Events Manager

Seattle Humane•Bellevue, WA

2d•$36 - $39•Hybrid

About The Position

The Events Manager is a strategic, mission-driven professional responsible for leading the planning and execution of Seattle Humane’s fundraising, donor cultivation, and community engagement events. The role oversees all aspects of event planning and production, from concept through execution and post-event evaluation, delivering high-quality experiences for donors, sponsors, guests, and volunteers while advancing fundraising and engagement goals. Events range from intimate gatherings to large-scale signature events. The position manages budgets, timelines, workplans, logistics, vendors, venues, production partners, event communications, and stakeholder relationships. Working closely with development, marketing, program teams, major gifts, corporate partners, operations, and executive leadership, the Events Manager develops cohesive event strategies, supports donor and sponsor engagement, and ensures events align organizational interests with community impact. The role also manages a portfolio of event donors and prospects, uses Raiser's Edge and Luminate to track activity and results, and coordinates customized campus tours and engagement opportunities. The Events Manager exercises independent judgment, handles sensitive and confidential information, and adapts to changing priorities and unexpected requests. The role leads volunteers as needed and represents Seattle Humane in meetings, presentations, events, and other public settings. Local travel and time-sensitive work-related errands may be required, including on short notice. This is a full-time, non-exempt position based at Seattle Humane’s Bellevue, Washington campus. The hybrid arrangement requires in-office presence two to three days per week, or as organizational needs determine. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for special events and as requested by the supervisor. The work takes place in a general office and animal shelter environment, with limited animal handling and possible exposure to animal bites, zoonotic diseases, dander, and noise. The job involves extensive sitting or standing at a desk and computer use, and requires lifting boxes weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.

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, both virtually and in person.
Exceptional discretion and independent judgment, with the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to manage competing priorities, anticipate needs, and respond effectively to time-sensitive requests.
Exceptional organization and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize, manage deadlines, and follow 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; ability to communicate clearly and professionally in person, in meetings, by phone, and by email.
Ability to build trusting relationships with peers, leadership, volunteers, and internal and external partners, and to work with diverse styles and personalities.
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.
Availability for occasional evening and weekend hours, local travel, and time-sensitive work-related errands as needed.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead 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; anticipate needs, handle competing priorities, and keep 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 ensuring quality service and execution.
Partner with marketing to create and manage event communications and materials, including invitations, promotions, webpages, presentations, signage, programs, scripts, talking points, run-of-show documents, guest and sponsor communications, event reports, and stewardship materials.
Collaborate with development, marketing, and program teams on event strategies that advance fundraising priorities, deepen donor engagement, and showcase the organization’s mission and impact.
Oversee guest experience and event details to create welcoming, engaging, and memorable experiences for donors, sponsors, volunteers, and other constituents.
Partner with major gifts and corporate teams on donor and sponsor cultivation, recognition, benefit fulfillment, on-site engagement, and post-event stewardship.
Build cross-functional relationships and collaborate with operations, development, marketing, and executive leadership to align events with organizational interests and community impact.
Manage a portfolio of event donors and prospects, identifying engagement opportunities, cultivating and soliciting event support, coordinating donor experiences, and providing post-event stewardship.
Use Raiser's Edge, Luminate, and other reporting tools to track partnership activity, measure revenue and engagement progress, 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 on-site execution.