Manager, Special Events

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

 POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Arlington, VA 

The Manager of Special Events plays a key role in planning and executing Conservation International’s special events, with a focus on gala fundraising dinners and Board of Directors meetings.  They also plan, coordinate, and provide logistical support for smaller special events or related cultivation/fundraising functions as directed.  The Manager of Special Events manages event revenue and expenses and provides overall event fiscal oversight.  They work closely with Office of the CEO colleagues to develop, coordinate, and implement an annual plan for executive events.

This position demands a high level of organizational skills, keen attention to detail, flexibility in high-stress situations, and the ability to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage key logistical details as assigned for CI’s Board of Directors meetings, which typically includes one international board meeting.  Duties include hotel selection, contract negotiations, managing vendors, RSVP tracking, hotel room reservations and transportation and meeting-related social events.  Work closely with the Office of the CEO on the planning and execution of each meeting.
• Lead key aspects of event logistics and on-site management of 3 or more executive events each fiscal year.   Duties include, but are not limited to, venue selection, contract negotiations, caterer selection, design, and on-site management.
• Manage logistics for smaller-scale and ad-hoc events and fundraising functions such as luncheons, social events, donor recognition functions, and related cultivation events.
• Assist the Senior Director of Special Events in working with the event production team to ensure the smooth execution of all events, including managing pre-event planning efforts.  Coordinate technical and logistical efforts which may include on-site oversight of audio-visual, staging, on-site scheduling (including vendor load-in), marketing and event printed materials, and venue décor.
• Manage event budgets and ensure efficiency and cost-effective practices. Coordinate billings, track revenue, and expenses review monthly reports, and provide summary reports as needed.  Assist with the team’s budgeting process each fiscal year.
• Partner with Development staff to implement a Special Events annual plan that helps advance CI’s cultivation and fundraising efforts.
• Conduct post-event assessments and incorporate lessons learned in future events.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• This position does not directly manage staff.
• Manages an individual budget under the approval of an immediate supervisor.
• May be responsible for managing some public or private funds related to special event functions. 

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment. In-office requirement of 10 days per month.
• The position requires working additional and non-standard working hours.
• Travel for 6+ events/meetings and planning trips per year.  Travel may include 1-2 international trip(s) per year.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or up to four years of college-level work.
• 4 to 6 years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated success in event program development and execution. 
• Positive, “can-do” attitude, flexibility, and teamwork; high degree of initiative.
• Strong verbal communication.
• Strong organizational skills.
• High level of attention to detail and multi-tasking.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in reviewing and negotiating contracts.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior work in the conservation or NGO field as well as experience in holding ‘green’ or sustainable events/meetings preferred.

Preferred

• Experience with a development database system.
• Experience planning international meetings.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.