Donor Engagement & Philanthropy Events Lead

Tennessee Aquarium; College Station (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Aquarium is seeking a Philanthropy Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of all fundraising events, including the signature event, and to cultivate donor engagement through creative concepts and strong stewardship.

You will work with the events team and other departments to coordinate logistics, track performance, and identify opportunities to grow revenue while upholding the mission of the organization.

Qualifications

• College degree in a related field required (Non-Profit Management, Public Administration, Communications/Public Relations, Business Administration/Management, Fundraising, Event Management, or a related field).
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in event planning, fundraising events, nonprofit development, or a related field, with demonstrated experience independently managing complex events.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of all philanthropy events, including the Tennessee Aquarium’s signature event, as well as cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship events.
• Manage fundraising events from concept through post-event evaluation, including timelines, budgets, vendors, contracts, guest lists and registration, invitations, sponsorship fulfillment, fundraising components, event materials, run-of-show documents, on-site execution, and follow-up.
• Identify strategies to maintain and grow fundraising revenue, including sponsorships, event partnerships, ancillary fundraising opportunities, and new or expanded fundraising concepts.
• Collaborate with the Aquarium’s events team and other departments to coordinate space, food and beverage, production, inventory, staffing, guest experience, and other logistical requirements.
• Maintain and communicate the annual philanthropy event calendar. Track event revenue, expenses, attendance, sponsorship performance, and other key measures to evaluate performance.
• Perform other duties and support philanthropy initiatives as needed to advance departmental and organizational fundraising goals.

Skills

Excellent communication

Independent event management

Organizational skills

Relationship management

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Tech proficiency

Education

College degree in a related field

2+ years event planning experience

Tools

CRM software

Database systems

Job description

The Tennessee Aquarium is seeking a Philanthropy Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of all fundraising events, including the signature event, and to cultivate donor engagement through creative concepts and strong stewardship.

You will work with the events team and other departments to coordinate logistics, track performance, and identify opportunities to grow revenue while upholding the mission of the organization.