MANAGER, EVENT & ENGAGEMENT

Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute • San Diego, CA

5d • $95,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Philanthropy Events and Engagement Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising and donor engagement events that advance the organization’s mission, strengthen philanthropic relationships, and support revenue growth. The role oversees signature fundraising events, donor stewardship experiences, and community engagement opportunities, ensuring events deliver exceptional guest experiences and meet fundraising and engagement objectives.

This is an on-site position in San Diego. Occasional local driving and travel may be required to attend or support events, meetings, donor visits, and other external engagement activities. The work environment is a standard office setting and may occasionally involve noise, odors, temperature changes, and standard office equipment. Candidates applying from out of state must disclose their willingness to relocate.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and five to seven years of event planning and management experience. Philanthropy event experience and experience in an academic, scientific, or healthcare organization are preferred. A California driver’s license and automobile insurance are required. The expected hiring range is $95,000–$120,000 annually, commensurate with relevant experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Five to seven years of experience in event planning and management.
• California driver’s license and automobile insurance.
• Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building, donor engagement, and storytelling skills through events.
• Confidence and professionalism when working with colleagues, donors, the President and CEO, and senior leaders.
• Passion for creating memorable, mission-driven experiences.
• Technological proficiency, including creating spreadsheets, entering data, and generating reports from a fundraising database.

Nice To Haves

• Philanthropy event experience.
• Experience in an academic, scientific, or healthcare organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for signature fundraising, campaign, donor stewardship, and community engagement events aligned with organizational priorities and philanthropic goals, including stewardship events for endowed chairs and significant philanthropic investments.
• Lead event planning and execution, including project management, timelines, budgets, logistics, venue coordination, vendor management, production, registration, and post-event evaluation.
• Develop and coordinate event programs, content, speakers, presentations, and audience experiences to align with event purposes and objectives.
• Create event programs and engagement opportunities that provide meaningful benefits for Giving Level members and strengthen relationships, engagement, and the philanthropic pipeline.
• Partner with philanthropy leadership, faculty, senior leaders, volunteers, and internal and external stakeholders to develop program content.
• Coordinate program materials and run-of-show details, including speaker preparation, remarks, presentations, and videos.
• Lead major donor and fundraising events, including the Fishman Awards, donor salons, stewardship receptions, appreciation events, and other cultivation activities.
• Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenses, negotiate vendor contracts, and use resources cost-effectively while maintaining high-quality experiences.
• Identify strategies to increase attendance, sponsorship, fundraising outcomes, and donor engagement.
• Oversee registration, guest communications, seating, VIP management, and stewardship touchpoints.
• Track and evaluate event performance, prepare post-event reports, and recommend improvements.
• Ensure events comply with organizational policies, donor stewardship standards, and applicable legal and safety requirements.
• Maintain working relationships with sponsors, vendors, volunteers, donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in philanthropy, fundraising events, and donor engagement.
• Perform other related tasks and duties as required, assigned, or directed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance resources.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match of $2 for every $1 contributed, up to 10% of salary.
• Flexible spending accounts, identity theft protection, and employee discounts on entertainment, travel, and more.
• Vacation, sick leave, other applicable leave benefits, and up to 13 paid holidays per year.
• Year-round wellness programs and events, free on-site parking, and access to 50 electric vehicle charging stations at competitive rates.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager