Events & Partnerships Manager

General Description: 

The Manager, Events & Partnerships is responsible for leading Operation Smile's fundraising event portfolio and community partnership initiatives. The role develops and executes event fundraising strategies, establishes revenue and sponsorship goals, manages event budgets, and oversees the planning and execution of fundraising events designed to increase philanthropic support, donor engagement, and brand awareness. 

This position serves as the primary lead for assigned fundraising events and partnerships, cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, and community organizations while driving revenue growth and ensuring successful event outcomes. The Manager exercises independent judgment in developing strategies, prioritizing resources, negotiating partnerships, and managing event performance. 

Essential Functions: 

Event Portfolio Leadership 

• Develop and manage the annual fundraising event calendar and event portfolio strategy. 

• Establish and monitor revenue, sponsorship, attendance, donor acquisition, and engagement goals for assigned events. 

• Evaluate event performance and implement strategies to maximize fundraising results and return on investment. 

• Provide recommendations and performance updates to leadership regarding event and partnership initiatives. 

Events Strategy & Execution 

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of fundraising events from concept through post-event evaluation. 

• Develop event strategies, timelines, budgets, sponsorship plans, donor engagement activities, and operational plans. 

• Oversee vendor relationships, event production, logistics, registration platforms, auctions, and event-day operations. 

• Ensure events support fundraising, stewardship, brand awareness, and community engagement objectives. 

• Lead event staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners to ensure successful execution. 

Partnerships, Sponsorships & Donor Engagement 

• Develop and manage relationships with corporate sponsors, community organizations, civic groups, and other strategic partners. 

• Secure sponsorships, in-kind support, and partnership opportunities that advance fundraising and engagement goals. 

• Cultivate and steward donors, sponsors, and key stakeholders to strengthen long-term relationships and increase support. 

• Represent Operation Smile at donor meetings, events, community engagements, and partnership opportunities. 

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Develop and manage event budgets and financial plans. 

• Monitor revenue, sponsorship commitments, expenses, and overall event performance. 

• Ensure assigned events achieve revenue goals and operate within approved budgets. 

• Track and analyze fundraising, sponsorship, and engagement metrics and provide regular reporting and recommendations to leadership. 

Data & Constituent Management 

• Maintain accurate donor, sponsorship, and event records within CRM and event management systems. 

• Utilize constituent and event data to identify trends, evaluate performance, and inform fundraising and engagement strategies. 

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators and reporting dashboards for fundraising events and partnership activities. 

Experience Required (education/work): 

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, sponsorship sales, corporate partnerships, event management, or a related field.  

• Demonstrated success achieving fundraising and sponsorship revenue goals.  

• Experience managing donor portfolios and corporate partnerships.  

• Experience developing and managing budgets.  

• Experience leading complex fundraising events from strategy through execution.  

• Experience supervising contractors, volunteers, or project teams.  

• Proficiency with donor management systems, preferably Blackbaud CRM.  

• Experience utilizing fundraising event software such as OneCause or similar platforms. 

• Must be able to travel domestically throughout the year.  

Compensation:

Operation Smile is committed to pay transparency. The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000 to $87,000 which may vary slightly based on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Why Operation Smile?

Meaningful Work - At Operation Smile, you will engage in meaningful work that transforms lives, providing essential medical care to children and contributing to global health and well-being.

A Brighter Future - Make saving for the future easy with Operation Smile’s 401(k) plan, featuring Safe Harbor and employer matching. Cha-ching!

Happy and Healthy - Kick back and relax with Operation Smile's all-in-one health plans! We've got your health, pharmacy, dental, and vision needs covered for you and your loved ones. No worries, just smiles!

Worry-Free Insurance - Enjoy true peace of mind with 100% paid premiums for life and AD&D insurances. We've got you covered, no matter what!

Take Your Time (Off) - Flexible time off and celebrate with company-paid holidays! More time for fun and relaxation.

Work it, Flex it - Enjoy flexible work arrangements that fit your lifestyle, with remote, on-site, and hybrid work arrangements.

Travel Minus Stress - See the world through our unique employee programs, which offer opportunities to participate in international medical trips, community outreach, and global health initiatives