Manager, Signature Events & Partnerships (Washington DC Metro Area)

Cancer Support Community•Washington, DC

3d•Remote

About The Position

Cancer Support Community (CSC) is seeking an ambitious and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of people impacted by cancer for our Manager, Signature Events & Partnerships position. The Manager, Signature Events & Partnerships , is responsible for the planning and execution of Cancer Support Community’s (CSC) signature fundraising events, with a focus on driving revenue through corporate partnerships and delivering high-quality donor and participant experiences. This role manages day-to-day event operations and partnership activation across CSC’s event portfolio—including the Sunburst Gala, Cocktails for a Cause, Broadway at Barbara’s, and key DMV-based events—ensuring strong financial performance, elevating brand visibility, and deepening relationships with corporate partners and donors. The Manager is directly responsible for generating event-based partnership revenue and ensuring events serve as effective entry points for deeper engagement with CSC. This role oversees a signature event portfolio generating approximately $500K annually. JOB SUMMARY: The Manager, Signature Events & Partnerships, is responsible for the planning and execution of CSC’s signature fundraising events, with a focus on driving revenue through corporate partnerships and delivering high-quality donor and participant experiences. This role manages day-to-day event operations and partnership activation across CSC’s event portfolio—including the Sunburst Gala, Cocktails for a Cause, Broadway at Barbara’s, and key DMV-based events—ensuring strong financial performance, elevating brand visibility, and deepening relationships with corporate partners and donors. This position is directly responsible for generating event-based sponsorship revenue and ensuring events serve as effective entry points for deeper engagement with Cancer Support Community. This role is responsible for a signature event portfolio generating approximately $500k annually, including the Sunburst Gala ($350,000), Broadway at Barbara’s ($50,000), and Cocktails for a Cause ($40,000), representing a significant portion of CSC’s annual development revenue.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to execute revenue-generating events and manage corporate partnerships.
Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to cultivate, steward, and retain sponsors and partners.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events, timelines, and priorities simultaneously.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail across logistics, budgets, and deliverables.
Effective communicator with strong written and verbal skills; able to represent CSC professionally with partners and stakeholders.
Ability to work cross-functionally and collaborate effectively across Digital Marketing and Communications teams
Solutions-oriented with the ability to problem-solve in fast-paced, event-driven environments.
Passion for CSC’s mission with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-building.
Proficiency with donor CRM systems (e.g., Virtuous, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).
Experience with event and fundraising platforms (e.g., BetterUnite, Classy, or similar tools).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
5+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development with demonstrated success in event fundraising, including planning and executing high-quality, large-scale, or signature events, as well as donor relations and stewardship.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Canva or similar design tools for event materials preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of CSC’s signature fundraising events, ensuring alignment with revenue goals,brand strategy, and donor engagement priorities.
Serve as the primary lead for signature events, including the Sunburst Gala, Cocktails for a Cause, Broadway atBarbara’s, and DMV-based events.
Oversee all aspects of event execution, including venue coordination, vendor management, contracts, timelines,run of show, and post-event follow-up.
Manage event budgets, ensuring strong financial performance and return on investment.
Deliver mission-driven event experiences that inspire action, deepen connection, and strengthen long-term engagement with CSC.
Lead the development and execution of event-based partnerships as a core revenue stream.
Own and achieve partnership revenue goals across CSC’s event portfolio.
Build and manage a pipeline of partners, including prospect identification, outreach, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Own and actively manage a portfolio of event-related partners, including corporate sponsors, in-kind partners, and key vendors.
Develop customized partnership opportunities aligned with CSC’s mission.
Identify opportunities for cause marketing, in-kind support, and other event-related partnerships.
Ensure sponsors receive appropriate recognition, visibility, and engagement before, during, and after events.
Leverage events as a strategic entry point for engaging new and existing donors and corporate partners.
Collaborate with the Development team to align event participation with broader fundraising and engagement strategies.
Support pathways for continued involvement by connecting event attendees, sponsors, and partners to ongoing giving and engagement opportunities.
Ensure timely and coordinated post-event follow-up and stewardship to strengthen long-term relationships and retention.
Partner with Digital Marketing and Communications teams to align event messaging, timelines, and campaign integration.
Collaborate with Executive Leadership Team to ensure coordinated engagement opportunities.
Work across internal teams to ensure consistency in brand, messaging, and event experience.
Manage event timelines, budgets, and deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously.
Track and report on event performance, including revenue against established targets, sponsorship growth, and engagement metrics.
Partner with Development team members to ensure accurate tracking of sponsorships, revenue, and donor engagement within CRM system.
Coordinate with internal staff, vendors, and external partners to support successful event execution.
Maintain organized records of event plans, sponsor deliverables, and post-event outcomes.
Performs other duties as requested by management