Special Events Manager

DescriptionThe Manager of Special Events is responsible for the logistics management and execution of AKF's signature fundraising events including A Night Out: Supporting the Living Donor Assistance Program, the New York Golf Classic, A Pairing for Prevention, and supporting The Hope Affair gala. This position works closely with the Senior Director of Special Events and the Director of Special Events on these events. This position will be required to be in person at the office in Rockville, MD on average, once a week. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Manage all preparatory, on-site and administrative functions for signature events. Responsibilities include logistics, onsite coordination, marketing communications, development of timeline and planning documents, and assisting with event budgets and vendor contracts.Coordinate venue, catering, décor, entertainment, AV, parking/valet, and other vendor services. Attend venue walkthroughs and provide guidance on guest experience needs.Lead and communicate event timelines and production schedules.Fully participate in event-day execution. Serve as the main point of contact for vendors, staff and volunteers. Lead, manage, and support to ensure all aspects of the event run smoothly and efficiently. Support the Senior Director and Director of Special Events with the run-of-show and speaker management.Track event budget and ensure accurate invoice processing and accounting.Work with the Special Events, brand design and marketing teams on event communications, and ensure fulfillment of sponsor benefits. This includes, but is not limited to:Save the datesInvitations (printed and digital)Event remindersEvent programs and signage (printed and digital)Social media promotionsEvent recaps and thank you emails and lettersProvide direction, guidance and training to event staff and volunteers during events. Source hotel arrangements and provide travel guidance for staff. Oversee event registration table training and guest check-in.Attend all internal and committee meetings relating to the events.Support the Senior Director of Special Events in the management of The Hope Affair, serving as the secondary point of contact for vendors and guests.RequirementsEDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience. Must have a minimum of 2-4 years of demonstrated experience and success in event management, including cocktail receptions and fundraising events. Must have demonstrated experience working with caterers, production, A/V vendors, etc. as well as event budget management. Must have 1-2 years of experience in fundraising or working directly with donors.Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Strong project management abilities including decision-making and judgment skills and an innate sense of pace and urgency. Be able to anticipate, plan, prioritize and react to changing needs and situations with professionalism, integrity and diplomacy. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including a positive disposition, ability to work in a collaborative, team environment, while proactively pursuing individual portfolio. Ability to handle confidential matters with a high level of integrity. Interest in or experience in the health and patient-sector environment preferred. Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) as well as fundraising database software (Raisers Edge, Convio, or similar software). Ability to work some weekends and evenings is required. Some travel is required. The salary range displayed is for a successful candidate hired in the DMV area. The salary range may be adjusted to reflect cost of living factors for candidates living outside of this location.Employee benefits:In addition to your competitive salary, paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal days; health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance and disability coverages; and a generous matching 403(b) retirement plan, we'll shower you with perks, including:Culture: We ensure our team knows how much they are valued, as demonstrated by our Quality Work Environment (QWE) Task Force and employee-led recognition and social events throughout the year.Compressed work week: Start the weekend early with shorter workdays on Fridays-closing at 3 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day and 2 p.m. in the summer.Flexibility: Employees work from home most of the time with 1-4 days a month in the office.Clear expectations: You'll know what you need to do to succeed; annual raises and bonuses for all employees are based on your performance.Location: Convenient location and a short walk to the popular Pike and Rose shopping centerParking: Arrive and leave work comfortably, thanks to an underground parking garage whose monthly cost is paid for by AKF. Metro subsidies are provided for those who do not drive.Dress code: Business casual through the week and casual on Fridays.AKF offers a hybrid work schedule with employees working in the office 1-4 days per month and telework the rest of the time.

Created: 2026-04-02