Special Events Manager

Houston, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $70,000.00 - $75,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid Time Off

short-term disability

long-term disability

401(k) retirement plan

Job Description

Memorial Park Conservancy (MPC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and enhancing Memorial Park, a treasured green space that serves as a vital urban park for the community. MPC collaborates with local stakeholders, donors, and volunteers to foster a vibrant park experience that promotes environmental stewardship, public enjoyment, and community engagement. With a deep commitment to sustainability and education, the Conservancy plays a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty and legacy of Memorial Park for present and future generations. MPC offers a supportive and mission-driven work environment that values teamwork, creativity, and dedication to its enrichment initiatives.

The Special Events Manager at MPC is a pivotal role responsible for planning and executing a diverse array of donor engagement and community events that fuel the organization’s fundraising and outreach efforts. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Director of Annual Giving and provides hybrid work flexibility with regular on-site presence required at Memorial Park. The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $75,000 with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

This role involves managing a robust calendar of high-impact events such as MPC’s signature annual fundraising event, The Park Ball, as well as other cultivation, stewardship, and community-sponsored experiences. The Special Events Manager will coordinate cross-departmental efforts to ensure event success, which includes strategic scheduling, vendor management, marketing integration, budget oversight, and post-event analysis. A key part of this position is cultivating strong relationships with board members, sponsors, donors, and vendors to enhance MPC’s fundraising outcomes and deepen community ties.

The Manager will develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring seamless execution of each event from concept to breakdown while maintaining the highest quality guest experience. The role requires exceptional organizational skills, strong communication, and the ability to negotiate vendor contracts while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, this position supports donor stewardship by tracking attendance, engagement metrics, and sponsor benefits to maximize donor relations and enhance sponsor recognition.

Candidates for this role should have at least five years of progressive event management experience, ideally within nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in managing revenue-generating events. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM databases, preferably Raiser’s Edge, is required. Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for event execution is essential. The Special Events Manager plays a critical role in connecting donors to MPC’s mission through well-executed and meaningful events, contributing significantly to the Conservancy’s long-term sustainability and community impact.

Job Requirements

Five or more years of progressive event management experience, preferably in nonprofit fundraising
Demonstrated success managing revenue-generating fundraising events with measurable outcomes
Strong project management skills
Experience working with and supporting board members, event chairs, sponsors, and high-level donors
Experience managing event-related documentation, including permits, licenses, insurance, and vendor/sponsor contracts
Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, review contracts, and negotiate services and fees
Exceptional organizational skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
High level of professionalism and discretion
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Experience with a CRM database
Ability to work evenings and weekends
Ability to assist with outdoor programs in varying weather
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally
Ability to move throughout office and park facilities
Ability to work safely in high-traffic public environments

Job Qualifications

Five or more years of progressive event management experience, preferably in nonprofit fundraising
Demonstrated success managing revenue-generating fundraising events with measurable outcomes
Strong project management skills with the ability to lead complex events from concept through execution while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
Experience working with and supporting board members, event chairs, sponsors, and high-level donors
Experience managing event-related documentation, including permits, licenses, insurance, and vendor/sponsor contracts, ensuring compliance with organizational and municipal requirements
Proven ability to manage vendor relationships, review contracts, and negotiate services and fees
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments
High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with a CRM database
Raiser's Edge preferred

Job Duties

Oversee the seamless execution of an integrated annual event plan that supports MPC's fundraising, donor engagement, and community engagement goals
Support execution of the Development team's master events calendar to ensure strategic scheduling and audience alignment
Create detailed project plans, timelines, and run-of-show documents
Develop and track event budgets, expenses, revenue, invoices, in coordination with Director of Annual Giving
Prepare post-event reports summarizing financial outcomes and key performance metrics
Partner with the Marketing and Communications team to develop and execute integrated marketing and communications plans for events
Ensure timely production of event-related materials, including invitations, signage, programs, and digital content
Collaborate with internal teams to manage registration platforms, RSVP tracking, and guest communications
Serve as the primary point of contact for event vendors, including but not limited to catering, rentals, AV, entertainment, security, and parking
Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness
Oversee all logistical elements from planning through execution, including setup, on-site management, and breakdown
Ensure a high-quality guest experience across all events
Collaborate with portfolio managers and Development Operations to ensure strategic guest targeting, invitation management, follow-up, and event-related benefit fulfillment aligned with donor engagement goals
Track and evaluate attendance, engagement, and sponsor impact metrics
Integrate sponsor recognition and benefits into public-facing events in meaningful and visible ways
Perform other duties within reasonable scope as assigned