Events Manager

Our Mission

We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. 

We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. We uphold a working culture where unique identities and experiences are welcomed and appreciated. Our team is empathetic, committed and collaborative. We seek employees that are not only capable and talented, but who care about supporting and respecting each other. We seek people who are interested in imagining creative solutions and continuous learning.

Position Overview

The Events Manager is someone who embodies a genuine passion for our mission at MCHT – conserving lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological well-being and foster thriving communities. They are an experienced event planner and strategic thinker who leads the design and execution of a comprehensive annual event and experience program that elevates the organization’s visibility and deepens engagement with donors, community members and partners. They bring a collaborative mindset, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the ability to work cross-functionally. With the support of and under the supervision of the Director of Communications, they ensure that every event supports MCHT’s strategic plan, communications goals, and fundraising priorities.

Essential Job Functions

Event Strategy Development and Visioning (20%)

• Leads the process to identify goals and vision for a strategic, organization-wide, event and experience program at a large scale (15-20 events annually), ensuring alignment with MCHT’s communications, fundraising and programmatic priorities.
• Defines event objectives, audiences, measures of success, budgets, and staffing needs.
• Develops and advances a shared vision for how events support relationship-building, donor cultivation, revenue, and awareness and outreach goals.
• Evaluates the long-term impact of events on organizational goals and makes strategic recommendations accordingly.

Event Planning, Management & Execution (60%)

• Designs and leads a robust slate of strategic events and experiences, including donor stewardship, fundraising, celebratory, hosted and awareness events, that advance engagement with targeted constituencies, including major donors, volunteers, partners, and the public.
• Acts as lead project manager for events, managing planning timelines, deliverables, internal coordination, and logistical implementation.
• Works directly with event hosts, donors, board members, volunteers, presenting staff, and outreach colleagues to create compelling event experiences that inspire connection and action. Also supports annual Land Trust Conference organizers.
• Manages and develops event budgets, vendor contracts, interns, and logistics in alignment with organizational expectations and budgetary guidelines.
• Develops and manages an $85,000+ annual events budget; optimizes costs; and liaises with the philanthropy and communications teams to secure and recognize financial and in-kind sponsorships valued at $85,000+.
• Provides direction to staff and colleagues’ contributions to and roles in event-related tasks, delegating with authority.
• Follows best practices for event planning and documentation, while making recommendations or adjustments for continuous improvement.
• Collaborates with communications team members in the development and execution of communications and marketing strategies for all events, ensuring consistent, targeted outreach that drives attendance, engagement, and donor participation.
• Establishes promotional timelines, selects invitation formats and distribution channels, defines audience segments, provides strategic guidance and event details to shape messaging, and closely collaborates with the communications team to ensure timely delivery of all promotional activities.
• Manages regulatory compliance for events by obtaining necessary permits and licenses, interpreting and applying relevant regulations, and serving as the primary liaison with permitting authorities to secure timely approvals and maintain positive relationships.

Event Administration (20%)

• Develops tools, metrics, and processes for measuring event effectiveness, attendee experience, and ROI.
• Leads internal and external post-event debriefs, incorporating stakeholder feedback and data to continuously improve the event program.
• Oversees database tracking and reporting of event attendees and outcomes in collaboration with the Data and Research team.
• Uses CRM tools to support donor stewardship workflows, follow-up communication, and ongoing engagement.
• Upholds standards for processes, gear, event permitting, safety plans, liability waivers, live retail transactions, tax-deductible ticket payment portions, and communication coordination across donor and outreach event programs.

Supervisory Responsibility

Generally, none. Oversight of interns and vendors contributing to successful outcomes with event-related tasks. Responsible for coordinating and leading cross-functional project teams and guiding contributions from other departments.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 4-5 years of related experience in nonprofit event strategy, engagement programs, or external relations.

Qualifications

• Strategic and creative thinking, with a focus on impact and alignment with organizational goals.
• Strong project and team management skills, with the ability to lead collaborative processes.
• Self-directed with elevated skills in thinking independently while working collaboratively.
• A deep commitment to quality, transparency, collaboration, innovation, and integrity.
• Strong knowledge and comfort with fundraising.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with ability to write clearly and compellingly.
• Excellent leadership qualities to promote energy and enthusiasm with staff, volunteers, and constituents.
• Experience working in a deadline-driven environment.
• Creative and flexible.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with a wide range of people.
• Ability to effectively operate computers and assigned software, preferably including Raiser’s Edge.
• Ability to work long hours and travel as necessary.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Directing the field trip program is performed on preserves and other outdoor locations and requires an ability to manage uneven terrain, water events, and unexpected weather conditions. Operates computer, printer, photocopier, and basic office equipment. Work requires extended sitting and repetitive motion in the use of computer, keyboard, and mouse.

MCHT has offices in Topsham, Rockport, Mount Desert Island, and Whiting. The location of this position is flexible and could be in any of our offices. The communications unit and the Director of Communications are currently working out of Topsham. This position needs to be on-site at an office in any of the previously mentioned locations twice a week and on-site in Topsham to connect once a month.

This is a permanent, full-time (40 hours per week) position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. The starting hourly rate for this role is $30.77 to $35.58 and is dependent upon experience.

To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to search@mcht.org with “Events Manager” in the subject line by March 22, 2026.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

This is a permanent, full-time (40 hours per week) position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. The starting hourly rate for this role is $30.77 to $35.58 and is dependent upon experience.