Director, Global Events & Strategic Initiatives

Freedom House; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer 8

Generous leave programs

Hybrid work culture with flexible days

Mental health & wellbeing services

Flexible spending accounts

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

Freedom House is seeking a dynamic Director, Events & Special Initiatives to lead the organization’s events strategy, drive donor engagement, and manage a portfolio of high-level events across the United States and abroad. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, you will oversee budgeting, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration to advance fundraising and visibility.

You will partner with development and communications to align messaging, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 8–12 years of experience in nonprofit development, event management, and/or external engagement roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading a portfolio of complex, high-level events with accountability for strategy, budgets, and senior stakeholders.
• Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to influence across teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an organization-wide events and special initiatives strategy.
• Lead full lifecycle of events (galas, fundraisers, convenings) from concept to completion.
• Manage budgets, vendors, and on-site execution.
• Advise executive leadership and set event priorities, timelines, and resource needs.
• Coordinate with development to cultivate donors and secure sponsorships.
• Plan and manage high-level events and engagement tied to campaigns and leadership travel.
• Collaborate with communications to promote events and maintain web presence.

Skills

Event leadership

Budget management

Vendor management

Donor engagement

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Project management tools

Job description

Freedom House is seeking a dynamic Director, Events & Special Initiatives to lead the organization’s events strategy, drive donor engagement, and manage a portfolio of high-level events across the United States and abroad. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, you will oversee budgeting, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration to advance fundraising and visibility.

You will partner with development and communications to align messaging, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement