Events Specialist

International Crane Foundation; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

International Crane Foundation (ICF) in Wisconsin is seeking an experienced Events Specialist to plan and execute mission-driven events that increase public awareness, strengthen donor relationships, and generate philanthropic support.

This full-time role offers an annual salary of $52,000-$56,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package; work from home two to three days per week; Monday to Friday with occasional evenings and weekends for events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Communications, or related field OR equivalent work experience.
• At least two years of event planning or project management experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with event or CRM tools.
• Nonprofit fundraising experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, planning, and execution of ICF's annual event strategy.
• Coordinate vendors, contracts, budgets, timelines, staffing plans, and on-site support.
• Advance donor engagement strategies and fundraising objectives while maintaining brand standards.
• Recruit and manage volunteers and staff; coordinate branded displays and outreach materials.
• Manage Speaker's Bureau requests and logistics.

Skills

Event planning

Project management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

CRM tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Zoom

Job description

Join the International Crane Foundation (ICF) and help create experiences that connect people with crane conservation around the world and our commitment to a world where cranes, people, and our natural heritage thrive together . Since 1973, ICF has worked across continents through science, education, and partnerships to ensure the survival of these majestic birds . We are seeking a detail-oriented and creative Events Specialist to plan and execute mission-driven events that increase public awareness, strengthen donor relationships, and generate critical philanthropic support. Whether an event is in person or virtual, you will help ensure that every experience reflects ICF's values, brand, and mission.

This full-time position offers an annual salary of $52,000-$56,000 and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) with employer contributions; generous paid time off ; and additional benefits that support work-life balance and well-being . Our global headquarters, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin , is surrounded by restored native prairies and mature woods. This role provides the opportunity to work from home two to three days per week . The typical schedule is Monday through Friday during normal business hours; occasional evening and weekend work is required for events.

As the Events Specialist , you will lead the development, planning, and execution of ICF's annual event strategy and serve as an internal expert for program staff, department managers, and senior leaders. I n collaboration with colleagues across the organization , you will create meaningful in-person and virtual experiences that advance donor engagement strategies and fundraising objective s while maintaining organizational brand standards. You will coordinate essential event logistics , including vendors, contracts, budgets, timelines, staffing plans, and on-site support, and use post-event data to recommend strategic adjustments that improve return on investment and participant experiences. You will also recruit and manage volunteers and staff, coordinate branded displays and outreach materials, and manage Speaker's Bureau requests logistics .

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who brings expertise in event strategy, logistics , and relationship management. You must have a bachelor's degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field - or equivalent work experience - and at least two years of event planning or project management experience, preferably in a nonprofit or fundraising environment. Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with familiarity with event or CRM tools and intermediate proficiency in technology programs like Microsoft Office, Teams, and Zoom . A valid U.S. driver's license and acceptable driving record is also required .