Events Specialist

About the Role

The Events Specialist is responsible for managing the planning process and operational execution of events hosted by Akron Community Foundation and its family of affiliate funds. Working collaboratively with foundation staff, affiliate fund leaders, and other event stakeholders, this position develops and maintains consistent event planning systems, timelines, and best practices to ensure events are well-coordinated, professionally executed, and aligned with the foundation's standards.

The Events Specialist partners with staff and affiliate fund representatives to provide structure, project management, and logistical coordination, moving events from concept to completion. While foundation staff and affiliate fund representatives serve as lead contacts for event vision, content, and execution, the Events Specialist acts as the central resource for event planning support, offering tools, timelines, and guidance to keep departments and funds organized and on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the organization's annual event calendar and track events in its CRM database to avoid scheduling conflicts and coordinate staffing needs.
• Serve as the primary project manager for foundation events, establishing and maintaining standardized event planning processes, templates, and timelines.
• Convene planning meetings with internal staff and stakeholders to establish objectives, responsibilities, timelines, and key milestones for new events.
• Create and manage detailed project plans for each event, clarifying roles, coordinating resources, and ensuring all departments meet deadlines.
• Work closely with the Director of Accounting & Administration to review contracts and ensure adherence to IRS and other state laws and regulations.
• Monitor deadlines, facilitate communication, and follow up on outstanding action items to keep projects on schedule.
• Assist event leads with event budgets, including developing overall budgets, obtaining quotes, tracking expenses, and coordinating invoices for ACF events.
• Ensure staff and volunteers stay on task and on schedule with their responsibilities.
• Identify potential issues early and recommend solutions to keep planning on track.
• Provide on-site support for major Affiliate Fund events and ACF events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, hospitality, nonprofit management, project management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in event coordination, project management, operations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience coordinating meetings, events, programs, or other complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, association, higher education, or other mission-driven organization preferred.
• Knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic landscape in Northeast Ohio or a similar regional context.

Skills

• Ability to collaborate with staff, board members, donors, vendors, and organizations.
• Professional interpersonal skills and ability to interact well with a diverse range of people.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including writing and editing.
• Strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills; ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to identify procedural problems or inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Strong work ethic; reliable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure, and handle stress.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365/SharePoint, databases/CRM, and modern office technology.
• Ability to build relationships with volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Understanding of Akron Community Foundation’s policies and procedures, including event, gift, and affiliate fund processes.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Dedication to team building, including mentoring and coaching employees to maximize productivity.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• 403(b) match.
• Generous holiday and paid leave policy.

Pay

$40,000–$50,000 per year.

Schedule

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment.
• Must be available to meet outside of standard office hours as necessary.
• Occasional to frequent local and regional travel to meetings and events; infrequent out-of-state travel.