Development & Events Manager

Position Summary

Western Center on Law & Poverty is seeking a Development & Events Manager to lead fundraising and programmatic event coordination, support annual fundraising campaigns, and engage in donor outreach and cultivation. Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the Development & Events Manager will play an integral role in mobilizing the Western Center community through engaging fundraising and programmatic events that drive mission impact and increase philanthropic revenue. We seek a team member who will thrive in a collegial environment and bring expertise in event management and production. This position is available in our Los Angeles, Sacramento or Oakland office.

Primary responsibilities include creating and implementing detailed event production schedules, agendas, and run of shows, measuring event results, and convening post-event debriefs to determine successes and areas for improvement. Working collaboratively with the Director of Philanthropy, the Manager will build, facilitate, and steward new and existing relationships with donors (individuals, corporations, and foundations) and community partners. The Development & Events Manager will also co-create direct mail, social media content, and email campaigns that represent the full scope of Western Center’s vision to end poverty and ensure economic and racial justice for all Californians.

As the Western Center development team is committed to integrating community-centric fundraising principles, the Development & Events Manager will conduct prospect research to grow Western Center’s sponsor and donor portfolio, supporting the expansion of a donor community that aligns with our commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice. The Manager will champion equity and justice in external relationships and internal policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will be an efficient collaborator with strong written and verbal communication skills, and expertise in event coordination and nonprofit fundraising.

Responsibilities

Special Events

• Lead in the development and execution of event work plans for all virtual and in-person events including WCLP’s annual Garden Party, Meet the Advocates virtual program series, Poverty Is Not a Joke comedy event, Legal Academy trainings, program summits, donor receptions, and other WCLP network events.
• Maintain event software, tracking event RSVPs, sponsorships, and tickets sales and updating event websites with sponsor logos and other key information.
• Work with sponsors on their guest lists and all related event communications; track and prepare name tags and seating charts for in-person events.
• Lead day-of event logistics including volunteer assignments, guest registration table management, set-up and tear-down, and liaise with venue staff, personnel for parking/valet, security, etc.
• Manage event budgets, tracking expenditures and revenue to support post-event reconciliation in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Director of Finance.
• Solicit rental and vendor agreements for production, catering, audio/visual support, lighting, etc.
• Draft copy for event related solicitations: sponsorship decks, sponsor cover letters, honoree and speaker
• Prepare pre- and post-event communications for email, website, and social media.
• Work with Director of Philanthropy to manage Advisory Board Committee communications and event
• Work in partnership with Senior Communications Strategist to finalize any scripts and format for contracted production teams and teleprompter use.

Donors

• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies and campaigns that grow annual revenue from individuals, including appeal campaigns, online giving initiatives, database management and research, and fulfillment of donor benefits.
• Work collaboratively to communicate, track and evaluate key messaging through email, print, and social media.
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Philanthropy to identify prospects and establish strategies for building a robust donor portfolio.
• Engage in donor outreach and cultivation.

General Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the creation of the annual development plan and follow through on its successful completion.
• Remain up to date on the latest fundraising and stewardship trends that impact philanthropic support for WCLP’s mission.
• Understand the strategic direction and vision of the organization to support fundraising and event strategies aligned with WCLP’s values.
• Contribute to the healthy maintenance of the department’s donor database system.
• Assist, as needed, in gift processing and preparation of donation acknowledgement letters.
• Recommend internal process and policy modifications to increase department efficiency.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Deep commitment to economic, social, and racial justice, and the mission of the Western Center.
• Bachelor's degree (or combination of equivalent education and work experience).
• A minimum of 6 – 8 years of experience in event planning and nonprofit fundraising (or demonstrated experience in a related field.)
• Experience coordinating all aspects of large and small-scale events for diverse constituencies, including knowledge producing hybrid and virtual events with various technology.
• Experience with nonprofit fundraising databases or CRM systems (proficiency in GiveSmart, eTapestry or similar nonprofit fundraising/donor management software a plus).
• High degree of creativity and up-to-date knowledge of community engagement and event trends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working with vendors and consultants including mail house on bulk mailings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize among competing tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proven stakeholder management skills and demonstrated ability to establish positive rapport with all levels of staff, volunteers, funders and donors.
• Demonstrated experience working independently, but within a collaborative team environment, and ability to establish priorities and follow-up in a timely manner.

Please email cover letter, writing sample, and resume to jobs2@wclp.org. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority given to applications submitted by March 31st, 2024.

In your cover letter, please explain how you think your personal and/or professional experience and background has prepared you to contribute to a work environment with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Western Center strives for a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Western Center strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and persons from other underrepresented groups whose background may contribute to effectively representing underserved communities with low incomes.