Job Posting – Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager

Job Title: Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager
Department: Development
Location: 318 Walking Mountains Lane, Avon CO 81620
Reports To: Director of Individual Giving
Application Deadline: 6/20/21
To Apply: Please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
FLSA Status: Exempt

Organizational Overview:

Founded in 1998, Walking Mountains Science Center’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. As part of a dynamic organization, you are part of a team of like-minded, spirited colleagues who are passionate about the mission of Walking Mountains and the impact it’s making in the community. For more information, please visit our website at www.walkingmountains.org.

Position Overview:

The Special Events & Corporate Partnerships Manager is a full-time year-round position that will report directly to the Director of Individual Giving. This creative, dedicated and experienced professional is an event “pro” and understands the importance of special events in cultivating existing donors and attracting new ones. Additionally, this position is responsible for all corporate partnerships and delivers bottom-line revenue toward the development team’s goal.

This position works closely with the fundraising and development team, as well as with program departments and external partners and vendors to design donor events ranging from private guided hikes to the annual gala (A Taste of Nature) including both cultivation and stewardship events. This position also develops relationships with corporate partners, sells sponsorship opportunities and expands Walking Mountains’ corporate portfolio.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Special Events

  • Manage all events relating to donor stewardship and cultivation from conception through completion. Deliver donor events and sponsor activations that engage participants in our mission, create connections within our donor/sponsor community, and imbue a sense of pride in supporting Walking Mountains
  • Manage the planning and execution of our annual gala, A Taste of Nature, working closely with team members, internal departments, consultants, and vendors to meet or exceed timelines and budgets
  • Project manage the planning and execution of a variety of development events throughout the year including monthly EdVentures (for donors $1,000+), private events, and cultivation events (e.g. Corporate Happy Hour, Hiking Club Happy Hour, Holiday Open House)
  • Facilitate the creation and execution of a new signature fundraising event, working collaboratively with development team and program colleagues

Corporate Sponsorships

  • Maintain and grow corporate partnerships through a strategic approach including the sales process, enhancing brand recognition, sponsorship reporting and relationship-building
  • Meet or exceed sponsorship goals for the Annual Gala, Fright at the Museum, Field Science Scholarship Programs, and the Sustainable Film Series, as well a corporate philanthropy
  • Collaborate with the individual giving team and program departments
  • Research new corporate partnership opportunities and attend community events to build relationships

Administrative

  • Meet or exceed budget expectations for event expenses and sponsorship revenue; maintain budget worksheets and revenue projections
  • Take ownership of all corporate sponsorship benefits fulfillment, working closely with marketing
  • Maintain corporate sponsor and prospect records in CRM database

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

  • Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, activities and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.
  • Coordinate with program, development, and finance teams in proposal preparation and the reporting process to ensure accurate information is submitted (i.e. project deliverables, and financial reports)
  • Attend community events to forge relationships with donors and corporate partners
  • Participate in weekly development team meetings, leadership team, and all-staff meetings
  • Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications

  • Experienced event planner with attention to detail in all elements of event management
  • Excels in bottom-line, revenue driven roles tied to fundraising goals with demonstrated success
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and transition seamlessly from event planning to fundraising duties
  • Experienced project manager proficient in communication timelines and expectations with internal and external stakeholders
  • Excellent written, oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills are essential
  • Strong computer skills and ability to utilize Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Bloomerang (database), Google Suite, Zoo
  • Hard working, self-motivated, and creative individual with ability to set SMART goals and make efficient plans for execution
  • Ability to function as part of a team as well as independently
  • A minimum of two years in event management or related fundraising positions is required
  • A bachelor’s degree is required

Work Environment

  • The job primarily is located in the Avon office with offsite meetings and occasional events
  • Evening and weekends are sometimes required

Compensation and Benefits

  • Compensation and benefits are reviewed annually.
  • Starting salary range $45,000-$55,000 depending on qualifications
  • Full Heath, Dental, Vision
  • 401K match program
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Discounted ski pass
  • Discounted WMSC programs
  • Early access to WMSC event registration
  • Access to discounted clothing and gear programs
  • 15 days PTO in the first year, including two days for volunteer opportunities,12 days of sick leave for you or to care for a member of your immediate family, and 12 holidays

Contact:

James Kenly, Director of Individual Giving
jamesk@walkingmountains.org, 970.827.9725 x118

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), transgender status, gender identity, physical, mental or learning disability, mental illness, military or veteran status, marital or civil union partnership with
a coworker or any other status which may be protected by Federal, State or local law.

Please complete the application in its entirety and be as accurate as possible.