Special Events Manager

POTS • New York City, NY

5d

About The Position

The Special Events Manager leads the planning and execution of POTS’ fundraising, cultivation, and selected internal events. This position plays a key role in designing and executing high-impact events that strengthen engagement and drive revenue. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented, strategic thinker and problem solver who can manage logistics, inspire teams, and lead project planning across departments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• 3+ years of experience planning and executing events, preferably fundraising or donor-facing events
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Experience overseeing event logistics end-to-end (vendors, venues, registration, run-of-show, guest communications)
• Experience supporting event-related fundraising activities (e.g., sponsorships, donor stewardship, auctions, or ticketed events)
• Strong project management skills, including creating and managing timelines and work plans
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and manage multiple stakeholders (internal and external)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially with Excel, and mail merge.
• Use Teams and Outlook and agree to be connected to communications outside of set work week.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for events
• Experience with event platforms such as Givergy or similar tools
• Commitment to the mission and values of POTS

Nice To Haves

• 3-6+ years of experience in nonprofit event management or fundraising events
• Demonstrated success managing revenue-generating events (e.g., galas, auctions, sponsorship programs)
• Experience working directly with Major Gifts teams or donor pipelines
• Experience coordinating volunteers or event committees
• Proficiency in Salesforce for tracking donor engagement and event performance
• Experience managing event budgets, forecasting revenue, and financial reporting
• Familiarity with in-kind donation procurement and auction management
• Experience collaborating with Marketing/Communications on event branding and promotions
• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Asana)
• Basic design skills or experience using tools like Canva

Responsibilities

• Owns end-to-end production of POTS' fundraising, cultivation, volunteer appreciation, and community events — from vendor coordination, budgeting, and logistics to branding, outreach, and day-of troubleshooting.
• Manages event budgets/financial tracking and keeps cross-team planning (Events, Communications, Individual Giving) on schedule via calendars and work back timelines.
• Supports fundraising strategy by stewarding donors, sponsors, and auction participants before, during, and after events, including acknowledgments and post-event follow-up.
• Acts as the main point of contact for co-chairs, honorees, and event committees, and coordinates with the Individual Giving team on donor research and outreach.
• Maintains operational systems, an annual events calendar, and accurate tracking of invitees, pledges, RSVPs, and in-kind donations/auctions.
• Serves as the Salesforce and event-software "super user," ensuring GAAP-compliant revenue/expense recognition and reporting on performance metrics to drive improvements.

What This Job Offers

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