Events Manager

About the Role

The Events Manager is responsible for all aspects of event management including design, budget, marketing, implementation, staffing, logistics, financial and qualitative measurements, and evaluation and reporting of all fundraising and social/recreational events. This position is responsible for meeting the annual revenue target.

At Autism Delaware, we believe in supporting those who support our mission — and that begins with the way we show up for one another every day. We ask every employee to be the person you want to work with: respectful, kind, collaborative, and professional.

Autism Delaware's mission is to help people and families affected by autism.

Responsibilities

• Understand the agency’s mission and treatment philosophy:
  • Treat participants, families, co-workers, volunteers, and community members with dignity and respect.
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices in all interactions.
• Support Autism Delaware’s fundraising and engagement plan:
  • Oversee the creation and implementation of all fundraising and social recreational events, including project plans for vendor contracting, budgeting, ticketing, silent auction, print materials, marketing, staffing, logistics, management, evaluation, and reporting.
  • Serve as the staff representative to event and social/recreation committees, providing guidance, support, reports, and other communications.
  • Work with the Development Director to develop, maintain, evaluate, and report on development and engagement budgets and goals.
  • Provide clear, accurate, timely, and thorough reporting.
  • Incorporate Autism Delaware’s philosophy and strategic plan in all areas of responsibility.
  • Assist in the creation of the Development Department annual budget.
  • Execute event-related tasks, including coordination of exhibitors, vendors, event activities, and post-event follow-up.
  • Partner with the Community Engagement Coordinator to ensure events and social activities are appropriately staffed.
  • Serve as lead for non-signature events, including social recreation efforts.
  • Secure appropriate vendors and solicit donations for statewide signature fundraising events.
  • Act as silent auction coordinator, including acquisition of donations, system input, organization, display, and ensuring payment in full prior to delivery.
• Maintain constructive and productive relationships with internal and external audiences:
  • Provide professional event expertise and direction for all Autism Delaware staff, committees, and key constituents.
  • Actively participate in meetings, demonstrating self-awareness, responsibility, initiative, and professionalism.
  • Create and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support Autism Delaware’s mission.
• Build organizational capacity to provide needed programs and services:
  • Maintain awareness of revenues and expenditures in fund development and engagement areas throughout the year.
  • Report any significant budget variance to the Development Director and make recommendations for resolution.
  • Remain flexible and adaptable during unplanned or crisis situations.
  • Serve as a member of the Autism Delaware team, helping establish priorities, assisting with new projects and initiatives, and supporting organizational change.
  • Attend relevant organizational meetings, networking events, committee meetings, and community events to ensure effective communication and workflow.
• Research and stay current on best practices in areas of responsibility:
  • Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development through study and practice of new skills and knowledge.
  • Identify appropriate training opportunities and seek attendance at conferences and other events to support knowledge in the field.
• Other organizational responsibilities:
  • Participate in agency-wide events, meetings, and initiatives.
  • Perform all duties in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and Autism Delaware policies.
  • Maintain a safe and hazard-free work environment.
  • Support additional Development or organizational tasks as assigned.

Schedule

Standard schedule is Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; evenings and weekends required for events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Three or more years of professional experience in event management, fundraising, marketing, or a closely related field, with demonstrated success in cultivating participation and securing support.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficient in using personal computers and software, including database systems, finance systems, SharePoint, word processing, and spreadsheets.
• Ability to work with diverse and competing interests of both internal and external constituency groups.
• Valid Driver’s license, auto insurance, and favorable driving record; reliable transportation and regular in-state travel.
• Successfully pass background checks.
• Ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs.

Qualifications for Continued Employment

• Adherence to all policies and procedures.
• Punctual and regular attendance as scheduled.
• Successful, safe, and effective implementation of job tasks.
• Cultivates a culture of openness and information sharing, building trust through regular, open, and honest communication.
• Regularly seeks common ground, encourages collaboration among team members, and builds consensus through shared decision-making.