Manager, Events & Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Events & Partnerships

🔹 Company: Operation Smile

🔹 Location: Atlanta, GA - Washington, DC - Chicago, IL - Virginia Beach, VA

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Remote with 70% travel

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: April 5, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote with travel

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing logistics, staffing, donor, and vendor support for community engagement events and fundraising efforts.
• Direct outreach to donors and corporate supporters to negotiate cash and in-kind donations, event sponsorships, and shop-to-benefit campaigns.
• Overseeing event planning and execution, including fundraising, donor cultivation and stewardship, marketing, communications, volunteer management, VIP guest participation, and working directly with third-party vendors.
• Managing the Events and Partnerships portfolio in BBCRM, including updating records, pulling donor and revenue reports, adding/disqualifying prospects, and creating audits.
• Escorting VIP donors and groups on Operation Smile programs as needed and facilitating their positive experience.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of multitasking, flexibility, and adaptability to manage competing priorities and diverse areas of responsibility.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage a unified departmental schedule of activities, including community engagement events, fundraisers, and other events, and create reports and SOPs, lead weekly team status meetings and KPI conversations, develop optimization strategies, and manage interns as needed.

✅ Support the AVP and team in all aspects of event strategic planning and execution, including fundraising, donor cultivation and stewardship, marketing, communications, volunteer management, VIP guest participation, and working directly with third-party vendors, including venues, caterers, equipment suppliers, etc.

✅ Manage Events and Partnerships portfolio in BBCRM, including updating records, pulling donor and revenue reports, adding/disqualifying prospects, and creating audits.

✅ Escort VIP donors and groups on Operation Smile programs as needed and facilitate their positive experience.

✅ Directly conduct new and existing donor and corporate supporter outreach to negotiate both cash and in-kind donations, event sponsorships, and shop-to-benefit campaigns. Responsible for conducting brand sponsor outreach to offset costs of events and acquire donated products.

✅ Directly support major individual donors including conducting in-person and virtual meetings, assisting with donor accompaniment as needed, phone calls, tax donation letters, and email support to maintain donor loyalty.

✅ Create and submit agreements and contracts for event sponsors and vendors and submit payments.

✅ Assist as backup support for AVP in production management and creative operations for events, including creating run of show, scripts, slideshows, visual and marketing materials, procuring video footage, and stage and backstage management.

✅ Manage events ticketing and donation processing software, OneCause, including creating and updating event profiles, setting up ticketing and sponsorships, building and assigning table seating, and adding auction items. Manage on-the-ground OneCause staff at events, and all registration, live, and silent auction activities.

✅ Directly manage staff and volunteers at Operation Smile events, including delegating tasks, managing daily operations, booking travel and lodging, and providing training and resources.

✅ Manage shipping and receiving process

✅ Collaborate with the events team to ensure that event revenue is maximized. Monitor and update expense and revenue reporting for each event, submit monthly expense reports for the department, create and submit invoicing for donation and sponsorship pledges, and invoice payment requests to finance.

✅ Maintain all past event records and paperwork, manage Events department equipment and premium product inventory at Global HQ.

✅ Directly manage or support interdepartmental community engagement and fundraising efforts

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of travel and may require working some nights and weekends, as well as supporting donor cultivation and events schedule.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience: 5+ years of event or project planning management experience. 3+ years of successful non-profit fundraising or comparable experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven success in managing a portfolio of prospects and having raised funds in a metric-driven environment or comparable experience.
• Demonstrated ability to support management of the full cycle of non-profit fundraising events.
• Experience using OneCause/Bidpal and/or other ticketing platforms.
• Experience using fundraising CRM software, preferably Blackbaud products.
• Experience with email and project management software
• Experience with social media and digital marketing a plus.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience leading large teams in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated ability to directly communicate with major donors and corporations and negotiate cash and in-kind sponsorships and event support.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects
• Ability to self-regulate emotions in stressful situations

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in event planning, fundraising, and donor relations, with a proven track record of success in a non-profit environment.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,400 to $65,000, which may vary slightly based on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• 401(k) Plan
• Health Plans
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and remote work options. This role requires a significant amount of travel and may require working some nights and weekends, as well as supporting donor cultivation and events schedule.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and geographic location. The benefits listed are subject to change and may vary based on the candidate’s employment status and location.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Operation Smile is a non-profit organization focused on providing free, life-changing, facial reconstructive surgery and care to persons born with a cleft lip and/or palate.

Company Size: Operation Smile has 11-50 employees, which means applicants can expect a close-knit, collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and impact.

