Special Events Manager

Animal Friends • Kilbuck Township, PA

3d • $50,000 - $55,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Events Manager plays a vital role in supporting Animal Friends’ mission by creating engaging fundraising events and community partnerships that inspire generosity and deepen connections to our work. This position leads the planning and execution of secondary fundraising events and third-party fundraising activities while supporting larger organizational events. Working closely with donors, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, community partners, and colleagues across the organization, the Special Events Manager helps create memorable experiences that raise critical funds, strengthen relationships, and advance Animal Friends’ vision of a humane and compassionate future for every animal friend. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, coordinating details, solving problems, and bringing people together around a meaningful cause.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years of fundraising, event management, hospitality, community engagement, or related experience.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience working with volunteers, donors, or community stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Pennsylvania Child Abuse, Pennsylvania State Police, and FBI Fingerprint Clearances.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and project coordination skills.
• Ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Computer proficiency and experience using fundraising platforms, donor databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.
• Flexible availability required, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, events, and community engagement activities.
• Comfort working around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Ability to complete Animal Friends animal handling training requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Hospitality, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Experience managing fundraising events, auctions, or community campaigns.
• Experience with donor databases and event registration software.
• Experience securing sponsorships and in-kind donations.
• Knowledge of volunteer management practices.
• Passion for animal welfare and nonprofit mission-driven work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of secondary fundraising events.
• Manage all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, catering, registration, signage, displays, printing, security, and event materials.
• Support the Chief Development Officer with planning and implementation of major organizational fundraising events.
• Develop event timelines, project plans, and budgets to ensure successful execution.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Coordinate and support fundraising events hosted by businesses, corporations, community groups, and individual supporters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, vendors, community partners, and event organizers.
• Provide guidance, resources, and support to third-party fundraisers to ensure successful and mission-aligned events.
• Steward community partners before, during, and after events to cultivate long-term relationships.
• Solicit and secure in-kind donations for raffles, auctions, and fundraising initiatives.
• Assist with sponsorship outreach, stewardship, and recognition efforts.
• Support fundraising goals through donor engagement and event participation strategies.
• Ensure event revenue and expenses are accurately tracked and documented.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers, interns, and support staff involved in events.
• Foster meaningful volunteer engagement that supports Animal Friends’ mission and event success.
• Help integrate volunteers into Development Department activities and initiatives.
• Maintain accurate event records, budgets, registrations, financial reports, and post-event documentation.
• Collaborate with Communications to coordinate marketing, promotional materials, event signage, and related creative projects.
• Handle cash, checks, and credit card transactions in accordance with Animal Friends’ financial control procedures.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Animal Friends’ programs, services, and organizational priorities.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off, holidays, and birthday pay
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
• Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
• Opportunities to build meaningful community relationships
• A mission-driven team and meaningful work that directly impacts animals and the people who care about them

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED