accurate records, budgets, and follow-up communications

Additional Responsibilities (10%)

• Contribute to development strategy, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) work, and donor/volunteer appreciation events
• Manage the annual Seller Appreciation Party in partnership with Market Operations
• Provide support for small donor gatherings, internal logistics, and audit preparation
• Collaborate on Salesforce database management and financial tracking

About You

You are a highly organized events professional with a passion for meeting and exceeding revenue goals. You have solid project management skills and a track record for delivering impactful experiences and opportunities for meaningful engagement. You care deeply about food, the environment, social justice, and community building. You are a collaborative partner who can infuse a thoughtful management approach in our dynamic work environment.

Required Skills and Qualities

• Experience with large-scale event production, including strategy, planning, and troubleshooting
• Skilled in managing complex projects with multiple contributors and stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines across priorities
• Effective communicator in writing, meetings, presentations, and document creation
• Proficient in MS Office, Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and Salesforce; quick to learn new tools
• Positive, enthusiastic, and solutions-focused attitude
• Strong interpersonal skills, using tact and emotional intelligence to build relationships
• Team management experience with clear, courteous delegation
• Budget management experience and understanding of basic accounting
• A commitment to anti-racist, Community-Centric Fundraising principles

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Familiarity with farmers markets, small farm operations, sustainable food systems, and food access and equity issues, and an understanding of the Bay Area food landscape
• Familiarity with the restaurant industry, California wine and spirits, and the Bay Area hospitality landscape
• Corporate sales, events, and promotional experience

Job Parameters

• Type: Full Time, Exempt
• Team: Development, a team of three people
• Reports to: Director of Development
• Direct Reports: one contracted event staff person, four event interns, variable numbers of volunteers
• Rate of Pay: $75,000-78,000 depending on experience annually
• PTO Policy: Foodwise distinguishes vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Vacation accruals begin at 3 weeks annually (15 days); holidays are 13 days annually; sick leave is earned at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
• Benefits: Medical, vision, and dental care benefits are through Kaiser Permanente. Additional benefits include 401(k) plan with company match up to $1430 annually, pre-tax commuter benefit, $60 monthly wellness reimbursement stipend, and professional development allowance.
• Location and hours: At the Ferry Building in San Francisco at least three days per week, with the ability to work remotely up to 2 days per week. Expectation for frequent weekend and evening work, with increased hours around larger events.