Events Manager & Donor Engagement Lead

The Faith & Belief Forum; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity focused on inclusion is seeking an Event Manager to lead the planning and delivery of major events aimed at celebrating community diversity in London. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in event management, particularly in engaging major donors. This role involves budget management, collaboration with teams and partners, and ensuring high-quality service delivery. Flexible hours and remote working are available, with 25 days annual leave and volunteer leave included.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Remote working opportunities

Support and coaching for skill development

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in delivering large-scale, impactful events.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead successful delivery of major events in the F&BF calendar.
• Manage event budgets within financial limits.
• Build relationships with sponsors and stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Event planning

Donor engagement

Communication

Team management

Job description

Role overview

F&BF will be delivering celebration events in 2026-2027 that are bigger and more ambitious than ever. We are looking for an Event Manager to be the engine driver for visioning, planning, and delivering these on time, within budget, and to an extremely high standard. This role demands someone who can deliver events that cater to and attract participation from London’s diverse faith communities and would suit someone committed to F&BF’s values of connection over division and meaningful inclusion and celebration of those from different backgrounds. Our upcoming events programme will involve both celebration and fundraising events – the former, reaching and celebrating London communities; and the latter, engaging high net‑worth donors and securing long‑term, high‑level support for the organisation. Because of this, experience in engaging and securing major donors is essential. This role requires line management of existing members of the F&BF staff and volunteers and working well with existing, and securing new, partners.

Job Description

All activities will be undertaken in collaboration with the Communities Team and with delivery and sponsorship partners.

Delivery of Events

To lead on the successful delivery of three major events in the F&BF calendar

Interfaith Wellbeing Festival (June 2026, London)

10th Anniversary of the Dangoor Awards (Oct 2026, London)

F&BF’s 30th Anniversary gala event (Early 2027, London)

Manage event budgets, ensuring events are delivered efficiently and within financial limits.

Ensure compliance with health and safety, insurance, and legal regulations throughout the event cycle.

Review current processes and approaches to event management and update these as necessary.

Review and update event timelines and work schedules to ensure they are achievable within the timeframes.

To perform administrative and logistical tasks using agreed process and conventions including planning, activity / event delivery.

To observe delivery to ensure quality control (where appropriate).

Impact and Evaluation

Review, develop, and update processes for monitoring and evaluating the impact and reach of events.

Establish key indicators for success and metrics for measurement for each event.

Report on event delivery and share insights which can inform decision making and spending going forwards.

Line Management

Work closely and supportively to develop those you manage in line with F&BF approaches and policies.

Manage schedules and workloads flexibly to ensure those you manage are able to perform well and thrive in their roles.

Implement performance management processes where needed

Develop your management skills and grow your abilities to manage and support those around you.

Communication and Stakeholder Relations

Collaborate with colleagues to devise the vision for each event and convey this effectively to sponsors and partners.

Build and nurture relationships with suppliers, sponsors, volunteers, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth event delivery.

Work with partners to develop and implement multi‑channel marketing campaigns to promote events and ensure high attendance at public events.

Support the Communities Team in connecting with local faith groups and leaders to build long‑term networks.

Clearly and inclusively communicate the Faith & Belief Forum’s vision and values to all stakeholders.

Major Donor Engagement

Work with the CEO and other colleagues to develop a major donor engagement plan.

Support the CEO to understand the needs of major donors and help develop proposals, pitches and meeting preparation.

Help develop new leads and identify opportunities as they arise.

Propose new ways of engaging major donors and high net‑worths in line with their needs and priorities.

General

Support the organisation’s aims and contribute to a positive, inclusive working environment, including upholding our values of inclusion, fairness and a commitment to diversity and justice in all tasks.

Suggest ideas for improving work and strengthening relationships with faith groups and community partners.

Participate in team planning, learning, and reflection activities to develop your skills and improve project delivery.

Undertaking other initiatives necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the work of the organisation.

Organisational strategic goals

To equip more learners with the skills and tools they need to handle and influence relations between different faiths and beliefs.

To generate stronger community‑based movement, with youth at the forefront.

To project the voices of those we support and the impact of our partnership with them.

Person Specification

This role would suit someone who is excited about planning and delivering key events; someone who thrives in getting things done under tight deadlines and whilst overseeing many complex moving parts. It requires someone who is good at managing people, and who is enthusiastic and able to motivate and support a team to work together. Ideally we are looking for someone who can inspire people with a well‑devised and well‑communicated vision for each event. We require the successful post holder to have experience in engaging major donors and to know what it takes to plan and deliver a successful high‑level fundraising event. We realise interfaith work is quite niche so other forms of event management experience would be very welcome – so long as you are committed to our vision, can prioritise our values of inclusion and representation in the event delivery, and are open to learning how we do things, please do apply even if your experience is outside of the faith, interfaith or charity sector.

Essential experience and competencies

5 years+ experience in delivering large‑scale, high quality and impactful events.

Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.

Experience in managing and management good practice

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in engaging supporters and suppliers.

Financially literate with experience monitoring, managing and reporting on loose budgets.

Creative, proactive, and solutions‑focused with a collaborative approach to team working.

Essential traits and characteristics

Ability to work sensitively and constructively with people from different backgrounds.

Committed to delivering events in line with F&BF’s values.

Professional, flexible and comfortable dealing with stakeholders at all levels.

Proactive, enthusiastic, good at motivating and managing others and bringing people on board to your vision.

Strong attention to detail, ensuring nothing gets missed.

Ability to thrive under pressure and work to tight deadlines

Committed to F&BF’s vision and mission and excited by bringing people of different backgrounds together.

Other

Willingness to travel across London, including working outside core hours and weekends (TOIL is available).

Benefits include

Flexibility around working hours and schedule

Opportunity to work mainly remotely from home (occasional travel to London will be required).

25 days annual leave (pro rata).

2 days paid volunteer leave (pro rata).

Interfaith and intercultural learning opportunities.

Regular support and coaching to help develop your skills.

Access to internal learning sessions on topics relevant to our sector.