Special Event Manager
SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER Full-Time | Remote, U.S. | $80,000–$90,000 Preference given to candidates residing in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut
About the Role
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is looking for an experienced, highly organized Special Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of our signature fundraising events, including Chefs for Kids’ Cancer in New York City and Charlotte, along with other events and initiatives nationwide. This role will oversee events from planning through execution, managing budgets, venues, vendors, sponsorships, auctions, guest experience and on-site logistics. The Special Events Manager will help create memorable experiences that strengthen relationships with donors, corporate partners, chefs and volunteers while raising critical funds for childhood cancer research. We’re looking for someone who is strategic, detail-oriented and comfortable taking ownership of complex projects. The ideal candidate can see the big picture while managing the details, anticipate challenges, solve problems in real time and confidently work with a wide range of stakeholders. They should also bring fresh ideas and continually look for ways to improve our events. The Special Events Manager will report to the Chief Revenue Officer and work closely with our Founder and Executive Director, internal teams, event committees, vendors and external partners. What You’ll DoEvent Planning & Execution Lead the planning and execution of fundraising and cultivation events, including Chefs for Kids’ Cancer in New York City and Charlotte, Family Fun Day, Cookie Markets, city-wide bake sales and other events as assigned. Develop event concepts, experiences and programming that reflect our mission, strengthen relationships and support fundraising goals. Own the annual special events calendar, ensuring timelines, milestones and deliverables are clearly defined and managed. Develop, manage and maintain event budgets, monitor expenses and identify opportunities to maximize resources. Research, identify, negotiate with and manage venues, vendors, subcontractors and other event partners. Oversee event logistics, including floor plans, seating arrangements, guest needs and allergies, lighting, staging, production and audiovisual requirements. Develop event agendas, run-of-show documents, program content and other materials needed for successful execution. Coordinate invitations, printed materials, RSVP management and guest communications in collaboration with internal team members and external partners. Recruit, coordinate and manage event volunteers, committees and other event support. Lead on-site event execution, including setup, vendor coordination, program flow, troubleshooting and breakdown. Manage virtual event logistics and other event formats as organizational needs evolve. Travel as needed to support events and ensure a high-quality experience for attendees, sponsors and partners. Fundraising, Sponsorships & Stewardship Develop and execute event fundraising strategies designed to meet or exceed revenue goals. Manage event fundraising platforms and auction software, including related accounts, processes and vendor relationships. Lead in-event fundraising opportunities, including silent auctions, live auctions, reverse auctions and other creative fundraising experiences. Coordinate auction item procurement, package development, donor communications and fulfillment. Work with event chairs, leadership committees, corporate partners and major donors to expand participation and increase revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, auction items and other opportunities. Monitor fundraising progress against goals and provide timely updates and reports to organizational leadership and key stakeholders. Evaluate event fundraising performance and identify opportunities to improve revenue, participation and the overall guest experience. Coordinate with Marketing & Communications to promote events across social media, email, website and other channels. Process gifts and support event-related gift administration as needed. Oversee donor acknowledgments and post-event stewardship to ensure timely, thoughtful and consistent follow-up. Support the development and execution of annual and multi-year stewardship plans for event donors, sponsors and top prospects. Build strong relationships with donors, sponsors, chefs, volunteers and community partners that encourage continued engagement and support. Strategy, Growth & Collaboration Partner with organizational leadership to develop and implement the special events strategy in support of broader fundraising and revenue goals. Identify opportunities to grow existing events, develop new event concepts and expand the Chefs for Kids’ Cancer brand into targeted markets. Evaluate event performance, community trends and emerging fundraising opportunities to inform future planning and strategy. Recommend improvements to event operations, fundraising approaches, vendor relationships and attendee experiences. Collaborate across departments to ensure event planning and execution align with organizational priorities, campaigns and communications. Represent Cookies for Kids’ Cancer professionally and enthusiastically when engaging with donors, corporate partners, vendors and other external stakeholders. Contribute ideas and take initiative in a fast-paced, evolving organization where flexibility, sound judgment and a willingness to pitch in are essential. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization’s growth and mission. What We’re Looking For Bachelor’s degree required. Approximately 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in special events, fundraising events, nonprofit development or a related field. Demonstrated success planning and executing significant fundraising events, including events generating $1 million or more in revenue. Strong project management skills and the ability to manage complex events, multiple timelines, competing priorities and detailed logistics simultaneously. Experience developing and managing event budgets, tracking revenue and expenses, and making decisions that balance fundraising goals with cost considerations. Excellent organizational skills and an exceptional eye for detail. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with donors, corporate executives, vendors, volunteers and colleagues. An outgoing, relationship-oriented personality and the ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people. Strategic and creative thinking, with the ability to develop new ideas and identify opportunities to improve existing events. Confidence working independently, making decisions and taking ownership while collaborating effectively with leadership and colleagues. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm, flexible and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced event environment. Experience with fundraising platforms, auction software and donor databases. Knowledge of Salesforce, Classy and/or OneCause is strongly preferred. Comfort managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and coordinating multiple external partners. Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends particularly around major events. Willingness and ability to travel overnight as needed for events and organizational meetings. A genuine commitment to the mission of raising funds for research to develop new, improved and less toxic treatments for pediatric cancer. Nonprofit fundraising experience is particularly valuable, as is experience managing high-profile events with complex sponsorship, auction and donor engagement components. Benefits & What We Offer Fully remote work. Unlimited PTO, with a minimum of five days required annually and additional time off encouraged. 13 paid holidays, plus one additional flex holiday of your choice. Half-day Fridays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Holiday quiet hours for two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s, with no meetings and a reduced schedule so our team can slow down and enjoy the holiday season. Health, dental and vision insurance. Flexible Spending Account. Health Reimbursement Account. 401(k) with employer match. Annual professional development budget. A supportive remote work environment with reasonable flexibility for life outside of work. The opportunity to lead meaningful fundraising events that directly support research to improve outcomes for children with cancer. Location & Schedule This is a full-time, remote position. Priority will be given to candidates located in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, given the importance of our New York City events and the travel associated with this role. Strong candidates in other U.S. locations are welcome to apply. Our team works regular 9–5 business hours, with flexibility required during event weeks. Occasional evening and weekend work, along with overnight travel, is an essential part of the position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this position. Compensation: $80,000-$90,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
How to Apply
Click the apply button and follow the instructions. You will be asked to submit the following: Your résumé. A cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position. A link to your LinkedIn profile, if applicable. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a final candidate is selected. APPLY NOW Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer encourages candidates of all groups and communities to apply for this position.