Advancement Events Manager

About the role

Mount Auburn Cemetery comprises 175 acres in Watertown and Cambridge, Massachusetts, and is a National Historic Landmark and accredited arboretum with over 5,000 trees and 20,000 plants. Founded in 1831, it welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually. The Advancement Events Manager develops and executes high‑end events for major donors, prospects, and key stakeholders, including up to 15 annual donor events, VIP meetings, and private events tied to large‑scale sponsored public programs such as Winter Solstice. The role is a key member of the Institutional Advancement team and involves soliciting corporate sponsors, managing event logistics, and coordinating across departments.

Responsibilities

• Conceive of an annual schedule of high‑end events with the VP of Institutional Advancement and Director of Events to engage, cultivate, and steward Mount Auburn’s major donors, prospects, and key stakeholders.
• Plan virtual and in‑person IA events from concept to execution:
  • With the VP of Institutional Advancement, determine high‑level details for all events including program, catering, and logistics.
  • Secure guest speakers and entertainment, review programs, write talking points, and coordinate rehearsals.
  • Negotiate costs and services with vendors; arrange food and beverage, order/arrange for all supplies, event photos, coordinate audiovisual equipment.
  • With the VP of Institutional Advancement, manage staff and volunteers working at events.
  • Coordinate and communicate across departments to ensure events are managed and supported appropriately.
  • Lead event planning meetings and discussions.
  • Create event briefings and attendee bios for senior staff/trustees to facilitate their engagement with donors and the public.
  • Coordinate all communications materials with the Director of Events and VP of Institutional Advancement for event attendees including invitations, interpretive materials, take‑aways, follow‑up letters and emails, etc.
  • Follow‑up with vendors, sponsors, and staff members after each event.
  • Keep track of event finances including check requests, invoicing, and reporting.
  • Monitor, track, and report on event budgets.
  • Solicit corporate sponsors of large‑scale public programs and events such as Winter Solstice with the VP of Institutional Advancement.
  • Work on corporate sponsorship packets and coordinate with sponsors to ensure they are appropriately cultivated and credited.
  • Serve as a cross‑departmental liaison.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience, including a demonstrated track record of success with events and sponsorship.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Highly organized and able to meet deadlines and manage budgets.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a close‑knit team.
• High energy, flexible, self‑confident and self‑motivated.
• Strategic thinker.

Requirements

• Occasionally move within a normal office environment, accessing records and equipment.
• Occasionally ascends and descends stairs.
• Occasionally moves about areas of the Cemetery, including the grounds, Administration Building, Chapels, Greenhouse and Operations Center, to meet with staff and arrange meetings.