Events Manager

WQED Multimedia; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

WQED Multimedia seeks a passionate Events Manager to oversee community events that enhance engagement and fundraising efforts. The role requires a dynamic individual with 5+ years of event planning experience, strong project management skills, and a commitment to local media. This hybrid position is primarily office-based in Pittsburgh.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in event planning and production, especially in nonprofit or media sectors.
• Proven track record managing multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong budgeting and negotiation skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, produce and manage a year-round calendar of mission-driven events.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective event outcomes.
• Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses and ROI.

Skills

Project Management

Event Production

Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Tools

Event Management Platforms

Microsoft Office

Job description

About WQED Multimedia

WQED Multimedia champions our region by sharing stories and creating experiences that educate, entertain, and inspire our neighbors across Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Seventy years ago, we launched the nation’s first community-supported television station—a bold experiment that helped shape what would later become the Public Broadcasting Service. Fifty years ago, we opened what’s now one of the few remaining classical radio stations. Today, as we look ahead, we are evolving beyond our legacy as a broadcaster to become a go-to resource for community enrichment through storytelling and education.

WQED stands at a pivotal moment. Our legacy lives in the hearts of Pittsburghers who grew up with Fred Rogers and remember his timeless messages of kindness and imagination. While we continue to honor his legacy, we also recognize that media—and how people engage with it—has dramatically changed.

We are reintroducing WQED to a new generation of Pittsburghers—those who know us, and those who are just discovering us. Our mission is to showcase the stories and voices that make our communities unique, reflecting the richness of our region through compelling content that meaningfully connects both neighbors and neighborhoods. That means expanding our reach, amplifying new voices, and connecting with audiences across Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods, Allegheny and surrounding counties, and the world.

We are seeking passionate individuals who believe in the importance, power and potential of sustainable local media and who are energized by the opportunity to reimagine WQED’s role as a champion for our region—and as a national model for innovation in content and community impact.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of community events that amplify our mission, better connect neighbors and neighborhoods, and support fundraising and audience engagement goals. The ideal candidate will have a passion for storytelling, local media, and community impact, along with strong event production experience.

This is a hybrid role that’s expected to commute to and contribute from WQED’s offices in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh three days per week. The annual compensation band for this full-time position is $50,000 to $65,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, produce, and manage a year-round calendar of mission-driven events including fundraisers, donor cultivation forums, program premieres, community festivals, panel discussions, screenings, and educational events.
• Collaborate with internal teams (production, marketing, development, education) to ensure effective outcomes.
• Lead all aspects of event logistics: venue selection, catering, AV, permits, contracts, run-of-show, volunteer coordination, and guest experience.
• Develop and manage event budgets; track expenses and ROI; negotiate vendor contracts for cost-effective, high-impact results.
• Work with the development and the partnership solutions teams to ensure events support donor engagement and stewardship strategies; assist with fundraising appeals and sponsor recognition at events.
• Coordinate event marketing and communication efforts, including invitations, press releases, signage, social media, and post-event coverage.
• Maintain and analyze metrics to measure success and inform future strategy (e.g., attendance, engagement, donations, media coverage).
• Stay current on industry trends and bring creativity to enhance audience engagement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in event planning and production, preferably in nonprofit, media, arts, or education sectors.
• Proven track record of managing multiple events simultaneously, from concept to completion.
• Experience with promotional events where attendance numbers are critical to success.
• Strong project management, budgeting, and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders including donors, corporate sponsors, artists, and community members.
• Comfort working cross-functionally and adapting in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management platforms (e.g., Eventbrite, Airtable, Salesforce, etc.).
• A flexible schedule with availability for occasional evening and weekend events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

WQED Multimedia is a fair and equal employer, providing access and opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, self-expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law and as directed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. WQED Multimedia provides equitable consideration for employment for qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements. Qualified applicants with a disability or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply (as a result of their disability) have the right to request reasonable accommodation by emailing [e-mail].