Special Events Manager

Marie Curie UK; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in the UK is seeking a Special Events Manager to drive high-value fundraising events, contributing over £2.1 million annually. This hybrid role based in Edinburgh or Glasgow demands proven event management skills, outstanding communication abilities, and creative thinking. Join a team passionate about making a difference through exceptional event delivery. Enjoy benefits including flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and a supportive environment that champions inclusion and diversity.

Benefits

Flexible working

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme matching

Loan schemes

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in event management, ideally within fundraising.
• Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple events.
• Confident in building relationships and engaging audiences.
• Strong negotiation skills to secure gifts in kind.

Responsibilities

• Leading committee-led and special events to create exceptional experiences.
• Managing event budgets and maximising income through creative fundraising.
• Building strong relationships with volunteers and external partners.
• Creating promotional materials that reflect the brand and values.

Skills

Event management experience

Outstanding communication skills

Budget management

Creative thinking

Job description

Company Description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end‑of‑life charity. We are the largest non‑NHS provider of end‑of‑life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end‑of‑life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

As our Special Events Manager, you’ll be the creative force behind a dazzling calendar of high‑value committee and corporate events, each one bringing people together and helping us raise over £2.1 million every year for an incredible cause. If you thrive on energy, love seeing ideas come to life, and want your work to truly matter, this role puts you centre stage.

We’re looking for someone who’s as confident behind the scenes as they are in the spotlight. You’ll be highly organised, a brilliant communicator, and fuelled by the buzz of fundraising. From planning to delivery, you’ll make every event seamless, inspiring and unforgettable.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading a portfolio of exciting, committee‑led and special events, delivering exceptional experiences for our supporters
• Providing expert operational and administrative support for cultivation and stewardship events
• Championing excellence through meticulous planning, strong stakeholder engagement and best‑practice event delivery
• Managing event budgets, maximising income and controlling costs through creative fundraising and strategic partnerships
• Building strong relationships with committees, volunteers and external partners, bringing Marie Curie’s mission to life
• Collaborating on innovative event ideas, securing gifts in kind and negotiating the best value with venues and suppliers
• Driving the creation of high‑quality promotional materials that reflect our brand and values
• Attending special events across the UK and playing an active role in our vibrant, supportive fundraising team

Role

To shine in this role, you’ll bring energy, creativity and a strong track record of delivering brilliant events. You’ll also have:

• Proven experience in event management, ideally within fundraising, charity, or a fast‑paced, stakeholder‑led environment
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines and priorities without missing the detail
• Outstanding communication skills, confident in building relationships and engaging audiences both in writing and face‑to‑face
• Strong budget management experience, with the ability to maximise income, control costs and demonstrate value for money
• A collaborative approach, working effectively with committees, volunteers, colleagues and external partners
• Negotiation and influencing skills, enabling you to secure gifts in kind and achieve the best outcomes with suppliers and venues
• Creative thinking, bringing fresh ideas to events while maintaining high standards and brand consistency
• A genuine passion for fundraising and making a difference, aligned with Marie Curie’s values and mission

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (due to the festive period, we aim to get back to successful candidates w/c Monday 5th January 2026)

Salary

£36,900 – £41,000 (depending on experience)

Contract

Full time, permanent

Based

Hybrid role, based in Edinburgh or Glasgow Hospice

Benefits You’ll LOVE

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry‑leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Additional Information

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one. We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. We’re happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to [email protected]