Events & Strategic Initiatives Manager
Position Summary
The Events & Strategic Initiatives Manager is responsible for bringing the Chamber’s mission to life through exceptional events, meaningful partnerships and community-focused initiatives.
Essential Job Functions
Event Planning & Execution: Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of all Chamber signature events, networking programs, and special events while ensuring strong financial performance and an exceptional participant experience.
- Plan and execute all Chamber events from concept through evaluation.
- Develop annual event timelines, production schedules, and project plans.
- Coordinate venues, vendors, volunteers, registration, contracts and on-site logistics.
- Develop and execute sponsorship sales strategies for assigned events, cultivating relationships with existing and prospective sponsors to meet revenue goals.
- Ensure all sponsorship benefits are fulfilled accurately and professionally before, during, and after each event.
- Manage event budgets, invoices, and financial reconciliation.
- Partner with the communications team to promote events and maximize attendance.
- Evaluate event success through attendance, financial performance, sponsor satisfaction, and participant feedback, making recommendations for continuous improvement.
Strategic Initiatives & Community Partnerships: Lead Chamber initiatives that strengthen business, education, workforce, and community partnerships while advancing the Chamber’s strategic priorities.
- Develop project plans, timelines, and implementation strategies.
- Coordinate meetings with partners and stakeholders.
- Maintain relationships with school districts, nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and community organizations.
- Facilitate communication between project partners.
- Track project milestones, budgets, and deliverables.
- Identify opportunities to expand or improve Chamber initiatives.
Sponsorship Development & Stewardship: Support the Chamber’s financial sustainability by cultivating meaningful sponsor relationships and delivering exceptional value.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with event sponsors and community partners.
- Identify sponsorship opportunities aligned with Chamber programming.
- Develop sponsorship proposals and customized partnership opportunities.
- Ensure timely fulfillment of all sponsor benefits.
- Conduct sponsor follow-up and stewardship to support long-term relationships and renewals.
- Collaborate with Chamber leadership on sponsorship strategy and revenue growth.
Member Engagement: Create positive and meaningful experiences that strengthen member engagement and encourage long-term involvement with the Chamber.
- Serve as a welcoming and responsive point of contact for members participating in Chamber programs.
- Build relationships with members through events, committees, and strategic initiatives.
- Connect members with opportunities that align with their interests and business goals.
- Support member retention through exceptional customer service and engagement.
- Collaborate with the membership team to enhance the overall member experience.
Project Management & Administration: Provide strong organizational leadership to ensure Chamber projects and events are delivered efficiently and effectively.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.
- Develop and maintain project timelines and implementation plans.
- Coordinate volunteers, committees, vendors, and community partners.
- Maintain accurate budgets, invoices, contracts, and project documentation.
- Prepare reports and updates for Chamber leadership and committees.
- Identify opportunities to improve organizational systems and operational efficiency.
Community Representation: Serve as a professional ambassador for the Chamber throughout the community.
- Represent the Chamber at community meetings, networking events, ribbon cuttings, and partner activities.
- Develop productive relationships with business leaders, educators, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
- Support Chamber committees and volunteer leaders as assigned.
- Demonstrate the Chamber’s values through professionalism, collaboration, and outstanding customer service.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Event Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Two or more years of experience in event management, project management, community engagement, nonprofit leadership, partnership development, or a related field.
- Proven experience independently managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
- Ability to build trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM or event management software.
Preferred:
- Experience in sponsorship sales or fundraising.
- Experience working with volunteers, committees, or boards.
- Experience managing budgets and contracts.
- Knowledge of the Greater Spokane business community.
Success in This Role
Within the first year, this individual will:
Successfully execute the Chamber’s annual calendar of events while meeting attendance, sponsorship, and financial goals.
Build strong relationships with members, sponsors, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community partners.
Lead multiple strategic initiatives from planning through implementation.
Create exceptional experiences for sponsors, attendees, volunteers, and partners.
Develop systems and processes that improve organizational efficiency.
Contribute meaningfully to advancing the Chamber’s strategic priorities and strengthening the Greater Spokane Valley business community.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
Occasional evening and weekend work required to support Chamber events and programs.
Local travel throughout Spokane County.