Senior Director, VIP Engagement & Events

National Wildlife Federation

2h•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) seeks a Senior Director, VIP Engagement & Events to lead the design, planning, and execution of special events, excursions, and supporter engagement initiatives. This role aims to raise the profile of NWF's work and build relationships with loyal supporters and volunteer leaders. While not responsible for governance functions, the Senior Director will execute NWF Board of Directors meetings and related events, and serve as a relationship manager for select Board members. This role partners closely with the Chief Development Officer and the Senior Vice President for Philanthropy and Supporter Engagement, fostering relationships with the executive office, governance team, finance, and colleagues across Development to ensure productive and engaging volunteer leadership opportunities.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years of experience in event management.
Experience managing professionals, volunteers, and vendors required.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to interact comfortably with VIPs and executives.
Demonstrated ability to resolve challenges with grace and expediency.
Superior interpersonal skills, professionalism, attention to detail, and excellent writing and communication skills.
Superior time management and organization skills.
Ability to take initiative, work independently, and as an integral part of the team.
Ability to travel domestically, and work occasional nights, weekends and holidays.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Cvent.

Nice To Haves

Passion for the preservation and protection of wildlife and wild places a plus.
Experience in fundraising and supporter engagement is highly desirable.
Familiarity with CRM, various databases management reporting tools, and web development tools is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Supports the Chief Development Officer in building and managing relationships with VIPs, including generous supporters and influential friends.
Collaborates with Donor Relations, Gift Planning, Individual Giving, and Membership teams on key themes, messaging, and desired outcomes for communications and collaterals.
Designs, plans, and executes online and live event strategies, managing all logistics, leading staff, volunteers, and contractors, overseeing production, administering panel/presenter selection, and developing the run of show.
Manages relationships with vendors and service providers for online and offline events, including RFPs, vetting, selection, contracting, developing scopes of work, reviewing invoices, and processing payments.
Develops and maintains budgets, provides updates to leadership, and handles event close-out, including invoice processing and final report development.
Oversees production of meeting materials, agendas, and other collaterals for select engagement opportunities and events; coordinates transportation, lodging, and catering; and supports participant engagement.
Administers the Supporter Engagement budget, provides monthly reporting and reprojecting of forecasts, and develops annual operating budgets and long-term plans for Supporter Engagement.
Facilitates team retreats in coordination with Development leadership, overseeing logistics, production, and contributing to agenda planning and content development.
Serves as one of two primary liaisons to the Board of Directors, working collaboratively with the Governance team and Chief Development Officer to facilitate director engagement.
Develops engagement plans based on affinity and interest, offering regular communications about NWF staff, activities, programs, and focus areas.
Conducts field outreach and responds to inquiries regarding meetings, events, or programs, resolving matters or directing inquiries appropriately.
Accountable for planning logistics associated with NWF Board meetings, including site selection and plans.
Responsible for Board meeting logistics, including managing RFPs, securing facilities, negotiating contracts, developing budgets, handling registration, managing on-site details, coordinating marketing and mailings, overseeing on-site staffing, and invoice reconciliation and payment.

Benefits

Flexible scheduling
Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule
Unlimited wellbeing time (for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets)
11 holidays
Paid winter break between December 25 to January 1
Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options
Outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
Therapist available at no cost
Pet insurance and discount perk program
Annual wellbeing allowance
Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
Annual year-end retirement contribution
Tuition Reimbursement
Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
Pet adoption stipend
Student Loan management