Event Manager

DORIS DUKE MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION • Hillsborough Township, NJ

18h • $62,400 - $78,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Event Manager is a strategic operations leader responsible for designing and executing high-level convenings, executive retreats and mission-aligned events that advance influence, partnership development and revenue generation.

This role requires a highly organized, systems-driven professional with strong business acumen, executive presence and the ability to operate with precision in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment. As Duke Farms expands its convening strategy and revenue-generating initiatives, this role will build and operationalize the systems, processes and standards required to support scale, consistency and performance. The Manager will lead end-to-end execution while strengthening cross-functional coordination and driving continuous improvement through post-event analysis.

This position sits at the intersection of strategy, operations and hospitality, translating organizational priorities into well-executed convenings and experiences. The ideal candidate will apply rigor, sound judgment and accountability while delivering high-quality events, retreats and activations. Working closely with senior leaders, funders, policymakers and institutional partners, this role ensures that every event advances organizational priorities and reflects a high standard of execution.

Requirements

• Extensive experience leading complex corporate events, executive convenings or institutional-level gatherings.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-layer coordination with precision and accountability.
• Advanced proficiency in Asana, Airtable, CRM platforms, budget tracking tools and data dashboards.
• Strong financial management skills with demonstrated experience tracking revenue, cost recovery and margin.
• Proven ability to build and refine scalable and repeatable systems that increase efficiency and reduce risk.
• Executive-level communication skills with comfort interacting with senior leaders, board members and external partners and vendors.
• High resilience, composure under pressure and ability to operate independently with discretion and good judgment.
• Strong leadership presence with experience managing and delegating others.
• Proven experience in negotiation and event sales, including managing client discussions, closing agreements and maximizing revenue opportunities for events and programs.
• Technologically fluent, including the use of GenAI tools to streamline workflows and planning processes.
• Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and a strong focus on operational and guest experience.
• Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property and travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.
• Available to work flexible hours and on-site events as scheduled, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• A valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional, high-impact convenings that advance Duke Farms’ mission and reputation.
• Lead end-to-end execution of executive retreats, board gatherings and public programs with precision and professionalism.
• Design and deliver seamless, high-touch experiences for diverse audiences, including VIP and executive stakeholders.
• Build and scale best-in-class event operations systems.
• Develop and implement procedures, run-of-show frameworks and project management systems that drive consistency and excellence.
• Leverage technology tools and data to strengthen planning, execution and post-event evaluation.
• Lead cross-functional execution across a complex stakeholder environment.
• Partner with internal teams and senior leaders to align event strategy, messaging and delivery.
• Manage staff, contractors and vendors with clear expectations, accountability and performance standards.
• Drive operational and financial performance of the events portfolio.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting and reporting to ensure fiscal discipline and sustainability.
• Use insights and feedback to continuously improve outcomes, efficiency and return on investment.
• Grow and position Duke Farms as a premier destination for mission-aligned convenings.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase utilization, engagement and revenue opportunities.
• Build relationships with partners and clients while strengthening brand credibility and experience quality.
• Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.

Benefits

• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off, and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
• A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed