DescriptionThe Manager of Special Events is responsible for the logistics management of AKF education events, summits, conferences, and fly-in's, supporting The Hope Affair gala and Living Donor Assistance Program supported by the Friends of David Atkins events, and peer-to-peer fundraiser engagement through KidneyNation. This position will work closely with the Senior Director of Special Events and the Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising on these events, as well as the Patient Support & Education and Office of Government Affairs teams. This position will be required to be in person at the office in Rockville, MD on average, once a week. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Education and Program Support Events
- In collaboration with Patient Support & Education and Office of Government Affairs teams, manage all on-site logistics for AKF education events, summits, conferences, and fly-ins. Examples of these responsibilities include:
- Venue research and RFP solicitation
- Vendor and catering management, including A/V needs for hybrid meetings
- Manage logistics surrounding event receptions, dinners, meetings, and break rooms
- Submit and maintain hotel rooming lists
- Attend venue walkthroughs and provide guidance on guest experience needs
- Track event budget and ensure accurate invoicing and accounting throughout the event planning and execution process
- If necessary, ensure fulfillment of sponsor benefits is executed
- Attend all internal meetings related to events
- Attend each event in-person to provide on-site support
Fundraising Events
- In collaboration with the Senior Director of Special Events, support the planning and execution The Hope Affair gala and fundraising events for the Living Donor Assistance Program supported by the Friends of David Atkins. Examples of these responsibilities include:
- Solicit and conduct follow-up on event sponsorships, including conducting prospect research
- Responsible for sponsor fulfillment of benefits such as collecting ads, guest names, and sending invoices
- Management of complimentary guest invitations, including curation of list, sending invitations, and receiving guest names
- Assist on development and production of all event collateral, website content and other program elements within established deadlines
- Attend meetings related to events and interact with Fund chairs
- Manage on-event staffing assignments, including the management and training of internal and external volunteers
- Fully participate in event-day execution and on-site management
KidneyNation
- Provide support to the Director of Peer-to-Peer for the KidneyNation peer-to-peer and community fundraising program. Responsibilities may include:
- Become proficient in managing data and using our online peer-to-peer platform, Classy.org, and provide support in customizing and utilizing online fundraising pages
- Maximize fundraising efforts by building relationships with and providing guidance to fundraisers and corporate/strategic partners
- Assist in individual fundraiser follow up, including sending thank you letters, and creating surveys and tracking responses
RequirementsBachelor's Degree or equivalent experience. Must have a minimum of 2-3 years of demonstrated experience and success in event management, including meetings, conferences, and fundraising events. Must have experience working with hotel room blocks and meeting spaces, caterers, and A/V vendors. Must have experience 1-2 years of experience in fundraising.Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Strong project management abilities including decision-making and judgment skills and an innate sense of pace and urgency. Be able to anticipate, plan, prioritize and react to changing needs and situations with professionalism, integrity and diplomacy. Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including a positive disposition, ability to work in a collaborative, team environment, while proactively pursuing individual portfolio. Ability to handle confidential matters with a high level of integrity. Interest in or experience in the health and patient-sector environment preferred. Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) as well as fundraising database software (Raisers Edge, Convio, or similar software). Ability to work some weekends and evenings as required. Some travel required. AKF offers a hybrid work schedule with employees working in the office 1-4 days per month and telework the rest of the time.