Events Manager I

About The Role

This position plans, coordinates, and executes special events and promotions that advance the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s fundraising, engagement, and awareness goals. The role oversees event logistics, project plans, vendor relationships, communications, sponsorships, ticket sales, and financial activities to ensure successful event execution. This position works cross-functionally across the Development Department and with internal and external partners to build strong relationships, deliver meaningful event experiences, and support the Food Bank’s mission and development goals. The position reports to the Manager II, Events.

What You’ll Do

• Project Management: Manages and/or supports ACFB special events and promotions (both internal and external). Utilizes, configures, and maintains event technology platforms, project management systems, and digital tools to support event planning, execution, reporting, and operational efficiency. Manages all logistics of assigned events before, during, and after the event (including but not limited to venue selection and coordination, registration, safety, vendor management, and event operations). Develops and maintains detailed project plans, timelines and task management systems to ensure successful event execution. Selects vendors and negotiates contracts with supervision of Manager II, Events. Manages and tracks sponsorships and tickets sales for events. Identifies and suggests process improvements that enhance event operations, efficiency, and participant experience. Works with leadership team on strategic planning and material approval. Prepares agendas, meeting materials, and follow-up documentation for event planning meetings and/or assists in meeting coordination. Participates in post-event evaluations and incorporates feedback into future event planning.
• Builds and Nurtures Relationships: Maintains accurate records in Raiser’s Edge and other organizational systems. Actively cultivates and stewards sponsors, donors, and vendors before, during and after events. Serves as the primary point of contact for assigned stakeholders ensuring timely communication and exceptional customer service. Works closely with other departments to achieve fundraising, stewardship, and overall development goals. Builds and maintains strategic relationships with vendors, sponsors, donors, and community partners to leverage needed resources for the organization. Represents the Atlanta Community Food Bank in a professional manner by participating in community organizations, networking opportunities, and/or event-related associations to build relationships within the community. Coordinates and supports volunteers, board/committee members, and/or interns.
• Communications: Collaborates with Marketing and Communication to build marketing materials including print, digital, website, email, and social media. Develops, prepares and distributes event communications for participants, sponsors, donors, vendors, volunteers, and committee members. Demonstrates strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Implements marketing strategies for events/promotions.
• Financial Management: Assists in developing, monitoring, and managing event budgets for assigned projects/events with Manager II, Events. Maintains accurate financial records for each assigned event including but not limited to issuing invoices and collecting payments in a timely manner. Follows guidelines and accounting procedures for financial record keeping and budgeting. Tracks and documents in-kind donations. Monitors event expenses and identifies opportunities for cost saving while maintaining excellence in event quality and participant experience.

Key Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Decision Making
• Accountability
• The Ability to Navigate Change

What You’ll Need

• Proven experience with project management, event planning, sales and marketing, and coordination of multiple projects within deadlines and within budget.
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing relationships with vendors, donors, and/or sponsors.
• History of connecting and working with a wide range of people, nimbly resolving conflicts, and being a tactful negotiator.
• Demonstrated work history of skillfully planning and executing multiple events.
• Demonstrated experience creating event playbooks and processes, like a multifaceted event proposal, step-by-step checklists, and tech enablement that support the execution of events.
• Demonstrated track record of collaborating with internal stakeholders to deliver on objectives.
• Experience using Raiser’s Edge, Monday.com, or other CMS preferred.