Manager of Special Events

STATUS: FULL TIME HOURS PER WEEK: 40 FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT LOCATION: New York REPORTS TO: Chief Philanthropy Officer General Position Summary: The Manager of Special Events is part of the Development Team and works closely with the Executive Team and Production Team (DLF Live) to develop, plan, and execute the David Lynch Foundation’s Galas, Summits, Fundraisers, Friend-raisers and other events large and small throughout the year to inspire fundraising support, build relationships, reach budgetary goals, and achieve media attention that highlights the Foundation’s mission and programs. Essential Responsibilities: The Manager must be self-motivated, committed to working at the highest level of quality, able to work both independently and in collaboration, multi-task on concurrent projects, and thrive within extremely tight deadlines. Evening and weekend hours are required and some travel. The Manager must believe in and be dedicated to the Foundation’s mission, understand both classic and new forms of events and event execution, have impeccable taste, and embody a passion for outstanding customer and donor service. The Manager must be able to deal directly with a large number of donors and prospective donors and be committed to treating everyone – from the Foundation’s celebrity supporters to the staff of event venues – with respect and consideration. The Manager must also be able to marshal forces and motivate people to action. The Manager will:

• Gather event information internally and participate in event brainstorming and planning, including pricing.

• Conduct event research (venues, vendors and speakers, etc.). • Solicit and close table and ticket buyers. • Work with Communications on save-the-date and invitation preparation and distribution and

manage all RSVPs and follow-up. • Collaborate with DLF Live on developing compelling sponsorship proposals and suggest /

connect with potential sponsors as applicable. • Serve as liaison to event vendors. • Provide progress reports to Senior Team and others as requested. • Prepare and update event budgets and timetables and track all event revenue and costs. • Negotiate contracts for space, food, supplies, audiovisual equipment, travel, signage, décor, etc.,

to meet the expectations of the Senior Team and Board of Directors. • Prepare and manage event registration databases, ticketing, etc. • Prepare all day-of-event materials, including attendee research and head-shot sheets. • Oversee and manage event team leaders and volunteers. • Supervise on-site production and post-event needs.

• Close out events (including acknowledgements and pledge follow-up) and conduct post-event debriefing.

• Add all donor information to CauseView database. Additionally, this position will work on and support Development projects in other areas of fundraising as requested. REQUIREMENTS

The Manager of Special Events will have a Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 3 years of significant experience in events planning and implementation. Additional requirements include:

• Planning and executing large-scale and high profile events, preferably for a major not-for-profit organization that undertakes a significant number of events per year.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills. • Excellent skills in organizing work groups and managing and motivating staff and volunteers to

work under specific time constraints. • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. • Tremendous attention to detail. • Extreme grace under pressure. • A collaborative nature. • Strong work ethic.

INTERACTIONS Reports to: Chief Philanthropy Officer Supervises: The position has partial access to the Development Associate as well as volunteers and DLF staff for event execution. ABOUT THE DAVID LYNCH FOUNDATION The David Lynch Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 2005 to prevent and eradicate the all-pervasive epidemic of trauma and toxic stress through promoting widespread implementation of the evidence-based Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique for such at-risk populations as: ● Underserved inner-city students. ● Veterans with PTSD and their families. ● Women and children dealing with domestic abuse. ● Other at-risk populations.

MORE ABOUT THE POSITION This is a full-time, salaried position based in the New York City offices of the Foundation in midtown Manhattan. After an initial employment period, employees become eligible for the Foundation’s comprehensive employee benefits package, including group health and dental plans, voluntary vision, life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance, flex plans for medical, dependent and commuting expenses and paid time off. TO APPLY Send resume, cover letter, and salary history and/or salary requirements to: careers@davidlynchfoundation.org. Only PDF or MSWord formats will be accepted. The David Lynch Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. For more about the Foundation, visit: www.davidlynchfoundation.org