Development Events Manager

Careers Homepage; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, LA, seeks a Development Events Manager to lead department marketing, manage the Auction and third‑party revenue, and guide staff and volunteer event committees. You will provide hands‑on fundraising and donor event support, as well as plan member events, exhibit openings, and press conferences as needed.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, 3+ years in fundraising or event production, and strong organizational and writing skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years full‑time volunteer management, fundraising, or event production experience.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead department marketing efforts and manage Auction and third-party revenue.
• Manage event committees, donor relations, and stewardship activities.
• Provide hands-on fundraising and donor event support, including member events and press conferences.

Skills

Volunteer management

Fundraising

Event production

Donor relations

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Google Workspace

Job description

Position Title: Development Events Manager

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Development Events

Location: Audubon Zoo

FLSA Status: Exempt

Date Revised: 7/21/2026

Position Type: Full Time, Exempt

Who We Are

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do

This full-time position is responsible for leading department marketing efforts, managing the Auction and third-party revenue, leading staff and volunteer event committees and soliciting in‑kind donations. The Development Events Manager will provide hands‑on support with fundraising and donor events, and member events as well as exhibit openings and press conferences as needed.

Day to Day Responsibilities

Committee Relations and Support

• Manage event committees, including but not limited to: Auction, Restaurant, and Office Support.
• Cultivate positive relationships with donors, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors, ensuring they feel valued, informed, and recognised for their contributions.
• Provide exceptional stewardship through timely communication, follow‑up, and recognition.

Event Marketing Management

• Lead Development Events marketing efforts in partnership with the Marketing team.
• Lead the Printed Materials process including copy drafting and collaborating on creative design in conjunction with our in‑house graphics team.
• Collaborate on development of comprehensive marketing plans that include social media, print, digital advertising, public relations, email marketing, and website content to ensure all sponsor benefits are fulfilled.
• Oversee ticket sales platform build, reporting, and website integration to maximise sales and provide accurate tracking.

Revenue Generation

• Manage the Zoo‑To‑Do Auction Committee and oversee the solicitation, tracking, procurement, and acknowledgement of auction donations.
• Develop compelling auction package descriptions and website content that maximise bidder engagement and revenue.
• Manage event‑related third‑party fundraising initiatives, including featured jewellery partnerships, and identify opportunities to develop additional event‑based revenue streams.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage departmental finances in collaboration with Development Operations includes purchase card reconciliation, purchase orders, check requests, invoices, and other accounting documentation.
• Prepare donor, vendor, and volunteer correspondence, solicitation packets, and mail merges.

Event Production Support

• Assist Development Events Team in executing high quality Fundraising and Donor events.
• Partner with Audubon's Volunteer Department and internal staff to recruit, schedule, and manage volunteers for each event.
• Provide hands‑on support during event setup, execution, and breakdown, including availability during peak planning periods on event weekends or evenings as required.
• Assist with post-event wrap‑up, inventory management, and maintaining the organisation and cleanliness of event storage areas, office spaces, and event venues.

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Thrive in a team environment, using your organisational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics and the Donor Bill of Rights.

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves: (required for the role)

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three years full‑time volunteer management, fundraising, or event production experience preferred.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and writing skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Google Workspace
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.

Nice‑to‑Haves: (preferred for the role)

• Experience in volunteer management
• Versed with Canva with a creative eye
• Sales Experience
• Knowledge of Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge database software or similar CRM

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary Work: exerting up to 40 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. May involve sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing extended periods of time during events and set‑up.
• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
• Regular talking and the ability to express and exchange ideas by means of language expected.
• Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
• Constant ability to read, record, or type data quickly and accurately required.