Manager Philanthropy Events

Canine Companions®; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Canine Companions is seeking a Manager Philanthropy Events to plan, organize and execute regional fundraising events such as galas, graduations and volunteer appreciation gatherings, aligning with our mission and leadership.

As regional events lead, you will secure corporate sponsorships, steward donor relationships, and work with the philanthropy team to maximize revenue while representing Canine Companions at community events.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to recruit, train, supervise staff and volunteers, and motivate stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information.
• Excellent record-keeping and paperwork skills with meeting deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, organize and lead regional fundraising events (galas, graduations, volunteer appreciation) and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Secure corporate sponsorships, cultivate donors and manage donor relationships.
• Provide guidance to volunteers and staff, coaching and overseeing event committees.
• Create and edit event communications and update sponsor/volunteer information on platforms.
• Develop sponsorship agreements, donor cultivation activities and post-event follow-up.
• Track performance and produce reports on event outcomes and fundraising progress.

Skills

Multitasking

Time management

Staff training

Confidential information

Public speaking

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

At Canine Companions, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you’ll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees.

Our Employee Benefits

We believe in offering a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and growth of our team:

• Employer-Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff
• Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year
• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well‑being
• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress

Employee Testimonial

“Working for an organization I love and fundraising for a mission I’m passionate about brings me joy every day. Our volunteers, donors and team members are guided by our core values in helping us carry out our life-changing mission every day. We are all on a meaningful journey to help people with disabilities live with greater independence, confidence, and joy.”

About the Position

The Manager Philanthropy Events is responsible for planning, organizing and executing impactful fundraising events within the region, including galas, graduations, volunteer appreciation gatherings, and other mission-driven activities. Serving as the regional events lead, it provides strategic guidance to regional and headquarters leadership to ensure alignment with organizational goals. The position drives financial success by securing corporate sponsorships, cultivating auction donors, and stewarding donor relationships. This position plays an ambassadorial role, representing Canine Companions at events and in the community to increase awareness and support for our mission. The primary goal is to maximize fundraising outcomes, strengthen donor engagement, and enhance the visibility of the Canine Companion’s mission in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Planning: Plan, coordinate, organize and lead regional events that will raise the funding requirements of the regional budget. Coordinate all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, catering, entertainment, décor, and audio/visual requirements. Manage event timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on schedule.
• Volunteer Management: Train volunteers in event protocol in accordance with Canine Companions’ procedures. Oversee and evaluate the ongoing work performance of volunteers and follow up with recognition and thank‑you letters.
• Committee Support & Leadership: Lead volunteers, appropriate staff, and event chairs to implement and grow participation and revenue for events. Coordinate and provide support to event committees through administrative tasks and coaching, including oversight of communications. Support, encourage, and oversee various volunteer chapter event activities.
• Communications: Responsible for event communications, including creation and/or editing of event and sponsorship communications and updating website information. Oversee informational emails and communication for event committees and volunteers.
• Fundraising: Work with the philanthropy team to identify, solicit, and follow up with prospective sponsors to secure financial and in‑kind donations. Steward existing event sponsors and support committee members to do the same. Provide support for fundraising activities including sponsorship acknowledgment and donor cultivation. Develop sponsorship agreements with vendors, businesses, and conduct donor/sponsorship research.
• Administrative & Reporting: Create, manage, and maintain documentation, agreements, and internal communications to support event and volunteer activities. Generate reports and maintain records to track event performance, volunteer engagement, and fundraising progress.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following:

Must Have

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage, network, train and motivate staff, volunteers and clientele.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to organize and maintain detailed records; complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including public speaking.
• Ability to work in a team environment.

Nice to Have

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience event planning experience
• Event planning management experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, public relations, non-profit or a related field, or equivalent experience

Compensation

• Salary Range: $70,500-$72,500 annually

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accommodation Request

If you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed.