Events Director

American Humane is seeking an experienced Events Manager in our Palm Beach, Florida office.  American Humane is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Founded in 1877 as the country’s first national humane organization, American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people.  We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.

Position summary: 

The Events Director is responsible for developing strategy, planning, promoting and effectively executing the American Humane Hero Dog Awards® gala and all other major fundraising events in collaboration with the President & CEO and other executive leadership.  The Director is also responsible for overseeing and operating a slate of other organizational events, including a series of donor outreach and cultivation events throughout the year. The Events Manager reports to the Chief of Staff and works closely with other Executive Leadership, including the CEO.

Responsibilities:

• Work with executive leadership to strategically plan and set the organizational events calendar for the year.
• Exercise responsibility for the overall management, including budget and financial resources, pre-planning, execution, post-event follow-up and ROI analysis for all organizational events, including the flagship Hero Dog Awards gala and related events.
• Work closely with internal leadership and staff as well as external production team and vendors by providing oversight of all activities and events surrounding the annual Hero Dog Awards gala, including but not limited to: Palm Beach gala event, launch events, Hero Dog Awards luncheon, and other donor cultivation events and ambassador and committee meetings.
• Oversee and project manage all aspects of the year-round, Hero Dog Awards program and campaign, and related campaigns such as the Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards, including: social media campaign and contest, production, website, sponsor deliverables, and production team deliverables.
• Provide oversight and manage day of event logistics to ensure a smooth production, handling requests from VIPs.
• Provide leadership and ensure strong execution of a series of donor outreach and cultivation events in Palm Beach.
• Ensure expectations of donors, sponsors, winners, talent and various other stakeholders are being met and managed appropriately.
• Work collaboratively with the Chief Development Officer and Chief of Staff to ensure deliverables for event sponsorships are being met.
• Nurture existing and prospective relationships with donors, sponsors and ambassadors for the Hero Dog Awards and other organizational events throughout the year.
• Coordinate and manage contracts and relationships with external production and events vendors to ensure highest level of service and product while managing costs.
• Track deadlines and manage reminders for all necessary events logistics.
• Set and analyze event metrics to ensure goals are being met and strong ROI, making recommendations for future adjustments.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience leading the production of high-level events, specifically experience in the Palm Beach area.
• Incredible attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with ability to establish and implement systems and identify resources to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range of constituencies and in a variety of settings.
• Strong relationship development and management skills: ability to listen, find common ground and cultivate long-term relationships.
• Ability to always conduct oneself in a highly professional manner, internally and externally.
• Sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information, with the ability to make appropriate decisions or choices based on understanding alternative courses of action and potential repercussions.
• Complete composure in high stress situations and think on one’s feet.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team to meet goals in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; self-directed to take action and resolve issues.
• Proven effectiveness leading and managing staff and volunteers through events.
• Ability to effectively multitask and manage concurrent projects and responsibilities, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Self-disciplined, action-oriented style, yet highly flexible and adaptable.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office: Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; must be comfortable learning and using new technology. Events software experience a plus.

Direct reports:

• None initially but may change based on organizational growth.

Physical demands and work environment: 

• The position is hybrid, based out of American Humane’s Palm Beach office (anticipate 4 days/week in-office during season; 2-3 days in-office out of season).  Hybrid work schedule based on organizational policy, need, and manager discretion.
• Position will be required to travel to event venues and locations.
• Must be o.k. being around and touching animals, particularly dogs in the office and at events.
• Long hours are highly likely and will include some evening and weekend work.
• Ability to transport, lift and carry supplies weighing up to 25 lbs.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly be required to:
  • Sit for extended periods,
  • Look at and work off of a computer screen for extended periods.
  • Talk, hear and exchange information over the telephone, video screen and in person.
• Must have valid driver’s license as local travel with personal vehicle is required.

American Humane’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane’s core values:

Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.

Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.

Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.

Loyalty to Mission  – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.

Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.

Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another

American Humane (AH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space.

To apply, click here to submit resume and cover letter.