Development Events Manager

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Who are we?

Thompson Island Outward Bound is a National and State Park located in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands, With a 200-year legacy of serving children in Boston and a 48-year partnership with the Boston Public Schools (BPS), the Island is a beacon for experiential education, empowering young people through hands-on learning and skill building and outdoor adventure and exploration. We are a proud member of the network of 11 Outward Bound schools in the U.S., with a shared mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.

Education is at the forefront of our work. Funded by a combination of philanthropy and a robust private events business, our outdoor educational programs are offered at no cost to families.

What is our mission and how do we achieve it?

Thompson Island Outward Bound's core mission is to build stronger, more equitable school communities by delivering free experiential learning programs that boost academic success and foster personal growth. Our research-based programs blend STEM, social-emotional, and challenge-based learning, giving students a unique opportunity to build life skills alongside academic ones.

Whom do we serve (students, clients, customers)

We offer programs for Boston Public School middle school and high school students, fee-for-service programs for school and youth groups, and leadership development programs for professionals. We also fund our transformational programs by hosting private and corporate events and weddings.

What is the OPPORTUNITY?

The Development Events Manager plans and facilitates the Development Team's portfolio of annual fundraising and donor engagement events. This role is responsible for creating and managing each event's work plan, expense budget, vendor relationships and will assist with the development of event communications and collateral materials. The Development Events Manager is also responsible for managing a portfolio of annual in-kind donors related to events and the corresponding revenue goals for raffles and auctions, fulfillment of all corporate sponsorship benefits and supporting other stewardship activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Coordination and Management (70%)

• Oversee the implementation of all Development related events (up to 6-12 per year), including fundraising events (Toast to Thompson Island, 4K Trail Run, Fishing Invitational, and Evening Expedition Gala) and donor engagement events (Islanders Reception, ISLE Society events, and other cultivation and stewardship events throughout the year)
• Maintain an internal events calendar, with work plans and timelines to make certain that adequate planning and preparation time is included for each event, delegating and following up on tasks as needed
• Identify and work with vendors, including venues, caterers, AV/sound, graphic designers, printers, photographers, race-related companies, consultants, identifying and securing in-kind support opportunities
• Manage creation and production of communications and collateral materials, including save the dates, invitations, solicitation letters, benefits sheets, event pages on Thompson Island's website, etc.
• Coordinate internal and external event planning meetings and briefings, including scheduling, preparing agendas and materials, taking notes and meeting follow up

Donor Stewardship/Fundraising (20%)

• Maintain a portfolio of in-kind donors, including auction/raffle donors and event vendors, while also identifying new prospects for in-kind support of events
• Full management of each event's on-site revenue, including auctions, raffles, and other money makers, including setting and meeting revenue goals, procurement, tracking, promotion, and creating training materials to guide on site event volunteers on mobile bidding
• Manage sponsorship benefit tracking and fulfillment for all corporate sponsors

Budget Management (5%)

• Manage the expense budgets related to all net revenue events, ensuring they come in on budget and all invoices are paid on time and tracked accordingly
• Identify cost savings opportunities, including in-kind support

Administrative / Team Support (5%)

• Support data entry and data cleanup projects
• In-house mailings of varying sizes, including ordering supplies for projects
• Any additional projects and tasks as assigned by the Director of Institutional Giving and Events, Chief Development and Communication Officer, or Major Gift Officers

ACCOUNTABILITITES

This position reports to the Director of Institutional Giving and Events and works alongside a peer group of 11 team members within the Development Department. The Development Events Manager will occasionally supervise volunteers and/or interns as related to their role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree preferred or comparable work experience
• 4+ years of verifiable work history, specifically with event planning
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of programs
• Working knowledge of CRM databases, Raisers Edge preferred
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn design software, such as In-Design, Photoshop, and Publisher
• Ability to speak and write persuasively and professionally
• Superb attention to detail, and commitment to highest quality outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Creativity, outgoing personality, and ability to work well with many types of individuals

WORK CONDITIONS

This is a full-time position out of Thompson Island's mainland office in Boston's growing and vibrant Seaport District. Some night and weekend work required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience. Employer sponsored health insurance with the option to select between three comprehensive, valuable plans. Premier dental plan. 401(k) retirement plan with competitive match. Generous paid time off including, vacation, holidays, personal days, parental and sick leave. Flexible scheduling, pursuant to position. Work that engages a diverse and dynamic community of educators and learners, with the shared vision of shaping a better future for Boston students. A quality work life in Boston's vibrant Seaport district with frequent access to the natural wonders and positive impacts of Thompson Island. This is an exempt position.

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is an equal-opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.