Senior Manager, Special Events - Northern NJ & PA (Remote)

We’re looking for a passionate and high-impact Senior Manager, Special Events in the Northern New Jersey and Pennsylvania area to help fuel our mission of supporting and empowering the autistic community. The specific focus will be on our New Jersey Fall Classic, Third-Party events, and establishing a new special event in the PA area. This role will assist in leading dynamic, revenue-generating initiatives—from large-scale signature events to innovative corporate campaigns and sponsorship activations. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the autism community and the mission of Autism Speaks, thriving in a flexible environment with a kind and compassionate culture.

About the Role

At Autism Speaks, we remain steadfast in our commitment to being a trusted and caring resource for our community and constituents from the time of diagnosis through adult life. If you’re energized by creating unforgettable experiences, unlocking new funding opportunities, and turning engagement into lasting impact, we want to hear from you. This role is remote but requires travel throughout NJ and areas of PA.

Responsibilities

• Raise funds for Autism Speaks by recruiting and managing volunteers, raising awareness, soliciting corporate sponsorship, and implementing fundraising and mission events to achieve revenue goals.
• Achieve the revenue goals for assigned fundraising events in the area (current portfolio goal is $460,000, subject to change).
• Work with supervisor to establish and implement planning timelines, income goals, expense budgets, and participant recruitment strategies.
• Execute events in partnership with volunteer leadership, specifically managing committee recruitment and retention.
• Implement strategies identified in the business plan, including sponsorship, corporate recruitment and retention, and mission integration to meet fundraising goals.
• Support the local implementation of global Autism Speaks campaigns, sometimes in collaboration with the Outreach Director for the area.
• Manage day-to-day operations of assigned area events, including event logistics, data entry, acknowledgments, and materials management.
• Provide administrative support to volunteer committees and make presentations to businesses, organizations, and community groups to secure sponsorship and recruit volunteers.
• Manage accounts on a year-round basis and integrate digital marketing initiatives, such as email campaigns, fundraising websites, and other forms of digital outreach.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of professional working experience.
• 5+ years of demonstrated leadership with a focus on peer-to-peer fundraising, recruitment and management of volunteers, relationship-building, networking, budget management, and volunteer mobilization.
• Proven track record of multi-functional fundraising experience: special events, multiple walk events, corporate campaigns.

Skills

• Ability to work independently to recreate and implement fundraising and volunteer development plans.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Organized and detail-oriented.
• Superb customer service skills.
• Ability to prospect, recruit, manage, and develop volunteers.
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgment.
• Proficiency with MS Office 365.
• Database knowledge (Raiser’s Edge and/or Luminate preferred).

Physical & Work Environment

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed to support programs and events.
• Travel primarily related to events, which may involve overnight stays; occasional travel for team meetings and conferences.
• Event days include setting up and moving materials, as well as being actively engaged on-site for prolonged periods.
• Regular use of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Must have a reliable mode of transportation (automobile, valid driver’s license, and insurance required).

About Autism Speaks

At Autism Speaks, our mission is to promote solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of people with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Together with our broad and diverse community, we strive every day to achieve our vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.

Pay

Salary range is $67,000–$80,000 depending on candidate’s relevant years of experience and geographic location.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and vacation package.
• Flexible work hours.
• Weekly training sessions.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Summer bonus Fridays.
• Creative, innovative, collaborative, inclusive, kind, and fun work environment.