Events Manager - Major Fundraising Events

Cerebral Palsy Alliance; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meal entertainment card

Flexible hours

Parental leave

Well-being allowance

Gym membership

Employee Assistance

Referral bonus

Job summary

Cerebral Palsy Alliance is seeking an experienced Events Manager to lead the end-to-end planning and delivery of significant fundraising events in Sydney. You will work with event committees, sponsors and partners to align fundraising strategy with operational delivery, from budgets to on-site execution.

Join a collaborative team and play a key role in driving growth while prioritising guest experience, risk management and staff coordination across major events.

Qualifications

• At least five years' demonstrated experience managing complex events with multiple workstreams.
• Strong project management, budgeting, forecasting and revenue target experience.
• Excellent stakeholder and relationship management, communication, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning, delivery and evaluation of complex, high-value fundraising events.
• Develop fundraising plans, budgets, timelines, run sheets and operational docs.
• Build relationships with event committees, sponsors, partners, supporters, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Source, negotiate with venues, production partners and suppliers to meet event requirements.
• Lead on-site operations, manage teams, suppliers and volunteers for exceptional guest experiences.
• Manage communications, registrations and CRM data, and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Event management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting & forecasting

Project planning

Tools

Cvent

CRM systems

Job description

Join Cerebral Palsy Alliance and use your event expertise to create exceptional experiences that generate meaningful income and impact for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities.

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Events Manager to lead the delivery of some of CPA's most significant fundraising events, working in close partnership with established event committees. You will join a collaborative team of event specialists with a strong portfolio, valued corporate and community relationships, and ambitious plans for growth.

This is an opportunity to make a positive difference while continuing to grow your career as part of our alliance of great minds. Our shared values are Passionate, Respectful, Ethical, Curious and Courageous.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Events, you will manage the end-to-end planning and delivery of a portfolio of complex, high-value fundraising events. You'll work closely with event committees, corporate partners, sponsors, supporters, suppliers and volunteers to bring every element together, from fundraising strategy and budgets through to guest management, operational planning and on-site delivery.

This is a varied and hands-on role for someone who enjoys taking ownership. You'll also support the broader Events team during peak periods, particularly on-site at major events, while managing competing priorities with a calm, organised and solutions-focused approach.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end planning, delivery and evaluation of complex, high-value fundraising events.
• Develop fundraising, engagement and project plans, including budgets, timelines, run sheets and operational documentation.
• Build strong relationships with event committees, sponsors, corporate partners, supporters, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Source, negotiate with and manage venues, production partners and suppliers, ensuring agreed deliverables and event requirements are met.
• Lead on-site event operations, managing teams, suppliers and volunteers while ensuring an exceptional guest experience and proactively managing risks.
• Manage event communications, registration and online fundraising platforms, maintain accurate CRM data and contribute to continuous improvement across the Events portfolio.

About you

You are an experienced event professional who combines exceptional attention to detail with confidence, warmth and strong relationship skills.

You take personal ownership of your work and collaborate easily with others. You can move comfortably between strategic conversations with senior stakeholders and the detailed operational work required to deliver an outstanding event.

You will bring:

• At least five years' demonstrated experience managing complex events and multiple concurrent workstreams.
• Strong project management, organisation and attention to detail, with experience managing budgets, forecasting and revenue targets.
• Strong stakeholder, relationship management, communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Experience sourcing and managing venues, production partners, suppliers and event delivery teams.
• A solutions-focused approach, with the ability to identify risks, make sound decisions and remain responsive during intensive event periods.
• Experience using CRM, event registration or online fundraising platforms, with availability for interstate travel and some work outside standard hours when required.
• Experience using Cvent and previous people leadership experience.

Working for CPA offers you exceptional remuneration & benefits

• Access to a tax-free meal, entertainment & venue benefit card valued at $2,650 per year
• Flexible ways of working - compressed hours, working from home options, flexibility surrounding hours
• 12 weeks paid parental leave and 2 weeks paid partner leave
• 2 additional leave days each year
• $100 per year well-being allowance that you can use to enhance your wellbeing (eg: purchase sports equipment, have a massage, take a meditation class, the choice is yours)
• Discounted gym membership for you and your family, using Fitness Passport
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Employee Referral Bonus Program, where you can be generously rewarded for referring a friend that joins CPA.

Our Values

At Cerebral Palsy Alliance we champion diversity and equitable opportunities for people with disabilities and lived experience, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and the LGBTQIA+ community.

We are passionate, respectful, ethical, curious and courageous. Great Minds Think Differently.

Ready to Join Us?

We are committed to supporting inclusivity for anyone with diverse needs and lived experience. Workplace adjustments can be discussed to create a safe and comfortable workplace that supports your health, abilities, and personal needs.

More information about working for CPA:

For the safety of staff and clients we have assessed that this role requires a low level of physical functionality.

Cerebral Palsy Alliance upholds and advocates for the rights of clients, we are a child safe organisation and all workers must adhere to the NDIS Worker Code of Conduct.