Event Coordinator, Development

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a renowned nonprofit public aquarium located in Monterey, California, widely recognized for its commitment to marine conservation, education, and sustainable seafood practices. The aquarium plays a vital role in preserving the marine environment through its exhibitions, research, and outreach programs that engage millions of visitors annually. Known for its world-class living exhibits and dedication to environmental stewardship, the Monterey Bay Aquarium fosters a deep appreciation for the ocean and inspires action to protect it for future generations. The institution values creating an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourages individuals from all backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities, to join their team.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is currently seeking a skilled and dedicated Development and Membership Events Coordinator to support their Membership and Development department. This full-time role focuses on managing and coordinating various events and projects that advance the aquarium's contributed revenue goals. The position involves strategic planning and execution of high-profile fundraising events, internal team gatherings, and donor communications. Reporting under general supervision, the coordinator collaborates closely with leadership, administrative staff, multiple departments, and external vendors to ensure seamless event delivery.

The Development and Membership Events Coordinator is integral to the success of initiatives related to major gifts, annual giving, gift planning, and membership engagement. Responsibilities include coordinating sophisticated events such as the prestigious David Packard Award event, managing logistics, facilitating decision-making for event setups, and overseeing the onsite execution of events. The role demands strong organizational skills to maintain the events calendar and handle administrative processes like sponsorship solicitation tracking and development print material production.

The position also involves working with project management platforms (such as Asana, Wrike, or Trello) to create, update, and track project plans. Managing project and event budgets, securing vendor contracts, and recommending cost-saving measures are essential tasks. The coordinator facilitates meetings to launch and debrief projects, provides detailed reports for ongoing and completed activities, and supports CRM and ticketing system enhancements for annual giving efforts. Ability to propose process improvements and train staff enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the development team.

Ideal candidates for this role will bring a minimum of four years’ experience in project management and event planning within a nonprofit fundraising environment, coupled with excellent customer service and communication skills. The coordinator thrives in a dynamic, high-volume setting requiring critical thinking, keen attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Physical demands include typical office work and event-related activities such as standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

This hourly position offers a competitive compensation range from $25.77 to $33.13, with the starting rate depending on experience and qualifications. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s core values, which emphasize sustainability, diversity, and community impact, are at the forefront of this role’s expectations, making it an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about marine conservation and nonprofit development.