Event Manager

ACE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, founded in 2000 in Denver, Colorado, to provide low-income children with equal access to quality K–12 private schools through partial scholarship support. Over the past 25+ years, ACE has delivered more than 140,000 scholarships worth over $390 million. This school year, ACE is serving approximately 16,000+ children in Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming, and is actively pursuing other expansion opportunities with the support of national funding partners.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance K–12 educational freedom, with a focus on securing financial support for families so they may access the quality education of their choice.

Our Values

ACE Founding Principles: Our founding principles are the foundation of ACE and our North Star. We honor ACE’s founders by remaining committed to these principles, and we passionately advocate for the Mission and Vision these principles support.

• Accountability: We embrace personal responsibility by taking ownership of our work and focusing on results. We expect both to give and to receive honest feedback.
• Innovation: We know ideas matter. We prefer the risks and rewards that come with creativity to the certainty that attends stagnation.
• Adaptability: We position ourselves to take advantage of opportunities, embracing strategic and operational change when it makes our work more impactful.
• Optimism: We believe our best days are ahead, and we embrace a forward-thinking mindset. We will make mistakes, but we will remain cheerful in the face of adversity and give people the benefit of the doubt.
• Kindness: We value everyone on our team, respect differences, and trust one another. This requires courage and strength, as it involves celebrating and giving our undivided attention to others.

Our Founding Principles

• Free enterprise and democracy work
• Parents know the best education environment for their kids
• Private schools offer great value and have open seats
• All people are created equal and deserve an equal chance to pursue the American Dream

About the Role

The Event Manager will work closely with the Director of National Events and fellow Senior Event Manager in the planning and execution of a wide variety of events across all ACE Scholarships markets. Events include board meetings, donor receptions, small- and large-scale fundraising events, conferences, trade shows, and other mission-driven events as needed. This role requires a highly organized, solutions-oriented event professional who can manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates effectively with internal and external stakeholders, and is passionate about creating polished, high-impact experiences that support ACE Scholarships’ mission.

ACE Scholarships is known for producing exceptional, high-end fundraising and donor events. Recently recognized with the 2025 ICON Award from the Colorado Event Alliance for Best Fundraising Gala. This position offers an opportunity for professional growth, creativity, and meaningful impact within a collaborative events team.

Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Develop and manage detailed event timelines, run-of-show, agenda, and production schedules to ensure successful execution of events from conception through post-event wrap-up
• Coordinate all logistical aspects of events, including venue management, vendor coordination, catering, seating, audiovisual needs, entertainment, transportation, and run-of-show development
• Support on-site event execution, including guest experience, vendor management, troubleshooting, event setup, and breakdown
• Anticipate event needs and proactively identify solutions to potential challenges
• Assist with site research, venue sourcing, contract review, and vendor negotiations
• Maintain strong working relationships with venues, vendors, partners, and internal stakeholders
• Support post-event reconciliation, reporting, and budget tracking

Conferences, Trade Shows & Collateral Support

• Support the Tradeshow/Conference Manager with organizing and maintaining event collateral, promotional materials, signage, and branded assets as needed
• Provide creative ideas and input for event materials and attendee engagement opportunities
• Collaborate with internal teams and vendors to support event-related projects and deadlines
• Review event materials to help ensure brand consistency and quality standards

Requirements

• 1–3+ years of professional event planning or event production experience preferred
• Experience supporting fundraising events, conferences, donor events, or corporate events strongly preferred
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a high level of professionalism
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a team environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work
• Experience coordinating vendors, venues, and event logistics
• Comfortable working occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as required for events
• Ability to lift and move event materials and assist with event setup and breakdown as needed
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and event management technology/platforms preferred
• Passion for ACE Scholarships’ mission and commitment to educational opportunity

Location and Reporting

Position will be based in the South Denver area (Denver Tech Center/Inverness area). Reports to Director of Events, no direct reports. FLSA Status: Exempt. Travel: 5-10%, can service anywhere from 1 to 5 out of state events per year.

Pay

$60,000 to $70,000 salary based on experience and alignment with internal pay bands.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free, Employer-paid Short-term, Long-term, and AD&D insurance
• 401(k) with 6% employer match with immediate vesting
• Monthly cellphone stipend
• Scholarships for employee’s children actively enrolled in a K–12 private school ($3,500 per child, up to $10,500 per year)
• On-site amenities at Colorado home office including:
  • Employer-paid parking (in-office)
  • Gym, café, and building security (in-office)
  • In-office coffee, snack bar, and walking treadmill (in-office)