Events Manager

Lifesong Inc

Events Manager

Gridley, IL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    401(k)

    401(k) matching

    Competitive salary

    Dental insurance

    Health insurance

    Opportunity for advancement

    Paid time off

    Training & development

    Vision insurance

    CORE FOCUS OF LIFESONG FOR ORPHANS:

    Mission – Bringing the joy and purpose of Jesus to orphaned and vulnerable children

    Vision – Orphaned and vulnerable children becoming disciples of Jesus, in healthy relationships, engaged in a local church, experiencing family and meaningful work

    Method – Engaging, equipping, and encouraging Christ’s Body – some to adopt, some to care, and some to give

    OVERVIEW:

    The best Event Manager candidates will demonstrate a fit with Lifesong’s ministry culture along with a capacity to deliver best-in-class in-person, virtual, and hybrid giver and leadership conferences along with signature events for prospective and current major givers. These events will provide opportunities for personal experiences that educate, change hearts, promote long-term engagement with Lifesong, and result in increased donation revenue for the organization.

    POSITION PURPOSE:

    Working closely with the Creative and Development Teams, this Events Manager position advances the mission of Lifesong through managing and executing all fundraising and mission events, managing event budgets and financial performance, leading vendor and venue relationships and contracts, managing and supporting talent sourcing, ensuring event excellence and satisfaction, and collaborating on event marketing and communications.

    PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

    Manage and Execute all Fundraising and Mission Events

    Carry out the annual event plan aligned with organizational fundraising and mission goals

    Deliver high-quality, consistent event experiences that engage donors and advance mission awareness

    Design elevated and innovative guest experiences

    Establish event best practices and continuous improvement processes

    Evaluate and apply tools that improve event operations

    Collaborate with leadership to create and manage the annual event calendar

    Manage Event Budgets and Financial Performance

    Develop and manage budgets for all fundraising and mission events

    Track event expenses and ensure financial accountability

    Analyze event ROI and make data-driven decisions for future events

    Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining event quality

    Report on event financial performance to leadership

    Lead Vendor & Venue Relationships and Contracts

    Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with event vendors and venues

    Manage vendor and venue contracts, timelines, and deliverables

    Cultivate strong relationships with key vendor partners

    Ensure vendor performance meets SOWs and organizational standards

    Coordinate vendor logistics for multiple simultaneous events

    Manage and Support Talent Sourcing

    Navigate sourcing and contract negotiation of talent

    Organize logistics for talent and speakers

    Manage on-site hosting experience for talent and speakers

    Ensure Event Excellence and Satisfaction

    Manage event logistics and coordination responsibilities

    Accountable for achieving 90%+ attendee satisfaction scores

    Oversee all aspects of event planning from conception to post-event analysis

    Ensure consistent, excellent attendee experiences across all events

    Manage event risk and develop contingency plans

    Lead post-event evaluations and implement improvements

    Collaborate on Event Marketing and Communications

    Partner with Communications and Marketing teams on event promotion

    Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all event materials

    Review and approve event communications and materials

    Coordinate event registration systems and attendee communications

    Miscellaneous Duties: performs other duties as assigned

    REQUIRED SKILLS:

    Passionate commitment to Lifesong's Core Focus

    Proven leadership and team management abilities

    Exceptional organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple events simultaneously

    Exceptional problem-solving and follow-through

    Excellent budget management and financial acumen

    Outstanding vendor negotiation and relationship management skills

    Superior communication and interpersonal skills

    Ability to remain calm and solutions-focused under pressure

    Strong attention to detail while maintaining big-picture perspective

    Proficiency with event management software and tools

    Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as events required

    Ability to travel up to 30% of time domestically and internationally

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

    Bachelor's Degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing, or related field

    3-5+ years of event management experience with demonstrated leadership

    Proven track record of managing successful fundraising or large-scale events

    Experience managing event budgets and demonstrating ROI

    Experience managing staff or volunteers

    Experience in a non-profit setting is preferred

    Midwest-based candidate preferred

    CONDUCT:

    This position requires an active commitment to the core focus, values, and statement of faith of Lifesong. In the course of performing job duties, Lifesong employees will follow Employee Handbook policies, and act in a manner that honors Christ, demonstrating a personal Christian faith and witness in all interpersonal interactions. Lifesong is also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and program participants and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Conduct that demonstrates the values listed below are required of all Lifesong employees.

    Love God and His People, Serve with Humility, Steward Faithfully

    WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

    Tasks are conducted in both office environment and event venues

    Regular travel required for event site visits and event execution

    Must have valid driver's license and passport

    Evening and weekend work required for events

    May need to lift and move up to 50 lbs. for event setup

    Extended periods of standing and walking during events

    Employees are required to observe safety principles while performing the duties of the position

    DISCLAIMER:

    This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in the classification. Work hours may be irregular including performing duties on evenings or weekends.

    Flexible work from home options available.