Founded: Operation Smile was founded in 1982, with a mission to help children and young adults born with facial deformities, such as cleft lips and palates.

Company Description:

• Operation Smile has provided hundreds of thousands of free surgeries for children and young adults in developing countries since its founding.
• The organization works with local medical professionals and volunteers to provide safe, effective surgical care and follow-up treatment.
• Operation Smile also provides medical training and education to local medical professionals, helping to build sustainable healthcare systems in the communities it serves.

Company Specialties:

• Cleft lip and palate surgery
• Medical missions
• Medical training and education
• Community-based healthcare

Company Website: http://www.operationsmile.org/

ASSUMPTION: Operation Smile is a mission-driven organization with a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and young adults with facial deformities. Applicants should be passionate about the organization’s mission and willing to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Events & Partnerships reports directly to the AVP of Community, Events & Partnerships.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote with a significant amount of travel required. The role may require working some nights and weekends, as well as supporting donor cultivation and events schedule.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunities for advancement within the Events and Partnerships department or other departments within the organization.
• Potential to gain experience in international program management and global health initiatives.
• Chance to work closely with senior leadership and gain exposure to strategic decision-making processes.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates to gain experience in event planning, fundraising, and donor relations, while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young adults with facial deformities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote with a significant amount of travel required.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, GA - Washington, DC - Chicago, IL - Virginia Beach, VA

Geographic Context:

• Atlanta, GA: A vibrant city with a diverse population and a thriving arts and culture scene.
• Washington, DC: The capital of the United States, with a rich history and numerous cultural attractions.
• Chicago, IL: A major city with a diverse economy and a strong cultural heritage.
• Virginia Beach, VA: A coastal city with a mild climate and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and remote work options. This role requires a significant amount of travel and may require working some nights and weekends, as well as supporting donor cultivation and events schedule.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable with remote work and willing to travel frequently for this role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with senior leadership
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Event planning and management skills
• Fundraising and donor relations experience
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Alignment with Operation Smile’s mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your event planning, fundraising, and donor relations experience.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with OneCause/Bidpal and other ticketing platforms, as well as fundraising CRM software.
• Demonstrate your passion for Operation Smile’s mission and your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children and young adults with facial deformities.

ATS Keywords: Event Planning, Fundraising, Donor Relations, OneCause, Ticketing Platforms, CRM Software, Non-profit Organizations, Operation Smile

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with event planning, fundraising, and donor relations, as well as their alignment with Operation Smile’s mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• OneCause/Bidpal
• Blackbaud CRM
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Email and project management software
• Social media and digital marketing tools

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable using event ticketing platforms, fundraising CRM software, and other relevant tools and technologies.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Mission-driven and passionate

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate compassion in your work?
• How have you shown integrity in a previous role?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with Operation Smile’s values and work style, as well as a genuine commitment to the organization’s mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Significant travel requirements
• Working some nights and weekends, as well as supporting donor cultivation and events schedule
• Managing a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, including event planning, fundraising, donor relations, and administrative office management
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable with a high level of multitasking, flexibility, and adaptability, as well as a willingness to travel frequently and work some nights and weekends.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on event planning, fundraising, and donor relations within the non-profit sector, with a specific focus on cleft lip and palate surgery and care.
• Compared to similar roles in the for-profit sector, this role offers the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of children and young adults with facial deformities.
• Career paths in this role may include advancement within the Events and Partnerships department or other departments within the organization, as well as opportunities to gain experience in international program management and global health initiatives.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be interested in the unique mission and focus of Operation Smile, as well as the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of children and young adults with facial deformities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Planning and executing a major fundraising event, including securing sponsors, managing vendors, and coordinating volunteers
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive donor relations strategy, including regular communication, stewardship, and cultivation efforts
• Managing the Events and Partnerships portfolio in BBCRM, including updating records, pulling donor and revenue reports, adding/disqualifying prospects, and creating audits

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be able to provide specific examples of their experience with event planning, fundraising, and donor relations, as well as their ability to manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical event planning and execution process for Operation Smile events?
• How does the Events and Partnerships department collaborate with other departments within the organization?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role?
• How does Operation Smile support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the Events and Partnerships department, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions about the role, the department, and the organization, demonstrating their interest and engagement.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your event planning, fundraising, and donor relations experience, as well as your alignment with Operation Smile’s mission and values.
• Prepare for your interview by researching Operation Smile’s mission, values, and programs, as well as the specific requirements and responsibilities of the role.
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.