Event Manager

For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation (FPS) helps adult cancer patients and their loved ones confront cancer hardships together through respite travel experiences which strengthen the healing force of their bonds and create immeasurable joy amidst devastating crises. We strengthen the hearts of these courageous individuals as they battle the psychological, emotional, economic, and spiritual trauma that accompanies a cancer diagnosis. This respite experience is in a comfortable, secure environment that fosters a celebration of love in the face of uncertainty, affords vital reflection and relaxation in the midst of turmoil and promotes faith and inspiration in the shadow of adversity. Lasting memories of this respite help to show that it is the patients’ priceless lives, not the cancer that defines them.

Inspired by the late Peter R. Bossow, Jr., FPS offers adult cancer patients and their families time away to refresh, reconnect and rejuvenate. Peter, together with his wife Marci, discovered that a respite from the countless hours of needles, tests, nausea and associated treatment ailments was a peaceful way to refocus and embrace life’s unexpected journey.

Patients must be nominated by a healthcare professional who is a member of the patient’s oncology team to be eligible for the program. Currently, FPS is exclusively working with our travel partner, Woodloch Resort, and nominated families are invited to spend five nights/six days at this safe, top-rated family destination. A typical respite is six days and includes a generous cash stipend, travel costs, accommodations, a For Pete’s Sake welcome bag with travel items and other materials that assist in the respite experience, including writing journals, materials to encourage family communication, inspirational and spiritual books on coping and hope, therapeutic art activities, and other carefully selected items to help make the respite meaningful emotionally and spiritually.

The Event Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation’s (FPS) signature fundraising events, including the annual Gala and Golf Tournaments. This role also provides support for other events, such as Cornhole for Cancer (CH4C), the Young Friends Society, and Community Events coordinated by the broader Events Team. The Event Manager ensures all events reflect FPS’s mission and deliver an exceptional experience for attendees, volunteers, and supporters. This position collaborates closely with Marketing & Communications, Development, Finance, and Data teams.

Lead Signature Events

• Oversee all planning, logistics, and execution of FPS’s annual Gala and Golf Tournaments.
• Manage vendor relationships, budgets, timelines, and contracts.
• Serve as the lead onsite FPS representative for assigned events.
• Build and lead volunteer committees; manage meetings, task delegation, and follow through.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising best practices and organizational standards.

Event Support & Collaboration

• Provide support to FPS team members leading Cornhole for Cancer (CH4C), Young Friends Society events, and Community Events, including onsite presence and logistical coordination as needed.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications to promote events across print, digital, and social channels.
• Ensure proper donor and sponsor recognition pre-, during, and post-event.

Donor and Sponsor Engagement

• Support stewardship of corporate and individual donors in partnership with the Development team.
• Help fulfill sponsorship deliverables and assist in the creation of proposals, reports, and thank you communications.

Event Analysis & Reporting

• Track and report on key performance indicators for events, including financial outcomes, attendance, and donor engagement.
• Reconcile event revenue and expenses with Finance and Data teams; ensure proper coding in fundraising platforms.
• Maintain detailed records of sponsors, attendees, vendors, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.

Systems & Technology

• Utilize and support integration of Blackbaud NXT and Classy for event management and donor tracking.
• Manage online auction platforms and assist with Scoreholio logistics when supporting CH4C events.
• Collaborate with Data team to ensure accurate and timely reporting and receipting.

Cross-Functional Support

• Work closely with staff across departments to ensure seamless planning and execution of events.
• Contribute to broader organizational initiatives as needed.

• 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit or event management
• Strong organizational skills with a focus on detail and deadlines
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale fundraising events
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Blackbaud NXT and Classy preferred
• Familiarity with auction and registration platforms; Scoreholio experience a plus
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends and travel as required
• Positive, team-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic
• Passion for the mission of For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation

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