Event Manager

USA Cares, Inc.; Louisville (KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

USA Cares, Inc. is seeking an Events Manager to oversee planning and execution of fundraising and community engagement events, including the Annual Gala and regional activities.

The role focuses on event strategy, budgeting, sponsorships, logistics, vendor management, and performance evaluation to support post-9/11 veterans and their families. The position requires strong leadership, budget discipline, and collaboration across Development, Communications, Programs, and Finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, Marketing, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
• Equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Three to five years of fundraising, nonprofit or community events experience.
• Experience budgeting, fundraising goals, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of major USA Cares events from concept through completion.
• Provide guidance to chapters and build relationships with community organizations and partners.
• Identify and cultivate sponsors, establish fundraising goals, and manage sponsor relationships.
• Lead event committees and coordinate volunteers.
• Develop and monitor event budgets, negotiate contracts, and manage vendors.
• Partner with Communications to promote events across channels while maintaining branding.
• Track event performance and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with Development, Programs, Finance, and leadership to ensure success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Sponsorship

Vendor management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Event Management or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Eventbrite

Microsoft Office

Bloomerang

Job description

The Events Manager leads the planning and execution of USA Cares' fundraising and community engagement events, helping increase awareness, strengthen relationships, and generate revenue to support post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families.

This position oversees signature events, including the Annual Gala, Groundhog Day Breakfast, and Golf Classics, while supporting chapter-led events nationwide. The Events Manager is responsible for event strategy, budgeting, sponsorships, logistics, vendor relationships, and overall event performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Planning & Execution: Lead the planning and execution of major USA Cares events from concept through completion, including timelines, logistics, venues, registration, guest experience, and on-site coordination.
• Chapter & Community Support: Provide guidance and resources to chapters conducting events and build relationships with community organizations, businesses, and partners.
• Sponsorship & Fundraising: Identify and cultivate sponsors and community partners, establish fundraising goals, manage sponsor relationships, and ensure sponsorship commitments are fulfilled with the help of the Development Team and Staff.
• Committee & Volunteer Management: Lead event committees and coordinate volunteers to support fundraising, event operations, and guest experience.
• Budget & Vendor Management: Develop and monitor event budgets, track revenue and expenses, negotiate contracts, and manage vendors and service providers.
• Marketing & Communications: Partner with Communications to promote events through digital, social media, print, and other marketing channels while ensuring consistent USA Cares branding.
• Evaluation & Reporting: Track event performance, including attendance, revenue, expenses, sponsorships, and engagement, and provide recommendations for future improvement.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with Development, Communications, Programs, Finance, Executive Leadership, chapters, and external partners to ensure successful events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Business, Marketing, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience planning and executing fundraising, nonprofit, corporate, or community events preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing event budgets, fundraising goals, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers.
• Experience managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership, project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage budgets and make sound financial decisions.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and manage projects from beginning to end.
• Ability to remain professional and solution-oriented in high-pressure situations.
• Passion for the mission of USA Cares and supporting post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with CRM and event management platforms such as Salesforce, Bloomerang, Eventbrite, or similar systems preferred.
• Familiarity with fundraising, email marketing, and social media platforms preferred.
• Proficiency with Auctria, One Cause, and other event planning software.

This position is primarily office-based with regular travel to local and regional events, meetings, and community activities. Regular work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. USA Cares currently operates on a hybrid schedule, with employees working remotely on Fridays, subject to business needs, departmental requirements, and supervisory approval. This schedule is subject to change at the organization's discretion.

Due to the critical planning, coordination, and execution responsibilities associated with the Annual Gala, the Events Manager is expected to be available and may not schedule or take planned time off during the two weeks immediately preceding the Annual Gala or the one-week period immediately following the Annual Gala. Exceptions may be considered for emergencies or other circumstances at the discretion of management. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for major events and community initiatives.

USA Cares is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. USA Cares is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.