MANAGER, EVENT & ENGAGEMENT

Sanford Burnham Prebys; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare

403(b) match employer

Paid holidays

On-site parking

Wellness programs

Job summary

Sanford Burnham Prebys seeks a Philanthropy and Engagement Events Manager to plan, execute, and assess fundraising events that advance the organization’s mission and donor relationships. You will lead signature events, collaborate with leadership and volunteers, and oversee budgets, content, and program experiences to deliver memorable donor engagement outcomes.

This on-site role in San Diego offers the chance to shape the Institute’s event strategy while working with a diverse team across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five to seven years in event planning and management; philanthropy event experience preferred.
• California driver’s license and automobile insurance required.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans for signature fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Lead event planning: timelines, budgets, venues, vendors, registration, evaluation.
• Coordinate program elements: speakers, remarks, presentations, content alignment.
• Create engagement opportunities for Giving Level members to strengthen donor relationships.
• Partner with philanthropy leadership and stakeholders to develop meaningful content.
• Prepare run-of-show, speaker prep, presentations, and video content.
• Oversee major donor events including awards, salons, receptions, and cultivation activities.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, and vendor contracts to ensure quality.

Skills

Event planning

Donor engagement

Storytelling

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Fundraising database

Spreadsheets

Job description

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy Operations, the Philanthropy and Engagement Events Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising and donor engagement events that advance the organization's mission, strengthen philanthropic relationships, and support revenue growth. This role oversees a portfolio of signature fundraising events, donor stewardship experiences, and community engagement opportunities, ensuring each event delivers an exceptional guest experience while achieving fundraising and engagement objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for a portfolio of signature fundraising, campaign, donor stewardship, and community engagement events that align with organizational priorities and philanthropic goals, including high-level stewardship events celebrating and advancing endorsed chairs and other significant philanthropic investments.
• Lead all aspects of event planning and execution, including project management, timelines, budgets, logistics, venue coordination, vendor management, production, registration, and post-event evaluation.
• Develop and coordinate the programmatic elements of each event, ensuring that content, speakers, presentations, and audience experience align with the event’s purpose and objectives.
• Develop event programs and engagement opportunities that provide meaningful benefits and experiences for Giving Level members, with the goal of strengthening relationships, increasing engagement, and growing the philanthropic pipeline.
• Partner with philanthropy leadership, faculty, senior leaders, volunteers, and other internal and external stakeholders to develop engaging and meaningful program content.
• Create and coordinate program materials and run-of-show details, including speaker preparation, remarks, presentations, videos, and other content elements.
• Serve as the lead event manager for major donor and fundraising events, including the Fishman Awards, donor salons, stewardship receptions, appreciation events, and other cultivation activities.
• Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenses, negotiate vendor contracts, and ensure cost-effective use of resources while maintaining high‑quality experiences.
• Identify and implement opportunities to increase event attendance, sponsorship, fundraising outcomes, and donor engagement through innovative event strategies and best practices.
• Oversee event registration, guest communications, seating, VIP management, and stewardship touchpoints to provide an exceptional participant experience.
• Track and evaluate event performance using established metrics, prepare post‑event reports, and recommend improvements to enhance future events and fundraising outcomes.
• Ensure all events comply with organizational policies, donor stewardship standards, and applicable legal and safety requirements.
• Maintain strong working relationships with sponsors, vendors, volunteers, donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in philanthropy, fundraising events, and donor engagement to continually strengthen the organization’s event strategy.
• Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

• Five (5) to seven (7) years in event planning and management. Philanthropy event experience is preferred.
• Experience in an academic, scientific, or healthcare organization preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, etc.: California driver’s license, and automobile insurance

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines and goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong skills in relationship‑building, donor engagement and storytelling through events.
• Confidence and professionalism in working with colleagues and donors as well as the President and CEO and senior leaders across the Institute.
• A passion for creating memorable, mission‑driven experiences.
• Technological proficiency and the ability to create spreadsheets, enter data, and generate reports from a fundraising database.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct: None

Indirect: None

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This is an on‑site position. When working on‑site, the work environment is in a standard office setting. May occasionally be exposed to low to excessive noise, various odors, temperature changes, and equipment with moving parts, including but not limited to computers, phones, printers, and other standard office equipment.

Occasional local driving and travel may be required to attend or support events, meetings, donor visits, and other external engagement activities.

Physical Requirements

This role may require specific physical capabilities, including:

• Standing and Walking: Ability to occasionally (up to 3 hrs) stand or walk and move between different work areas.
• Other physical activity: Frequent (3 – 6 hrs) sitting, occasional (up to 3 hrs) kneeling and reaching.
• Lifting and Carrying: Capability to occasionally/infrequently lift and carry equipment and materials, typically up to 10 pounds. .
• Manual Dexterity: Occasional periods of repetitive use of their hands, mainly keyboarding.

Benefits That Support You

Sanford Burnham Prebys offers a comprehensive benefits package* designed to support employees’ health, financial security, and overall well‑being.

• Health & Welfare:Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance resources.
• Retirement Savings: A 403(b) retirement plan featuring a generous employer match of $2 for every $1 you contribute (up to 10% of your salary).
• Financial & Lifestyle Benefits: Flexible spending accounts, identity theft protection, and employee discounts on entertainment, travel, and more.
• Time Off & Holidays: Vacation, sick leave, and other applicable leave benefits, plus up to 13 paid holidays per year.
• Wellness & Convenience: Year‑round wellness programs and events, free on‑site parking, and access to 50 electric vehicle charging stations at competitive rates.

*Benefits eligibility varies by position. Employees must be regularly scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week (0.75 FTE) to be eligible for most benefits.

Work Location

This is a on‑site position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego. Out‑of‑state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $95,000.00-$120,000.00/annually commensurate with relevant experience.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team at [phone] or via e‑mail [e-mail].