Ken Garff For Good Special Events Manager

Salt Lake City, UT, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Exact $55,000.00

Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts

Job Description

Ken Garff for Good is a philanthropic foundation dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and student success throughout Utah. As a community-driven nonprofit organization deeply connected with the Ken Garff automotive group, the foundation leverages comprehensive partnerships and sponsorships to foster literacy, scholarship programs, and youth engagement statewide. Through innovative programs and impactful initiatives, Ken Garff for Good plays a vital role in shaping the academic and professional futures of students by providing access to essential resources and encouraging community involvement.

The role of Special Events Manager at Ken Garff for Good is pivotal in bringing the foundation's mission to life through expertly planned and executed events. This position entails leading a diverse portfolio of community and student-focused events, ranging from student conferences to technology competitions, mentorship programs, and notable celebrations like the Spring Celebration and Girls Give Back event. The Special Events Manager collaborates closely with senior leaders and program teams to design detailed run-of-show plans, coordinate logistics, and ensure flawless event delivery that reflects the foundation’s core values and impact.

In addition to event planning and execution, this role demands extensive community representation, involving attendance at galas and partner events to maintain and strengthen the foundation’s presence across Utah. The Special Events Manager is responsible for managing in-kind donations, resource allocation, vendor relationships, and financial oversight for all event activities, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with organizational policies. By fostering strong partnerships and managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, the person in this position directly contributes to enhancing student engagement, promoting literacy, and executing scholarship recognition events.

This is a dynamic and rewarding opportunity for a dedicated event professional with a passion for education and community impact. The Special Events Manager is expected to bring strategic planning capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative approach to this full-time role to help Ken Garff for Good strengthen its mission and elevate its visibility throughout the state. The position requires availability to work evenings and occasional weekends aligned with event schedules. Salary details are reflective of the nonprofit sector standards and commensurate with experience.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred in event management, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field
2-4+ years of experience in event planning, nonprofit events, or large-scale program coordination
demonstrated experience managing multiple events simultaneously
strong project management and organizational skills
experience managing budgets and vendor contracts
excellent communication and relationship-building skills
ability to work evenings and occasional weekends as event schedules require

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred in event management, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field
2-4+ years of experience in event planning, nonprofit events, or large-scale program coordination
demonstrated experience managing multiple events simultaneously
strong project management and organizational skills
experience managing budgets and vendor contracts
excellent communication and relationship-building skills
ability to work evenings and occasional weekends as event schedules require

Job Duties

Design and execute comprehensive event plans in collaboration with Senior Managers and program teams
develop detailed run-of-show documents, timelines, staffing plans, and logistics coordination
lead planning and execution of events including student conferences, program launches, Student Ambassador program events, Women Who Succeed mentee events, regional esports and technology competitions, Spring Celebration, Girls Give Back, Summer Soiree, Spring literacy event, car giveaway event, and additional events as initiatives expand
ensure seamless onsite execution including venue coordination, vendor management, technology setup, and participant experience
partner with Senior Manager, Student Engagement to support student-facing program events
collaborate with Senior Manager, Student Services to align scholarship and opportunity milestones with event recognition
coordinate with Senior Manager, Literacy to support reading initiative celebrations and school recognition events
work closely with Business Manager to ensure financial processes, contracts, and payments are handled accurately and efficiently
support the fundraising team in the execution of fundraising events and donor engagement activities
represent Ken Garff for Good at community galas, luncheons, and partner events to ensure strong brand presence
coordinate and staff tabling opportunities at community events as needed
maintain professional relationships with vendors, venues, sponsors, and community partners
oversee the coordination, tracking, and distribution of in-kind donations provided to schools or the fundraising team
ensure accurate documentation and stewardship of donated goods and services
collaborate with program teams to align in-kind contributions with identified needs
develop and manage event budgets in collaboration with the Vice President of Operations and Business Manager
ensure responsible stewardship of foundation resources
negotiate contracts and oversee vendor agreements
track expenditures and ensure compliance with foundation policies