Manager, Events & Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager, Events & Partnerships

🔹 Company: Operation Smile

🔹 Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (On-site and Remote)

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Some remote work required)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing logistics, staffing, and vendor support for Operation Smile’s 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 and adaptability, as it involves managing various aspects of events, partnerships, and donor relations.

📋 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.

✅ 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 requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 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 experience using OneCause/Bidpal and/or other ticketing platforms.
• Proven experience using fundraising CRM software, preferably Blackbaud products.
• Proven experience with email and project management software.
• Proven experience in event planning and project management.
• Proven experience leading large teams in fast-paced environments.
• Proven 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 work well both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity in dealing with confidential information.
• 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.
• Interest and appreciation of Operation Smile’s core mission and ability to communicate that mission across different platforms and personalities.
• Highly flexible and adaptable. Ability to manage competing priorities and multi-task through diverse areas.
• Must be able to self-regulate emotions in stressful situations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with social media and digital marketing.

ASSUMPTION: Given the hybrid nature of this role, candidates should be comfortable working both on-site and remotely, with some nights and weekends required for events and donor cultivation.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The anticipated salary range for this position is $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 position with some nights and weekends required for events and donor cultivation. Travel may be required domestically and internationally.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the non-profit sector. The final salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

📌 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, providing a close-knit work environment where individual contributions can make a significant impact.

Founded: Operation Smile was founded in 1982, with a mission to heal children's smiles and bring hope for a better future.

Company Description:

• Operation Smile provides comprehensive care to patients with cleft lip and palate conditions, including surgery, dental care, speech therapy, and psychological support.
• The organization operates in over 30 countries, with a network of more than 6,000 medical volunteers.
• Operation Smile is committed to improving the health and well-being of children around the world through safe surgery and comprehensive care.

Company Specialties:

• Cleft lip and palate surgery
• Comprehensive care for patients with cleft conditions
• International medical trips and community outreach
• Global health initiatives

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

ASSUMPTION: Operation Smile's mission-driven focus and global impact make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking meaningful work and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children worldwide.

📊 Role Analysis

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

Reporting Structure: The Manager, Events & Partnerships reports directly to the AVP of Community, Events & Partnerships and oversees staff and volunteers at Operation Smile events.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring on-site work for events and donor cultivation, as well as remote work for administrative tasks and portfolio management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a senior role within the Events & Partnerships department or other departments within the organization.
• Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and organizational needs.
• Opportunities to participate in international medical trips and global health initiatives.

ASSUMPTION: Given Operation Smile's mission and global impact, this role offers unique growth opportunities for candidates interested in advancing their careers in the non-profit sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Operation Smile's global headquarters is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a hybrid work arrangement.

Office Location(s): 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453

Geographic Context:

• Virginia Beach is located in the southeastern corner of Virginia, with a mild climate and a cost of living slightly lower than the national average.
• The city offers a variety of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and water activities due to its coastal location.
• Virginia Beach is easily accessible by major highways and has a regional airport, making it convenient for travel.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with some nights and weekends required for events and donor cultivation. Travel may be required domestically and internationally.

ASSUMPTION: Virginia Beach's coastal location and mild climate make it an attractive place to live and work, with a variety of cultural and outdoor activities available.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Background check and reference check
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Event planning and management skills
• Fundraising experience and ability
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Adaptability and multitasking abilities
• Alignment with Operation Smile's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Operation Smile's mission and how your skills and experience align with the organization's goals.
• Prepare examples of your event planning and management experience, as well as your fundraising success stories.
• Be ready to discuss your ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

ATS Keywords: Event planning, fundraising, non-profit, donor relations, vendor management, ticketing software, CRM, hybrid work, Virginia Beach

ASSUMPTION: Operation Smile's interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit, with a focus on their ability to contribute to the organization's mission and goals.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Smartsheet
• Blackbaud CRM (BBCRM)
• OneCause (ticketing and donation processing software)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, Smartsheet, and Blackbaud CRM, with experience in OneCause and social media platforms being a plus.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Compassion: We care deeply about the people we serve and our colleagues.
• Integrity: We act with honesty and transparency in all our interactions.
• Collaboration: We work together to achieve our mission and goals.
• Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions and their outcomes.
• Excellence: We strive for excellence in all that we do.

Work Style:

• Mission-driven: Operation Smile's employees are passionate about the organization's mission and committed to making a difference in the lives of children worldwide.
• Team-oriented: Collaboration and teamwork are essential for success in this role, as it involves managing staff and volunteers, as well as working closely with other departments within the organization.
• Adaptable: This role requires the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities and work environments.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Operation Smile's mission and values?
• Describe a time when you had to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities. How did you handle this situation?
• How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with donors and corporate supporters?

ASSUMPTION: Operation Smile's cultural fit considerations focus on candidates who are mission-driven, team-oriented, and adaptable, with a strong commitment to the organization's values and goals.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple tasks simultaneously and adapting to changing priorities can be stressful and demanding.
• Working with donors and corporate supporters may require extensive travel and irregular hours.
• Operation Smile's mission-driven focus may require candidates to be passionate and committed to the organization's goals and values.
• Virginia Beach's coastal location may present challenges for candidates who prefer an urban environment or are not comfortable with water activities.

ASSUMPTION: These potential challenges are inherent in the role and the organization's mission, and candidates should be aware of them before applying.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other event planning and management roles, this position places a greater emphasis on fundraising and donor relations.
• In the non-profit sector, this role is unique in its focus on cleft lip and palate surgery and comprehensive care for patients with cleft conditions.
• Career paths in this role may include advancement to senior management positions within the Events & Partnerships department or other departments within the organization.

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on Operation Smile's mission and the organization's global impact, offering candidates the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children worldwide.

📝 Sample Projects

• Planning and executing a fundraising gala, including securing sponsors, managing vendors, and coordinating volunteers.
• Managing a portfolio of donors in BBCRM, including updating records, pulling reports, and creating audits.
• Escorting VIP donors on an international medical trip, facilitating their positive experience, and managing their itinerary.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to give candidates an idea of the types of tasks and responsibilities they may encounter in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
• How does this role support Operation Smile's mission and goals?
• What opportunities are there for growth and advancement within the organization?
• How does the Events & Partnerships department collaborate with other departments within the organization?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the cultural fit between the candidate and Operation Smile.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3167878
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on event planning, fundraising, and non-profit experience.
• Prepare examples of your event planning and management experience, as well as your fundraising success stories.
• Be ready to discuss your ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.

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