Event Planner - Foundation Support

Metro National Corporation•Houston, TX

13h

About The Position

The Event Planner leads the conceptualization, planning, coordination, and execution of volunteer events, community service events, donation drives, donor appreciation events, and other community events supporting MetroNational’s Community Affairs and Foundation programs. The role primarily focuses on hands-on service and volunteer engagement with nonprofit organizations, along with some donor appreciation and other community event planning. The Event Planner creates meaningful service experiences that strengthen relationships with nonprofit partners, volunteers, community stakeholders, employees, donors, and sponsors while advancing Foundation community engagement goals. The role owns event development and delivery, including concept creation, planning, budget tracking, logistics, vendor coordination, volunteer and participant experience, communications, and post-event evaluation. Working collaboratively across MetroNational and with Foundation leadership, the Event Planner develops new volunteer and community service event concepts and leads them from idea through execution. The position ensures events are well organized, align with brand standards, and create meaningful community impact. It requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, creativity, relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 3 years of event planning experience, including planning and leading volunteer and community service events for nonprofit organizations.
Demonstrated experience conceptualizing new events and leading them from initial idea and program development through execution and evaluation.
Experience managing event budgets, contracts, vendors, timelines, and stakeholder expectations.
Experience coordinating volunteers and collaborating with nonprofit partners to deliver service-focused events addressing community needs.
Strong project management, organization, and prioritization skills, including the ability to manage multiple events and deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to engage executive leadership, donors, sponsors, community partners, and vendors.
Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support Foundation events and community activities.
Ability to travel locally to venues, community partner organizations, and event locations throughout the Houston area.
Sufficient personal mobility and physical dexterity to perform event planning, oversee event setup, conduct site visits, and complete office-based administrative responsibilities.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events and occasionally move event materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Regular operation of computers, mobile devices, audiovisual equipment, and standard office equipment.
Evening, holiday, and weekend availability based on event schedules.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, event registration platforms, project management software, and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute large-scale, campus-wide volunteer and community service event plans aligned with Foundation programs, nonprofit partner needs, and community engagement goals.
Lead volunteer service days, nonprofit service projects, community initiatives, and other service-focused Foundation experiences from concept through execution and post-event evaluation.
Plan, coordinate, and execute donor appreciation and other community-focused events.
Create event project plans, timelines, and execution schedules.
Conceptualize new volunteer and community service events, translating community needs and nonprofit partner input into actionable plans.
Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for assigned Foundation events and keep stakeholders informed of timelines, needs, and updates.
Manage event logistics, including venues, permits, vendors, catering, entertainment, audiovisual needs, transportation, signage, registration, and guest experience.
Coordinate event staffing, volunteer assignments, contractors, and third-party partners, and guide volunteers and temporary staff on event days.
Ensure events are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with MetroNational brand standards and expectations.
Serve as the on-site event lead, direct activities, address logistical issues, and escalate concerns to Foundation leadership as needed.
Partner with the Corporate Giving & Foundation Manager on sponsor benefits, activations, branding, and recognition for volunteer and community service events.
Support donor and sponsor stewardship strategies developed by Foundation leadership within service-focused events.
Collaborate with community partners, nonprofit organizations, schools, civic groups, and business leaders to support participation and engagement.
Coordinate stakeholder and attendee communications, RSVP management, and seating plans.
Prepare event budgets for review and approval; track expenses and vendor contracts; and compile financial and resource information for Foundation leadership.
Obtain and compare vendor proposals, coordinate pricing and services within approved budgets, and submit agreements for approval.
Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency while maintaining event quality.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications teams on event promotion, social media content, invitations, and event materials, ensuring alignment with Foundation goals and MetroNational branding.
Assist with storytelling and impact reporting related to Foundation initiatives and events.
Support community outreach to increase event attendance, volunteer participation, donor engagement, and community awareness.
Track and report progress against event goals and KPIs, including volunteer participation, service hours, community impact, nonprofit partner feedback, budget performance, and participant satisfaction.
Conduct post-event evaluations and recommend improvements to event delivery, planning processes, consistency, and operational efficiency.
Maintain event records, planning documents, vendor agreements, reporting metrics, checklists, and templates.