Nonprofit Events & Auctions Lead (Hybrid NYC)

Kennedy Human Rights; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is seeking a Special Events Manager in New York, hybrid role, to lead planning and execution of fundraising events and auctions.

You will drive auction lifecycle, secure donations, and manage five signature events annually—engaging donors and advancing our mission. You’ll collaborate with Development and Leadership teams, gain hands-on experience in donor engagement, event production, and reporting.

Qualifications

• 1-4 years of nonprofit event fundraising experience.
• Track record managing fundraising events from concept to execution.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with donor CRMs (Salesforce) and event platforms (CharityBuzz, GiveSmart, GoFundMePro).
• Comfort with hybrid/virtual event tools (Zoom, Google Suite).
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends around events.
• Ability to work with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the full auction and raffle lifecycle: item cataloging, bidding, fulfillment, and payment collection.
• Secure in-kind donations and sponsorships each year by partnering with KHRC staff, leadership, and networks.
• Build the annual auction plan – budget, revenue goals, and expense tracking – for COO review.
• Manage the CharityBuzz and GoFundMePro Auction platforms, ensuring items are listed accurately.
• Run day-of auction operations, including setup and breakdown, with the Development team and our event agency.
• Oversee item cataloging, staging, display, and delivery to winning bidders.
• Track sponsorship pledges and payments with the Development Operations Associate.
• Ensure timely donor and sponsor acknowledgments.
• Resolve bidder issues and manage post-event follow-up and reporting.
• Analyze auction and event data to sharpen future strategy and ROI.
• Lead planning, timelines, contracts, vendor relationships, and on-site logistics for 5 signature events each year.

Skills

Event fundraising

Auction management

Project management

Donor CRM

Communication

Tools

Salesforce

CharityBuzz

GiveSmart

GoFundMePro

Job description

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is seeking a Special Events Manager in New York, hybrid role, to lead planning and execution of fundraising events and auctions.

You will drive auction lifecycle, secure donations, and manage five signature events annually—engaging donors and advancing our mission. You’ll collaborate with Development and Leadership teams, gain hands-on experience in donor engagement, event production, and reporting.