Job Title: Special Events Manager
Position Summary
The Special Events Manager leads the planning, coordination, and execution of events that advance student success and elevate the visibility of the foundation statewide. This role works closely with Senior Managers to design detailed run-of-show plans and deliver high-quality events that support student engagement, literacy initiatives, scholarships, and community partnerships.
The Special Events Manager ensures events are mission-aligned, professionally executed, fiscally responsible, and reflective of the foundation’s brand and impact. This role also represents the foundation at community events and galas, manages in-kind donations, and provides operational support for fundraising activities.
Impact of the Role
The Special Events Manager plays a critical role in bringing the mission of Ken Garff for Good to life through meaningful, mission-driven experiences. By delivering high-quality events and ensuring strong community representation, this leader helps inspire students, engage partners, and elevate the foundation’s impact across Utah.
Key Responsibilities
Event Strategy & Execution
- Design and execute comprehensive event plans in collaboration with Senior Managers and program teams.
- Develop detailed run-of-show documents, timelines, staffing plans, and logistics coordination.
- Lead planning and execution of events including, but not limited to:
- Student conferences and program launches
- Student Ambassador program events
- Women Who Succeed mentee events
- Regional esports and technology competitions
- Spring Celebration
- Girls Give Back
- Summer Soiree
- Spring literacy event
- Car giveaway event
- Additional events as initiatives expand
- Ensure seamless onsite execution including venue coordination, vendor management, technology setup, and participant experience.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with the Senior Manager, Student Engagement to support student-facing program events.
- Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Student Services to align scholarship and opportunity milestones with event recognition.
- Coordinate with the Senior Manager, Literacy to support reading initiative celebrations and school recognition events.
- Work closely with the Business Manager to ensure financial processes, contracts, and payments are handled accurately and efficiently.
- Support the fundraising team in the execution of fundraising events and donor engagement activities.
Community Representation & Outreach
- Represent Ken Garff for Good at community galas, luncheons, and partner events to ensure strong brand presence.
- Coordinate and staff tabling opportunities at community events as needed.
- Maintain professional relationships with vendors, venues, sponsors, and community partners.
In-Kind Donation Management
- Oversee the coordination, tracking, and distribution of in-kind donations provided to schools or the fundraising team.
- Ensure accurate documentation and stewardship of donated goods and services.
- Collaborate with program teams to align in-kind contributions with identified needs.
Budget & Operational Oversight
- Develop and manage event budgets in collaboration with the Vice President of Operations and Business Manager.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of foundation resources.
- Negotiate contracts and oversee vendor agreements.
- Track expenditures and ensure compliance with foundation policies.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in event management, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field.
- 2-4+ years of experience in event planning, nonprofit events, or large-scale program coordination.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple events simultaneously.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Experience managing budgets and vendor contracts.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends as event schedules require.
Core Competencies
- Strategic event design
- Project management excellence
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Financial stewardship
- Professional representation and brand management
- High attention to detail
- Calm and effective problem-solving under pressure