Events Manager

Seattle Humane•Bellevue, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Events Manager is a seasoned, strategic, and mission-driven professional responsible for leading the planning and execution of Seattle Humane’s fundraising and community events. The role oversees all aspects of event planning and production, creating exceptional experiences for donors, sponsors, guests, and volunteers while advancing fundraising and engagement goals. The Events Manager works independently and collaboratively to move complex events from strategy through execution, managing competing priorities and responding to changing needs. The position leads events ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale signature events. It manages budgets, timelines, workplans, logistics, vendors, venues, production partners, event communications, and the guest experience. In collaboration with development, marketing, program, operations, and executive leadership teams, the Events Manager develops cohesive strategies that support fundraising priorities, donor engagement, and Seattle Humane’s mission. The role also manages event donors and prospects, supports sponsor and donor engagement and stewardship, uses data and reporting tools to track activity and goals, and coordinates customized campus tours and engagement opportunities. The Events Manager represents Seattle Humane in meetings, presentations, and public events; must be available for local travel and time-sensitive work-related errands and logistical assignments; and provides project management support for initiatives and special projects as assigned by the Associate Director of Events and Strategic Partnerships. The role leads volunteers as needed for event preparation, setup, and onsite execution. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with a hybrid work structure and required onsite presence at the Bellevue, Washington campus 2–3 days per week, or as organizational needs determine. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for special events and as requested by the Associate Director. The work environment includes a general office and animal shelter; limited animal handling may occur, with potential exposure to animal bites, zoonotic diseases, animal dander, and noise. The role involves continuous use of a computer, printer, copy machine, and multi-line telephone, as well as significant time sitting or standing at a desk. The employee must be able to lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance. Relocation reimbursement is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 8 years of event management experience.
Proven success managing complex, high-profile events.
Strong relationship-building, negotiation, presentation, and customer service skills.
Experience planning and delivering public presentations to professional groups, virtually and in person.
Exceptional discretion, independent judgment, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to manage competing priorities, anticipate needs, and respond effectively to time-sensitive requests.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, including prioritizing, managing deadlines, and following through accurately and consistently.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with project management tools.
Experience maintaining highly accurate records and processes and performing precise, reliable data analysis.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including professional communication with staff, volunteers, donors, corporate and community partners, vendors, and board members.
Ability to build trusting relationships with people with diverse styles and perspectives and work independently as well as collaboratively.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment.
Valid Washington State driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for special events and as requested by the Associate Director.
Availability for local travel and time-sensitive work-related errands and logistical assignments.
Commitment to Seattle Humane’s core values: Collaboration, Compassion, Accessibility, Respect, and Adaptability.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated interest in and passion for nonprofit work and animal welfare.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic planning and execution of fundraising, donor cultivation, and community engagement events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale signature events.
Manage event budgets, timelines, workplans, and logistics from concept through execution and post-event evaluation, keeping events on schedule and within budget.
Oversee vendor, venue, and production-partner relationships, including sourcing and evaluating partners, negotiating contracts and pricing, managing deliverables, and maintaining service standards.
Partner with the marketing team to create and manage event communications and collateral, including invitations, promotions, webpages, presentations, signage, programs, scripts, talking points, run-of-show documents, guest and sponsor communications, reports, and stewardship materials.
Collaborate with development, marketing, and program teams to develop event strategies that advance fundraising priorities, deepen donor engagement, and showcase Seattle Humane’s mission and impact.
Oversee a high-quality guest experience and anticipate the needs of donors, sponsors, volunteers, and other constituents.
Partner with major gifts and corporate teams on donor and sponsor cultivation, recognition, benefit fulfillment, onsite engagement, and post-event stewardship.
Build cross-functional relationships and collaborate with operations, development, marketing, and executive leadership to operationalize events aligned with organizational interests and community impact.
Manage a portfolio of event donors and prospects, identify engagement opportunities, cultivate and solicit event support, coordinate donor experiences, and provide post-event stewardship.
Use Raiser's Edge, Luminate, and other data and reporting tools to track partnership activity, measure revenue and engagement goals, identify trends, and inform decisions.
Coordinate and lead customized campus tours and engagement opportunities for event partners and prospective supporters.
Represent Seattle Humane professionally in meetings, presentations, events, and other public settings to build and maintain community relationships.
Travel locally and complete time-sensitive work-related errands, deliveries, purchases, and logistical assignments, including on short notice as business needs arise.
Manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
Provide project management support for initiatives, special projects, and strategic priorities assigned by the Associate Director of Events and Strategic Partnerships.
Lead and manage volunteers as needed for event preparation, setup, and onsite execution.
Handle sensitive and highly confidential information professionally, use independent judgment, and adapt to changing support needs and priorities.