Special Events Manager

amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is seeking a Special Events Manager.

amfAR is dedicated to ending the global AIDS epidemic through innovative research. With the freedom and flexibility to respond quickly to emerging areas of scientific promise, amfAR plays a catalytic role in accelerating the pace of HIV/AIDS research and achieving real breakthroughs. amfAR funded research has increased our understanding of HIV and has helped lay the groundwork for major advances in the study and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Since 1985, amfAR has invested close to $635 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 3,800 research teams worldwide.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Responsible for managing all facets of designated amfAR fundraising events. Manages and seeks to develop new event concepts and executes event goals to increase revenue for existing events. Creates and sustains productive relationships within the event industry, corporate revenue contacts, and event production partners. Approves and closely monitors event budgets, with overall responsibility for designated event revenue growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with the Director and Producers to implement event concepts for each gala including entertainment, décor, menus, ticket and table sales and auction items.
• Supervises project teams including staff, consultants, and volunteers
• Works with producers to institute new vehicles for fundraising and working on events to implementation.
• Responsibilities include developing & implementing new event concepts as well as planning and marketing concepts to volunteers, corporate sponsors, and other supporters.
• Establishes timelines for specified events, including, deadlines and milestones
• Works with the Director to establish income and expense forecasts for events; monitors and manages revenues and expenses for each assigned project
• Drafts correspondence and coordinates appropriate solicitation mailings to donors, corporate event sponsors, event leaders, committees, in-kind donors, etc.
• Maintain contact and positive relationships with amfAR trustees, corporate sponsors, consultants, outside legal counsel, volunteer leadership, vendors/suppliers, and public relations firms. 
• Works closely with communications department to obtain celebrity involvement in selected amfAR events.
• Reviews and negotiates vendor contracts 
• Manages event logistics
• Works to secure corporate support for designated events
• Oversees auction solicitation: cataloging items, ensuring national and international shipping and donor fulfilment
• Develops, fosters, and maintains relationships with artists, galleries, and art dealers to ensure amfAR receives items for its auction
• Develops event-related print materials, e.g., invitations, programs, auction catalogues, etc. in coordination with the Public Information Department
• Ensures appropriate security measures for events
• Anticipates and attends to special needs of celebrities and VIP guests
• Provides event status updates to Director and other departments as needed
• Debriefs team after each event and updates procedures and processes where necessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

BA/BS and 7 years experience in fundraising events, including supervisory experience. Demonstrated capacity to manage successful high-profile, large-scale events, campaigns, and projects. Excellent oral and written communication skills and good interpersonal skills. Flexibility to work extended hours; position requires domestic and international travel.

Outstanding benefits package that encompasses: medical, dental, life, STD, LTD, vision coverage, commuter, dependent care and medical FSA savings, 403B with a very generous employer match. Time off includes: vacation, personal, sick days, and Summer Fridays.

Interested applicants should forward their resume, cover letter and salary requirement to jobsvs@amfar.org 

We are currently on a temporary hybrid work schedule. Prior COVID vaccination plus one booster is required to work at amfAR.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

No agencies please.