Development Events Manager

Historic New England • Haverhill, MA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

Historic New England (HNE) seeks a dynamic individual with experience in the events management field to serve as a full-time Development Events Manager. This position is responsible for creating, planning, and executing an annual program of events that support our development program. The right candidate will oversee all aspects of the development events program, delivering a creative, diverse, and goal-driven portfolio of events that meet attendance and revenue targets and advance the organization’s fundraising priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of skilled credentials.
• Minimum of three years of experience in event planning or related field with increasing responsibility for program conception, management, execution, and evaluation.
• Exceptional project management skills.
• Must be extremely well organized and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining precise attention to priorities, details, and quality.
• Excellent budget management skills, with Excel proficiency.
• Ability to negotiate with vendors and solicit in-kind donations and sponsorships.
• Fully competent computer and technical skills, including Zoom or similar virtual meeting platforms, internet research, constituent management databases, and advanced working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Excel and Word).
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Excellent internal and external customer service, interpersonal communication, and tact and diplomacy for regular interaction with high-level constituents.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Team player with leadership skills and the ability to work independently.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation.
• Strong belief in, and demonstrated commitment to, Historic New England’s mission and values.
• Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA).

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in non-profit or member-based event planning.
• Prior experience with Tessitura or other customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
• Prior experience working with high-level volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Develops thoughtful event plans for each engagement, with clearly defined goals, target audiences, and desired outcomes, ensuring alignment with broader development strategies and priorities.
• Manages events from concept through execution and post-event evaluation.
• Develops and manages event budgets; sources, negotiates, and oversees vendors.
• Coordinates all event logistics, including but not limited to venue selection, travel and itineraries, food and beverage, event design, tents, audio-visual production, parking, signage, RSVPs, collateral materials, event remarks, and staffing.
• Prepares comprehensive event briefings in advance of each event, outlining objectives, attendee profiles, roles, and key messaging.
• Where appropriate, leads post-event debriefings to assess outcomes, capture insights, and inform future strategy.
• Coordinates with development and communications staff on event invitations, communications, and follow-up to ensure alignment with broader engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Attends and manages events, with regular evening and weekend responsibilities.
• Represents the development team on cross-functional program planning efforts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees