Manager, Events and Programs – Small Business Programs

NextDeavor; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

NextDeavor in Seattle, WA, is seeking a Manager, Events & Programs – Small Business Programs to lead planning and execution of events and programs that boost small business engagement and membership value.

You will work with internal teams and external partners to deliver in-person and virtual events, manage budgets, handle registration, and develop program content, with a hybrid schedule of onsite three days a week and up to two remote days.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience developing and managing events or programs, including planning, logistics, stakeholder coordination, and execution.
• Experience using event registration systems, CRM, project management, or database systems to manage logistics, registration, and reporting.
• Demonstrated written communication skills for agendas, speaker materials, briefing documents, and presentations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams).
• Advanced proficiency in Excel or similar tools for budgets, attendance tracking, and engagement metrics.
• Experience with virtual event platforms (Teams, Zoom, webinar tools).
• Strong judgment, prioritization, relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to travel regionally, domestically, and internationally as required; ability to work outside regular business hours for events.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and reliable transportation for event-related supplies.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of recurring and ad hoc events (Power Hour, Member Appreciation Reception, Elevate matchmaking, pitch events) from concept through post-event follow-up.
• Manage event logistics: vendor and speaker coordination, onsite setup and registration, materials production, and attendee experience.
• Develop and manage select programs and small business content, including website resources and an entrepreneur interview series.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications to create and execute promotion strategies and social content to drive attendance and engagement.
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and secure in‑kind contributions (venues, goods, services).
• Manage event budgets, process payments, generate invoices, and support financial reconciliation and reporting.
• Oversee registration systems and customer support, maintain data integrity and attendee records.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Membership, Communications, External Affairs, and community partners to align events with organizational priorities.
• Support special projects and economic development events as needed.

Skills

Event planning

Budget management

Written communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Microsoft Office

Excel for budgets

Virtual event platforms

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Travel flexibility

Attendee data management

Tools

Event registration systems

CRM systems

Project management tools

Database systems

Job description

• Hybrid schedule: onsite a minimum of 3 days per week with up to 2 remote days (the office is generally closed on Fridays).

Become a Key Player as a Manager, Events & Programs – Small Business Programs

You will lead planning and execution of events and programs that increase small business engagement and membership value. You will work with internal teams and external partners to deliver in-person and virtual events, manage budgets, and support registration and program content. Work model: Hybrid (onsite minimum 3 days/week, up to 2 remote days).

Here’s How You’ll Make an Impact on the Team

• Lead planning and execution of recurring and ad hoc events (Power Hour, Member Appreciation Reception, Elevate matchmaking, pitch events) from concept through post-event follow-up
• Manage event logistics: vendor and speaker coordination, onsite setup and registration, materials production, and attendee experience
• Develop and manage select programs and small business content, including website resources and an entrepreneur interview series
• Partner with Marketing & Communications to create and execute promotion strategies and social content to drive attendance and engagement
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and secure in‑kind contributions (venues, goods, services)
• Manage event budgets, process payments, generate invoices, and support financial reconciliation and reporting
• Oversee registration systems and customer support, maintain data integrity and attendee recordsavel>
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Membership, Communications, External Affairs, and community partners to align events with organizational priorities
• Support special projects and economic development events as needed

Here’s What You’ll Need to Be Successful in This Role

• 3+ years of experience developing and managing events or programs, including planning, logistics, stakeholder coordination, and execution
• Experience using event registration systems, CRM, project management, or database systems to manage logistics, registration, and reporting
• Demonstrated written communication skills for agendas, speaker materials, briefing documents, and presentations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel or similar tools for budgets, attendance tracking, and engagement metrics
• Experience with virtual event platforms (Teams, Zoom, webinar tools)
• Strong judgment, prioritization, relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to travel regionally, domestically, and internationally as required; ability to work outside regular business hours for events
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and reliable transportation for event-related supplies

Here’s What Else Might Help You Out

• Experience working with small businesses or within economic development environments (preferred)

Ready to Make Your Mark?

This role may fill quickly.