The Events Manager is responsible for leading the development and implementation of Cooke Scholar and Alumni events throughout the year. Event examples include Foundation-led Welcome Weekend for eighth-grade students and their parent/guardian, Scholars Weekend for 300+ Scholars and Alums, and various special events. A collaborative and experienced project manager, the Events Manager works with the external events planning team, Foundation Staff, program partners, vendors, and speakers to plan, manage, implement, and evaluate exceptional Scholar programming.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Management

• Collaborate with program Staff (Young Scholars, Higher Education, and Alumni) to set event goals and objectives and develop aligned content and activities.

• Develop detailed annual project plans for each event, manage overlapping deadlines, and maintain adherence of self and others to project timelines.
• Coordinate event responsibilities of events team, program Staff, IT, and external partners, and provide clear guidance for team members to accomplish their responsibilities.
• Create event schedules, agendas, session guides, scripts, presenter materials, prep documents, and promotional materials in collaboration with program Staff.
• Supervise summer events interns.

Event Planning

• Serve as the main contact with the Foundation’s external events consultant and as their liaison with Staff.
• Build detailed events budgets, monitor spending, maintain accurate records, and reconcile budgets.
• Select venues, lead special activity planning, coordinate promotional items, and manage travel processes.

Event Implementation

• Oversee the implementation of events from prep to wrap-up ensuring that participants and Staff experience a well-run, organized, and safe program from start to finish.
• Manage day-of logistics, risk mitigation, and on-site troubleshooting.

Oversight of proposals, contracts, documentation, and reports

• Manage requests for proposals, vendor selection, contract execution, and payment and reimbursement processes.
• Maintain organized records of documents, materials, and transactions.
• Build participant event surveys and summarize feedback in actionable reports.
• Other tasks as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in event planning with increasing responsibilities or developing programming in the field of secondary education, higher education, or other related areas.
• Excellent project management, calendar timeline, and budget management experience.
• Capable of building strong interpersonal relations and leading cross-functional teams.
• Committed to achieving outstanding outcomes through everyday stellar efforts.
• Creative thinker, level-headed problem solver, joyful collaborator.
• The Foundation follows a 35-hour work week schedule for full-time positions with two days required in the office. Exempt employees are required to work any additional hours necessary to perform the duties of the job.
• This position will require occasional evening and weekend hours for Scholar events and/or programs.

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Career Center. E-Verify employer. No phone calls please.