Senior 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 Senior Event Manager is a key member of the Events Team, responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating signature fundraising events each year that contribute to the team’s overall goal of raising $1M in signature event revenue. This role also provides support for community events, peer to peer fundraising events, and other Events Team-coordinated activities that collectively raise $250K annually. The Senior Event Manager ensures all events reflect For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation’s (FPS) mission and deliver exceptional experiences for attendees, volunteers, and supporters. This role contributes to event strategy and planning, manages production logistics, and cultivates key stakeholder relationships while collaborating closely with Marketing & Communications, Advancement, and Finance teams. The position requires leadership, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Lead Signature Events

• Oversee all planning, logistics, and execution of assigned signature events for FPS (e.g. annual gala, golf tournament)
• Leads efforts to secure sponsorships that support revenue goals.
• 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 Direction, Support & Collaboration

• Supports a set of community events by engaging with volunteers and identifying new and creative ways to engage the community.
• Provide support to FPS team members leading other community and signature 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 Advancement 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 invitation lists 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.
• Collaborate with Director of Strategic Partnerships and Director of Major Gifts in identifying sponsorship opportunities.

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit or fundraising event management
• Experience in securing sponsorships for fundraising events
• Lead peer to peer fundraising events for a nonprofit
• Strong organizational and project management 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
• 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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