Director of Events
Title: Director of Events
Department: Development
Reports to: Development Director
Location: HRC Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Position Available: Immediately
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Tier: Director (of a Program)
SEI Union: Not Covered
Position Summary:
The Director of Events manages the HRC’s fundraising dinner program and staff. The events program is one of HRC’s most established fundraising programs, having been in existence for over 25 years. This program provides critical funds for HRC’s work, and serves as a vital cultivation program for our higher dollar fundraising programs. Individual must have a proven track record of significant leadership as a senior staff & program manager. Individual must have experience in working in senior management to assess program needs and excel in formulating & implementing innovative strategies. Proven track record in working with high-functioning board members is necessary.
Position Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning, Program Management & Leadership
- Manage the day to day operations of the HRC Events programs, which produces 25 annual gala dinners around the country each year generating over $6 million dollars in budgeted fundraising revenue. This encompasses management of 5 full time event managers who support our volunteer boards in the production of the dinners.
- Manage budget for all events and work with staff on reviewing monthly financial reports, revenue goals and reconciling any discrepancies.
- Ensure that each event’s production and messaging is in keeping with HRC mission and strategic direction.
- Work with board members to develop innovative fundraising strategies for corporate sponsorship development, silent auction procurement, live auction procedures, and the acknowledgement of over 20,000 event attendees each year.
- Collaboration with HRC’s corporate relations team and major gifts programs to ensure proper cultivation, stewardship and recognition of these supporters and key prospects.
- Ensure that the Events program has effective systems for budget oversight, event reporting and analysis of all aspects of the program.
- Provide management of ticketing systems for HRC events and ensure increased system and cost effectiveness.
- Manage procurement of high profile event speakers and honorees for dinners nationwide and the necessary systems to ease this process, i.e. prospect database. Must keep current on developments in the GLBT civil rights movement, and help to identify appropriate key-note speakers and entertainers for each dinner production.
Volunteer Management
- Provide oversight & strategic direction of HRC’s volunteer structure’s dinner committees.
- Develop Annual Dinner Co-Chair training to direct volunteers in policies and procedures in the events program, and teach volunteer leaders how to produce an HRC dinner.
- Work strategically with HRC board members, staff and Dinner Co-Chairs to monitor and troubleshoot on issues related to the events program and leadership succession planning.
Position Qualifications:
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 7-10 years of related experience and a proven track record managing staff. Looking for experience in managing a large scale events program, as well as knowledge and experience in securing & working with high profile event speakers. Experience in securing corporate sponsorships and stewarding existing sponsors. Experience in budget development and management, as well as experience and expertise in strategic management of volunteers, boards, and major donors. Candidate must be highly organized, detail-oriented and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must also have excellent writing skills, computer proficiency, and strong verbal communication skills.
Tier Description:
Director level program management with two to five years advanced program and staff management work experience or advanced training in a specialized field. The position directs the activities of one or more programs in a department. Three to five years staff and program management experience required. Cumulative work experience of at least ten years required except for those in specialty fields. Previous experience with budget development and oversight with purchase authorization to $5000. Bachelor's degree and equivalent work experience or Master's degree.
To apply, please forward a letter of interest, resume, and references.
By mail: Employment Opportunities
Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036-3278
By fax: (202) 216-1579
By email: careers@hrc.org