Donor Events Lead & Engagement Architect

United Way of Great Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoo Knoxville seeks a Donor Events Manager to lead planning and execution of Zoofari and related donor events. You will manage calendars, vendor coordination, guest lists, and on-site logistics to ensure exceptional donor experiences.

In collaboration with the Vice President of Development, you will cultivate donor relationships, oversee production details, and coordinate post-event stewardship while maintaining accurate financial records and staying within budgets.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Minimum of BA/BS degree (Applicants may request a waiver of the four year degree requirement with significant relevant professional experience).
• Must have a positive and energetic personality.
• A strong affinity for the mission of Zoo Knoxville.
• Two years or more working in a development or advancement office preferred.
• At least three years professional experience demonstrating progressive responsibilities in development, event planning, public relations, communications or a related field.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or a similar donor database a plus.
• Flexible, detail-oriented, organized and ability to respond to multiple demands.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills including strong writing, editing and presentation abilities.
• Ability and willingness to work outside regular business hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and work collaboratively.
• Excellent computer skills including all Microsoft Office programs especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Acts with integrity, has high standards of professional conduct and honors confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Exemplify Zoo Knoxville’s core values through interactions with guests and fellow team members.
• Work with the Vice President of Development to execute strategies and responsibilities.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute a comprehensive calendar of donor cultivation, stewardship, recognition, and fundraising events, including Zoofari.
• Lead all aspects of event planning and execution, including concept development, timelines, logistics, vendor management, catering, décor, entertainment, audiovisual needs, and event production.
• Develop meaningful donor experiences that strengthen relationships and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with the Development team to identify event objectives, target audiences, cultivation strategies, and fundraising goals.
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and donor recognition to ensure benefits are delivered.
• Develop event timelines, production schedules, run-of-show documents, and contingency plans.
• Recruit, coordinate, and supervise volunteers and cross-functional staff.
• Work with other departments to ensure successful event planning and implementation.
• Evaluate event success and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Research trends in donor engagement and fundraising events to enhance donor experience.
• Maintain confidential donor information and records.
• Manage event contracts, invoices, and payments within budgets.
• Coordinate post-event stewardship activities and reporting.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and community partners.

Skills

Event planning & coordination

Donor relations & stewardship

Public relations & communications

Project management

Team leadership

Education

BA/BS degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Zoo Knoxville seeks a Donor Events Manager to lead planning and execution of Zoofari and related donor events. You will manage calendars, vendor coordination, guest lists, and on-site logistics to ensure exceptional donor experiences.

In collaboration with the Vice President of Development, you will cultivate donor relationships, oversee production details, and coordinate post-event stewardship while maintaining accurate financial records and staying within budgets.