Manager of Special Events

Hawaiian Humane Society is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the human-animal bond and ensuring the humane treatment of all animals within the Hawaiian community. With a rich history of compassionate service, the Society offers critical programs in animal rescue, sheltering, adoption, and community education. As an established and respected entity, the Hawaiian Humane Society continues to expand its impact through innovative approaches and community involvement, relying heavily on successful fundraising and outreach events to maintain and grow its mission.

We are currently seeking a Manager of Special Events, a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the Development fundraising and cultivation events to meet our organization's fundraising goals. The position also includes managing the retail component of the Society, which adds an exciting dimension of commercial and community engagement. This full-time role offers the opportunity to work closely with Board members, donors, volunteers, and community partners to create meaningful experiences that support our cause.

The Manager of Special Events will play a critical role in the planning, management, and execution of our signature fundraising events such as Tuxes & Tails and PetWalk, along with other specialized cultivation and "Mahalo" events throughout the year. This position requires strong leadership to collaborate with various departments, including Community Engagement, Volunteer Services, and the Director of Development, to execute well-organized events that attract donors, generate revenue, and strengthen community ties.

In addition to event management, the role encompasses comprehensive budget development and tracking for each event, ensuring financial goals are met while maintaining creative and operational excellence. Managing relationships with venues, vendors, designers, and printers is crucial to delivering high-quality events that offer a memorable donor and volunteer experience. The Manager will also oversee the recruitment, training, and managing of volunteers specifically for events, leveraging their skills to enhance event success.

The Manager of Special Events also spearheads the cultivation and execution of a series of smaller yet impactful events designed to engage planned giving donors and community supporters. These events require careful coordination of all aspects, including venue sourcing, invitations, catering, RSVPs, and onsite management.

Complementing the fundraising responsibilities, the Manager oversees the Hawaiian Humane Society's retail activities, including pop-up events and large-scale functions such as Pet Expo and PetWalk. Duties include inventory management, sales reporting, and creatively sourcing new retail merchandise to maximize revenue and community engagement.

This position demands flexibility as the event schedule can include nights and weekends, requiring a willingness to work in various indoor and outdoor settings across the island. Physical demands include setting up event equipment and materials, sometimes lifting up to 30 pounds, and traveling to multiple locations for meetings and events. A valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle are necessary.

Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to prioritize competing initiatives while managing multiple projects simultaneously. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, coupled with budget management experience, are essential to success in this role. Familiarity with design software such as Canva or InDesign, fundraising databases like Team Raiser, and event management platforms such as Trellis, is highly desirable.

Joining the Hawaiian Humane Society means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and people. Through your leadership in event management and community partnerships, you will help secure the resources necessary to continue and expand this mission. This is an excellent opportunity for an innovative, motivated individual ready to grow their career in nonprofit fundraising and special event management while making a positive impact in the community.