Events Manager

Spoonfuls keeps good food from going to waste. Through food recovery and distribution, education, and advocacy, we work to address the health, environmental, and economic impact that wasted food has on people and the planet. To learn more about our work, visit spoonfuls.org.

Spoonfuls seeks a creative and organized Events professional to lead our event calendar, both maintaining and growing our portfolio of dynamic and on-brand events that support the entire organization. We seek an individual inspired to create an engaging calendar of engagements that inspire and educate core constituencies and stakeholders about Spoonfuls’ work and impact; raise awareness of Spoonfuls in the areas we serve and want to serve; attract new partners; and provide opportunities for meaningful cultivation, engagement, and stewardship of new and existing supporters. Reporting to the Head of Development, this role will work closely with the Communications and Public Affairs team, the Development team, and the CEO to execute on the events calendar.

Reporting to the Head of Development, the ideal candidate is a highly organized self-starter who can juggle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. In addition to managing logistics for events and deepening relationships with event attendees, this individual will directly engage with event partners and vendors and other key stakeholders. The Manager, Special Events will join a dynamic, productive team of development and communications professionals in the exciting next chapter of Spoonfuls’ 15-year history. This is an opportunity to be part of a high-functioning, collaborative, and creative fundraising and brand team that fuels Spoonfuls’ mission and impact across Massachusetts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Special Events Management and Planning

• In partnership with the CEO, Board, Development, and Communications and Public Affairs teams, create short- and long-term plans for a robust and growing events program including – but not limited to! – Cocktails & Community, a series of regional happy hours and open houses, and Spoonfuls’ signature event, Ultimate Tailgate
• Create detailed timelines for all events that cover securing vendors and venues, marketing and email schedules, invitations, sponsorships and auction items, ticket sales, logistics (including permit and license deadlines), identifying themes and activities, guest experience and communications, and night-of fundraising; and oversee and own all aforementioned event logistics, vendor relationships, and general management, including pre-event, day-of run-of-show, and post-event communications, recognition, and logistics..
• Collaborate with the Communications team to create compelling event materials, including emails, social promotion, event websites, signage, guest communications, speaking points, and more. Shepherd event-related communications projects through process from start to finish. Compile detailed creative briefs, coordinate reviews and approvals of drafts, and organize and share edits in a timely manner.
• Help develop and manage new events that further Spoonfuls’ mission related to donor stewardship, advocacy and education, community engagement, geographic expansion, and other opportunities that may arise.

Event Sponsorship Engagement

• In partnership with the Head of Development and the Development team, create an event sponsorship strategy and program that grows our individual and corporate support of our special events, including both in-kind and financial gifts
• Collaborate with the Development Directors to engage corporate and individual prospects, developing sponsorship packages in collaboration with colleagues tailored to meet the needs of prospective donors and partners
• With team, interface with the Board of Directors, Culinary Board, Ambassador Board and other members of the Spoonfuls network as needed to identify ways to leverage their corporate contacts and major donors, securing introductions for event sponsorship and activation
• In partnership with Development team, play an active and creative role in soliciting event sponsors and stewarding those relationships year round; solicit in-kind donations for raffle and auction items and support follow-up as needed to reach night-of fundraising goals

Supporter Cultivation and Stewardship

• Work with the Development team to build out fundraising/planning committees to help drive our event-related objectives and partner with the Communications team to raise awareness of Spoonfuls events and activities; determine the most effective ways to communicate to external audiences through print, electronic, and other media; evaluate and utilize new technologies and opportunities offered by social media to target various constituencies and enrich communication
• Work with the Development team to support and engage Spoonfuls’ community and ancillary committees to drive event success. Build relationships with members, provide excellent communication, create resources to solicit and promote on behalf of Spoonfuls, coordinate meeting logistics, and more
• In close collaboration with the Head of Development, CEO, Board, Development team, Communications and Public Affairs team, and Program team, implement in-person or virtual cultivation and stewardship events that raise awareness and increase the profile of Spoonfuls in our communities served
• Plan, develop, and execute donor events in support of growing our major donor pool

Systems and Budget Management & Data Analysis

• Collaborate with the Development team on Spoonfuls’ event platform, OneCause. Create and manage pages for each event, coordinating language, images, ticket sales, sponsor logos, platform based communications, and night-of interface for a seamless guest experience
• Work closely with the Development team to ensure event gifts are entered into Salesforce accurately, including sponsorships, ticket sales, in-kind gifts, and night-of fundraising proceeds, as well as event attendance
• Compile post-event analysis and monitor results, tracking progress towards overall organizational goals related to community engagement, fundraising, and growth
• Coordinate payments of event related expenses with accounting colleagues and maintain event budgets for planning, as well as tax and audit purposes

It is the expectation of all Spoonfuls team members to be flexible, adaptable, and willing to assist other departments as needed to get the job done and accomplish annual goals.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years experience in a related field, such as nonprofit fundraising, hospitality; private events; special event planning; marketing/PR, or brand management with demonstrated success and progressive growth in responsibilities
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills; ability to spearhead and manage multiple high-stakes projects and priorities, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written; as well as professional judgement, tact, discretion, and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues of all levels of the organization, across departments, and with external stakeholders and donors.
• Excellent vendor / donor communications, customer service, and relationship-building skills. Willingness to make cold calls, emails, and be persistent.
• Desire to learn and grow as an events and fundraising professional
• Interest and enthusiasm for food recovery and food justice issues.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Salesforce strongly preferred

Hours:

Hybrid - Full-Time: Monday through Friday, 9AM-5PM. Some nights and weekends will be required for events and committee meetings.

Benefits:

Spoonfuls provides health, vision, and dental insurance through our PEO partner, as well as generous PTO and holiday closures.

Physical Demands:

• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing and materials management is required. This would require the ability to move files and supplies, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment as well as *on site for special events in various settings. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Some tasks outside the office may be required (attending meetings, attending events, shipping materials, etc.).

Spoonfuls provides health, vision, and dental insurance through our PEO partner, as well as generous PTO and holiday closures.