National Events Manager

Status: Full-time | Location: Mid-Atlantic (TBD) | Division: Funds Development

About the role

The National Events Manager is responsible for the operational planning, management, and successful execution of events, while providing event management expertise and support for organization‑wide initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Director, Events & Strategic Campaigns, the manager ensures events are executed efficiently, consistently, and in accordance with Islamic Development and Empowerment in America (IDEA)’s policies, brand standards, and event guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day planning, coordination, and execution of events from initial planning through post‑event evaluation under strategic direction.
• Develop and manage event timelines, checklists, budgets, logistics plans, and operational deliverables to keep events on schedule and within approved budgets.
• Lead venue sourcing, site selection, negotiations, and contracting, ensuring venues meet programmatic, operational, financial, and organizational requirements.
• Coordinate all event logistics, including hotels, transportation, travel, accommodations, catering, registration, and other operational needs.
• Manage audiovisual, production, staging, technical, and on‑site requirements, coordinating closely with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Source, coordinate, and manage event vendors while ensuring adherence to contracts, budgets, timelines, and IDEA requirements.
• Develop and review event layouts, floor plans, room setups, signage placement, and guest‑flow plans to support an effective and professional event experience.
• Oversee operational execution of key events and initiatives, including but not limited to PCD, ACD, Syria Tours, Cruises, Major Gift events, End‑of‑Year events, Grand Iftars, MQT, conventions, and other organizational events.
• Serve as primary events liaison with the Marketing team, coordinating event‑specific marketing needs, deliverables, timelines, and assets.
• Work closely with Marketing to coordinate event collateral, digital assets, signage, branding, promotional materials, presentations, and other creative needs.
• Proactively identify upcoming event marketing needs and provide Marketing with clear specifications, deadlines, and priorities.
• Ensure consistent implementation of IDEA branding, messaging, programming, and event standards across all events.
• Conduct event quality‑assurance reviews, site visits, and operational assessments to ensure adherence to standards, policies, and best practices.
• Train, mentor, and provide ongoing operational guidance and support to Regional Event Coordinators, collaborating with their Regional Managers.
• Develop, maintain, and implement standardized event procedures, templates, checklists, documentation, and best practices across regions.
• Oversee and coordinate event inventory management across all regions, including tracking, distribution, replenishment, and appropriate use of event materials and assets.
• Identify potential operational challenges, troubleshoot issues, and develop timely solutions to ensure successful event execution.
• Coordinate closely with the Assistant Director, Events & Strategic Campaigns Coordinator on event priorities, quality assurance, escalations, and organization‑wide event needs.
• Support post‑event evaluations, including reviewing event performance, operational outcomes, budgets, feedback, and opportunities for improvement.
• Travel regularly to events and conventions to provide on‑site operational leadership, supervision, and quality assurance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, hospitality management, public relations or related fields (preferred).
• Minimum 2–4 years of experience coordinating events.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support organizational activities.
• Well‑organized with the ability to multi‑task easily.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard office suites (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace).
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt in challenge‑rising situations.
• Competence in using multiple software platforms for event management.
• Ability to perform well under high‑pressure and fast‑moving situations.
• Collaborative team player to meet organizational goals.
• Negotiation skills for vendor contracts to secure best rates.
• Capability to manage multiple projects and guide coordination for direct reports.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Commitment to IDEA’s organizational values: Integrity, Service, Resilience, Social Innovation, and Collaboration, and adherence to Safeguarding, Code of Ethics, and Anti‑Harassment and Discrimination policies.