Donor-Centric Philanthropy Events Leader

Science History; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Science History Institute is seeking a Philanthropy Events and Awards Manager in Philadelphia. This exempt role leads the donor-centric event portfolio, manages budgets, venues, and vendors, and serves as the primary contact for philanthropy events.

The position requires in-office attendance at least three days per week and reports to the Director of Philanthropy. Salary is $80,000 annually with potential for higher based on experience.

Qualifications

• Five+ years in event planning, awards, or program administration or related coordination work.
• Experience budgeting and negotiating with venues, caterers, and production vendors.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholder groups on a fixed calendar and meeting deadlines.
• Strong project-management and communication skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute donor-centric events and administer the awards program from nomination through ceremony.
• Oversee budgets, venues, vendors, and contracts; track expenses and variances.
• Coordinate invitations, registrations, seating, and day-of guest materials.
• Lead on-site event execution, vendor supervision, load-in/out, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with frontline fundraisers on guest lists, seating, and cultivation strategy.
• Manage travel, accommodations, and hospitality for honorees and VIPs.
• Coordinate post-event follow-ups and debriefs; document lessons learned.

Skills

Event planning

Awards experience

Relationship-driven coordination

Budget management

Vendor negotiation

Committee coordination

Project management

Communication skills

Donor hospitality

Confidentiality

Teamwork

CRM/databases

MS Office

Zoom

Project-management software

Schedule flexibility

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Zoom

Project-management software

Job description

Science History Institute is seeking a Philanthropy Events and Awards Manager in Philadelphia. This exempt role leads the donor-centric event portfolio, manages budgets, venues, and vendors, and serves as the primary contact for philanthropy events.

The position requires in-office attendance at least three days per week and reports to the Director of Philanthropy. Salary is $80,000 annually with potential for higher based on experience.