The Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) is seeking an experienced and motivated professional for a full-time position as Donor Events Manager. The position will lead the coordination and execution of VVF development and donor related events including but not limited to donor benefit events, Vilar Performing Arts Center donor events, Vail Dance Festival donor events, First Light First Tracks, July 4th Picnic, and other prospecting and donor related events ranging from small to large. The position will also support the execution of the VVF’s two major galas each year, the Black Diamond Ball and YouthPower365’s Star Dancing Gala. The right individual will have event planning experience, a strong attention to detail, be able to multitask and manage multiple events at one time and have an unbridled enthusiasm and passion for the mission, vision, and values of the Vail Valley Foundation.
- Work with the Development team on the planning of and lead the successful execution of all logistics for all VVF, YouthPower365, Vail Dance Festival and Vilar Performing Arts Center prospecting, donor benefit, and stewardship events.
- Support the Development team with the planning and successful execution of two major fundraising events each year.
- Aptitude to develop and manage event budgets.
- Work closely with the Associate Director of Donor Engagement and the Development Admin & Campaign Manager on all Development Events to meet donor guest expectations.
- Develop and maintain event timelines and coordinate with staff and committee volunteers to meet all required deadlines.
- Coordinate with the Marketing Team to develop and implement all event messaging, marketing and advertising efforts.
- Participate and present at all Development and Event Committee Meetings.
- Maintain and update Development SOPs for all events.
Conduct short- and long- term planning and management for Development events. - Establish and maintain relationships with vendors and venues.
- Identify needs and negotiate contracts with vendors and event contractors as necessary for fundraising events, including but not limited to food and beverage / catering, transportation, auction related contracts (i.e. auctioneer), waste and recycling, housing/accommodations, audio visual, valet and entertainment.
- Lead, delegate and coordinate event staff and volunteers.
- Coordinate with other departments any needs, equipment or supplies.
- Work with the Operations, Marketing, Finance and Development Teams to meet development event financial goals and manage budgeting of events.
- Provide efficient and effective post-event wrap up, including staff feedback.
- Ad hoc projects as assigned.
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent and a minimum of 2 years with a proven track record in event planning and execution, food and beverage and/or hospitality fields.
- Capacity to work independently as part of a strong team with fellow operations and development colleagues, entire VVF staff, board members, donors and volunteers.
- Strong leadership, initiative, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent management and organizational skills, ability to work on multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously with flexibility, the capacity to generate innovative solutions and strategies to cultivate and enhance donor relationships and fundraising initiatives.
- A knack for problem solving.
- Ability to negotiate favorable vendor contracts to meet expense goals.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Good principles of management systems and development planning knowledge.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials, willingness to cooperate with diverse donors and community groups.
- Proven ability to consistently accept feedback, set, meet and exceed goals.
- Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed for events.
- Must be able to successfully pass a motor vehicle (MVR) background check.
This is a salaried, full time year-round position eligible for all VVF employment benefits.
Salary range: $55,000-$68,000 annually
- Employee and family health insurance plan
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life insurance
- Supplemental insurance options
- Short and long term disability plans
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Added Perks!
- Tickets to shows at the VPAC and GRFA
- FREE ski pass
Please send a cover letter, resume and references.