Events Manager

About the job: About Us: Abilis is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been advancing abilities for people with special needs since 1951. The organization provides services and supports to over 800 individuals with special needs and their families, from birth through the lifespan. As a recognized leader in Lower Fairfield County, Abilis is known for delivering state-of-the-art services and high-quality care to the special needs community. Team members join a mission-driven environment focused on inclusion, support, and long-term impact. More information about Abilis and its programs is available at www.abilis.us Position Overview: The Events Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a variety of events to support Abilis’ fundraising goals and community engagement efforts. This role includes managing internal and external events, collaborating with committees and volunteers, and ensuring smooth event execution while maintaining budgets and fostering relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners. Key Responsibilities: Maintain excellent communication with all stakeholders, ensuring events align with organizational goals. Provide consistent updates to the Senior Vice President of Development and other team members regarding event progress. Foster positive relationships with sponsors, donors, and volunteers to enhance engagement and support for future events. Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures related to event planning and execution. Assist the Senior Vice President of Development in soliciting sponsors, underwriters, and attendees for three key annual events: Walk/Run for Abilis, Spring for Abilis Gala, and the annual golf outing, with fundraising goals ranging from $35,000 to $750,000. Oversee coordination of internal events such as the Abilis annual meeting and staff appreciation events. Provide support and guidance for third-party events with community partners as needed. Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring alignment with expense and revenue projections, and reconcile financial details with the Finance Department post-event. Serve as the primary contact for event vendors, managing the bidding process through the delivery of services. Coordinate onsite event coordination, including guest list management, vendor oversight, volunteer assignments, and adherence to event timelines. Assemble and manage event committees and volunteers in collaboration with the Board of Directors, Friends of Abilis, and the Abilis Youth Board. Arrange and oversee all event-related committee meetings and follow up. Manage all aspects of invitation processes, including production, assembly, personalized notes, mailing list management, responses, and follow-ups. Collaborate with the Senior Vice President of Development to support the annual appeal mailing, including list management, coordination of note-writing materials for the Board of Directors, and execution of this large-scale appeal. Create comprehensive social media strategy for all Development Department Special Events including pre and post event publicity that aligns with sponsorship opportunities. Provide SVP of Marketing detailed calendar of all for reference. Manage Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn accounts specifically for Development Department Special Events. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field. At least 3 years of fundraising and/or event management experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Experience with Raiser's Edge CRM software or a comparable system for gift entry. Experience with online event platforms. Strong organizational, detail-oriented, and creative problem-solving abilities. Superior customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally with donors, board members, volunteers, and program participants. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as necessary. This is an in-person role, no remote capability. Salary commensurate with experience. … more Requirements added by the job poster • Bachelor's Degree • 1+ years of work experience with Raiser's Edge • 2+ years of Non-profit Organizations experience