Manager, Donor Events & Experiences

Towson University•Towson, MD

About The Position

Event Planning, Communication & Execution: Lead the development, coordination, and execution of all Foundation-sponsored fundraising and donor recognition events from concept through delivery. Serve as primary manager for the annual Celebration of Donors & Scholars signature event. Develop comprehensive event plans and timelines, ensuring flawless execution and superior guest experiences. Partner with Advancement Services to manage data requests, identify segmentation strategies to increase attendance, deepen donor connections, generate invitation lists (print/html), track event RSVPs and prepare pre-event research and donor profiles. Staff event planning committees, including meeting coordination, agendas, documentation, and follow-through on action items. Ensure all events support strategic donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising objectives. Manage and share data to ensure transparency of outcomes, ie. engagement/RSVPs/final attendance reports Prepare event briefings documents for Advancement team and, when appropriate, for the president. Budget & Sponsorship Management: Develop and manage event budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial accountability and compliance. Partner with UA sponsorship team-member to secure and steward event sponsorships and in-kind support, when appropriate. Event Marketing & Audience Engagement: Create and implement marketing and communication plans for all Advancement events in collaboration with the Senior Director, UA Marketing & Communications. Work with University Advancement team and key campus partners to identify and engage prospective and current donors, scholarship recipients, and key stakeholders. Manage volunteer involvement, staffing plans and vendor relationships. Donor Recognition & Stewardship: Oversee strategy and execution of: 1) recognition and stewardship events for major donors and giving societies (Tall-Wiedefeld Society, Founders Society, True Tiger Society); 2) milestone/anniversary recognition acknowledgements delivered as videos, books, reports, etc. Attend MGO meetings monthly and provide briefings to ensure coordinated, consistent, and high-quality recognition programs. Assess, annually, recognition societies, benefits, and events to enhance donor impact and organizational effectiveness. Collaboration & Leadership: Serve as a cross-departmental liaison to ensure events reflect University standards, brand identity, and Advancement priorities. Provide creative recommendations for new donor engagement opportunities and experiences. Work closely with Advancement Services/Manager of Stewardship & Gift Administration in the management of giving society events and communications. Support other Advancement donor events as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, hospitality, event management, or related field.
3 years of professional experience in event planning, donor relations, nonprofit/fundraising events, or related area.
Demonstrated project management skills with ability to manage multiple events and deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Customer service orientation with a focus on donor and guest experience.
Demonstrated strategic planning knowledge and problem solving skills.
Collaboration and relationship-building skills.
Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Budget and vendor management experience.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and select evenings and weekends in support of events.
Microsoft Office Suite literate, specifically Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education or non-profit fundraising environments.
Familiarity with Sharepoint.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, coordination, and execution of all Foundation-sponsored fundraising and donor recognition events from concept through delivery.
Serve as primary manager for the annual Celebration of Donors & Scholars signature event.
Develop comprehensive event plans and timelines, ensuring flawless execution and superior guest experiences.
Partner with Advancement Services to manage data requests, identify segmentation strategies to increase attendance, deepen donor connections, generate invitation lists (print/html), track event RSVPs and prepare pre-event research and donor profiles.
Staff event planning committees, including meeting coordination, agendas, documentation, and follow-through on action items.
Ensure all events support strategic donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising objectives.
Manage and share data to ensure transparency of outcomes, ie. engagement/RSVPs/final attendance reports
Prepare event briefings documents for Advancement team and, when appropriate, for the president.
Develop and manage event budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial accountability and compliance.
Partner with UA sponsorship team-member to secure and steward event sponsorships and in-kind support, when appropriate.
Create and implement marketing and communication plans for all Advancement events in collaboration with the Senior Director, UA Marketing & Communications.
Work with University Advancement team and key campus partners to identify and engage prospective and current donors, scholarship recipients, and key stakeholders.
Manage volunteer involvement, staffing plans and vendor relationships.
Oversee strategy and execution of: 1) recognition and stewardship events for major donors and giving societies (Tall-Wiedefeld Society, Founders Society, True Tiger Society); 2) milestone/anniversary recognition acknowledgements delivered as videos, books, reports, etc.
Attend MGO meetings monthly and provide briefings to ensure coordinated, consistent, and high-quality recognition programs.
Assess, annually, recognition societies, benefits, and events to enhance donor impact and organizational effectiveness.
Serve as a cross-departmental liaison to ensure events reflect University standards, brand identity, and Advancement priorities.
Provide creative recommendations for new donor engagement opportunities and experiences.
Work closely with Advancement Services/Manager of Stewardship & Gift Administration in the management of giving society events and communications.
Support other Advancement donor events as needed.