Development Events and Stewardship Manager

About SPUR

SPUR is a nonprofit public policy organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through research, education and advocacy, SPUR works to create an equitable, sustainable and prosperous region, where all people thrive. We bring people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the big problems cities face, and are recognized and respected for our independent and holistic approach to urban issues.

The Opportunity

SPUR seeks a Development Events and Stewardship Manager to support the Chief of Development and the Director of Engagement to co-design, oversee, orchestrate and execute SPUR’s donor-facing events, including, but not limited to our two signature events, and multiple member cultivation events from conception to completion. Other donor facing events include events and meetings specially curated for our Business Members, including affinity groups and Business Breakfasts, and events with local electeds or other dignitaries. The position will also support SPUR’s Board of Directors and City Advisory Boards in ad hoc fundraising and networking events such as policy area salons in service of cultivating donors.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in building out SPUR’s overall engagement strategy. The role will be central in helping the organization understand how to move its membership and broader network into action for the organization. The Development Events and Stewardship Manager will work closely with the Director of Engagement to find creative ways to engage SPUR’s donor base, highlighting opportunities for their authentic interaction and engagement with our work. This role will play an essential function in managing a portion of the organization’s overall engagement strategy and will partner closely with the Director of Engagement in designing and implementing donor-facing strategies.

The position requires strong project management, communication and interpersonal skills. Successful candidates will possess an acute attention to detail and be highly organized, outgoing and independent. This person must have the ability to juggle many events at different stages of production simultaneously. The Development Events and Stewardship Manager works collaboratively with all departments at SPUR as well as with donors, volunteers, and board members on annual signature events and member engagement events.

SPUR’s annual signature events generate substantial income for the organization’s general operating budget, and the donor cultivation events promote SPUR’s community of urbanists by providing opportunities for members to build connections. In this role, it is important to think strategically about the big picture and maintain an awareness of how small, short term projects fit a greater organizational plan.

Events Project Management (70%)

• Oversee and manage the full scope of all donor facing engagement activities for SPUR’s two signature events, Ideas+Action and Silver SPUR; SPUR’s member specific engagement and stewardship efforts including business member events and affinity group meetings, individual member and major donor events; Board and City Advisory Board fundraising and networking, and the SPUR Study Trip.
• Management includes content ideation in partnership with the Director of Engagement and other relevant staff; event curation; logistics planning and execution; budgeting; vendor sourcing; collateral creation, invitation and RSVP management; program development (speakers, presentations, run-of-show); technical, operational and on-site execution.
• Acts as the first point of contact for SPUR’s donor facing event participants which includes developing authentic relationships with speakers, sponsors, and attendees in order to deepen donor commitments in the long term
• Establish, oversee, and coordinate the SPUR donor facing events calendar, in collaboration with the Engagement Director
• Manage outreach to high profile external figures for donor facing events, including elected officials, community leaders, and sponsors to ensure appropriate invitations are extended to the right people at the right time in the right manner
• Prepare key stakeholders and senior management for their roles and participation in events. Ensure proper and timely communication of guest lists, attendee bios, remarks and timelines
• Manage external events oriented contractors including but not limited to the events contractor and the design contractor
• Work closely with the Chief Development Officer, Director of Engagement and other relevant staff to develop strategy for overall member/donor engagement
• Create and distribute event printed and digital collateral, including updating the SPUR event website pages. Work with the graphic design team to produce all promotional materials on time and on budget
• Attend all signature events, ensuring quality implementation. Oversee “day of” tasks for each event, ensuring load-in and breakdown as needed. Train staff and volunteers to perform event duties in advance

Administration and program event support – 20%

• Use Salesforce to create mailing lists, track RSVPs, and input relevant notes of donor/prospect involvement.
• Use Pardot to create and disseminate email solicitations and invitations
• Use Soapbox, an events registration platform, to create registration links for all events
• Oversee relationship tracking and management of donor communications when necessary
• Coordinate and execute all sponsor benefits communication for signature events in a professional manner to steward sponsors and ensure timely receipt of benefits materials (including but not limited to guest names, digital and printed materials, etc.)
• Occasional travel to San Jose and Oakland required

Event Analysis – 10%

• Evaluate effectiveness of each donor facing event and collaborate with leaders to create an annual operational plan to set goals and events calendar for the year
• Ensure that events are planned for the most effective day of the week and time of the year and do not conflict with other major events within the Bay Area
• Engage in regular reporting on the effectiveness of SPUR’s signature events

Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 2-3 years events and/or project management experience bringing project from conception/planning stages through to implementation and completion

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• High attention to detail
• Strong time-management skills, extremely organized, able to multi-task and work under pressure in a team environment with enthusiasm and humor
• Proficient in Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Gmail. Experience with Salesforce is highly desirable
• Self-directing initiative
• Proven effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to collaborate across teams and departments
• Ability to adapt to existing systems and improve upon them

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Experience volunteering or working with a nonprofit/mission-based organization or social enterprise
• Interest in urban and public/civic affairs
• Experience working closely with a variety of businesses and community members
• Strategic marketing and communication experience desirable
• Proficiency with Mac computers helpful
• Proficiency with CRM’s, Mass Mailing Platforms, and Event Registration Systems highly desirable

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $85,000 – $90,000 and will be based on experience and commensurate with skills and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt position. SPUR offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package.

How To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and any professional social media handles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SPUR is an equal opportunity employer with a strong organizational commitment to respecting differences of all kinds. SPUR prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, political orientation or disability or any other basis prohibited by law. In that spirit, we strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, LGBT applicants and others that will contribute to the diversity of our staff.

Applicants With Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.
SPUR