Event Manager

Besa; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Besa is seeking an Event Manager to lead community-focused events. This role requires exceptional planning, coordination, and communication skills to ensure successful volunteer experiences that align with Besa's mission of community service. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in Central Ohio.

Benefits

Generous PTO policy

Flexible hybrid work environment

Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision

Participation in volunteering activities

Team retreats

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing events with attention to detail.
• Experience engaging volunteers positively.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute community programs and events from start to finish.
• Lead meetings with partners and stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Organize internal committees and delegate tasks effectively.

Skills

Event Planning

Volunteer Coordination

Communication

Leadership

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Monday

Mailchimp

Google Drive

Canva

Microsoft Office

Job description

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This range is provided by Besa. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$55,000.00/yr - $65,000.00/yr

Additional compensation types

Annual Bonus

Position Title: Events Manager

Work Location: Columbus, OH; Hybrid Flexibility

Employment/FLSA Status: Full-Time/Exempt

Reports To: Senior Director of Advancement

Salary Range:$55,000 - $65,000/yr. + bonus opportunity

About Besa

Besa is on a mission to transform the volunteer experience by bringing the community together in meaningful, impactful ways. Besa is an Albanian term that means "to keep the promise," and more than a decade into its work, Besa is keeping its promise to Central Ohio. Since launching in 2012, our agency has rallied 98,000 volunteers, giving 235,000 hours through 15,000 service projects, and it has facilitated $110M in community impact. This mission extends beyond numbers; it's about strengthening the very fabric of our community. By connecting individuals with opportunities to give back, Besa fosters a sense of unity, compassion, and shared responsibility. Through these collective efforts, we address immediate needs, build lasting relationships, and contribute to the overall well-being and resilience of our community.

About the Role

This year, Besa will manage nearly 2,000 volunteer experiences across Central Ohio and beyond. In addition to our curated programming with nonprofit and business partners, Besa also leads large-scale, community-wide events—some attracting hundreds or even thousands of volunteers to champion meaningful causes. These include signature experiences like MLK Day of Service, The Big Table, and citywide supply drives such as our WISH holiday program.

The Events Manager is responsible for leading these high-impact events and supporting other key programming that showcases the scale and diversity of Besa’s work. In this role, you’ll deliver exceptional experiences for volunteers, partners, and the broader community—ensuring every event reflects Besa’s commitment to meaningful service and connection. Your work will bring people together in powerful, purposeful ways—and deepen our collective impact across the region.

Primary Responsibilities

Plan and execute mid- to large-scale community programs and events, overseeing all aspects from planning through execution. Responsibilities include:

• Lead regular meetings with partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to align on budget, timeline, strategy, and scope.
• Maintain a database of events and performance metrics, including post-event hindsighting and reporting.
• Organize and lead internal Besa event committees, effectively delegating tasks to ensure seamless coordination.
• Collaborate on event marketing, communications, and volunteer recruitment—working closely with the Marketing team and relevant committees to support success.
• Serve as the on-site lead for events, ensuring smooth and professional execution.
• Support key partner initiatives, including days of service and related volunteer activations.
• Build and strengthen relationships by participating in Besa events, fundraisers, and community gatherings to expand our network and advance Besa’s mission.
• Contribute to additional projects and responsibilities as needed to support Besa’s evolving goals and team-wide collaboration.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Proven track record of planning and managing mid- to large-scale events with precision, strong organization, and attention to detail.
• Brings experience coordinating and engaging volunteers in a thoughtful and positive way.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both in writing and in conversation.
• Exhibits leadership, professionalism, and a collaborative spirit—with optimism and enthusiasm.
• Approaches challenges with creativity and a commitment to high-touch service, remaining responsive to partners and teammates.
• Excels at time management and thrives under tight deadlines.
• Comfortable creating, managing, and staying within budgets.
• Proficient in using technology, including Monday, Mailchimp, Google Drive, Canva, and Microsoft Office.
• Committed to the mission of Besa and a strong desire to contribute to positive change in the world.

To succeed in this role, the individual must effectively perform each essential duty. The physical demands and work environment outlined below are representative of those encountered while fulfilling the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be arranged for individuals with disabilities.

• Regularly use a computer and engage with co-workers in both office and virtual environments.
• Frequently stand or sit to complete work, with occasional lifting and movement of up to 40 pounds.
• Reliable transportation is required due to occasional local travel, including a valid Ohio Driver’s license.
• Responsible for providing a phone and ensuring an adequate workspace for completing all work.

Why Besa

At Besa, our unwavering commitment to our mission is the heartbeat of our organization. We hold these core values close to our hearts, and we seek team members who share in this ethos:

• Lead with Heart: We approach every situation with empathy, open hearts and open minds. We support our teammates internally as passionately as we support others externally. We empower each other to do good work and enthusiastically roll up our sleeves to dive in at any level needed.
• Be Fearless: We think forward, welcome ideas, and remain solutions-focused. Driven by curiosity and independent thinking, we take risks and stay agile. Accountability is key in our pursuit to innovate without fear of failure, as every setback teaches us something valuable, prompting necessary changes and growth.
• Bring People Together: We value human connection and strive to strengthen and inspire it through people and technology. Our collaborative culture is driven by a strong sense of community, fostering open communication with love and respect. We believe in the power of working together to achieve the greater good.
• Serve with Kindness: We are present, actively listening, and genuinely caring in every interaction. By embracing our best, most authentic selves and providing a sense of purpose, we foster a positive environment. We do this with joy, striving daily to be the good—together, and inspiring others to join us in our mission.

Joining Besa means embracing these core values, contributing to a mission-driven environment, and being part of a team that seeks to make a positive impact on the world, one connection at a time.

What We Offer

Joining Besa comes with a range of benefits aimed at supporting your well-being, professional growth, and alignment with our mission:

• Energetic and collaborative team environment passionately dedicated to our mission of doing good.
• Flexible hybrid work environment that values work-life balance
• Award-winning entrepreneurial nonprofit making a positive impact.
• Headquarters located in Columbus, Ohio's Brewery District, within a collaborative and inspiring workspace.
• Generous PTO policy, Summer Fridays, and an additional 10 paid holidays.
• Competitive medical, dental and vision benefits, along with retirement and short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Participate in volunteering activities, team retreats, and immerse yourself in a vibrant company culture.

Besa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace. While this job description is designed to represent the job requirements, additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or changed at any time with or without notice. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship and will undergo a criminal background check prior to hire.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

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