Job Details

Job Description
Reports to: Vice President of Development

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Position Summary

The Manager of Special Events plays a critical role in advancing UCP Heartland's fundraising goals by leading the planning, execution, and growth of signature and third-party fundraising events. This role will develop engaging event experiences that build donor relationships, expand community awareness, and drive revenue. The Manager of Special Events will collaborate closely with the development team, volunteers, committees, board members, vendors, and sponsors to ensure successful outcomes and a strong return on investment for all events.

Dimensions of the Role

The Manager of Special Events will lead and innovate a signature events portfolio that drives revenue, builds community engagement, and elevates UCP Heartland's mission. This role is responsible for creating meaningful event experiences that inspire giving and cultivate donor relationships. Working closely with the VP of Development, this individual will be expected to implement strategic event plans that meet financial goals, increase visibility, and provide a high return on investment.

Success will be defined by the ability to:

· Execute well-managed, mission-driven events that strengthen donor pipelines
· Maximize sponsor engagement and retention
· Reinforce UCP Heartland's brand in the community
· Deliver events that achieve or exceed fundraising goals
· Foster volunteer engagement and a strong culture of philanthropy

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Lead planning and execution of all fundraising events, including the annual Gala, Gibbs Center Fall Classic, Wing Ding, and third-party initiatives.

• Develop and manage event timelines, budgets, logistics, and post-event evaluations.

• Ensure events are executed with excellence, reflecting UCP Heartland's mission and brand.

Sponsorships & Revenue Generation

• Identify, solicit, and steward corporate sponsors in partnership with the VP of Development.

• Collaborate with the communications team to develop promotional materials, recognition plans, and event marketing strategies.

• Drive revenue through sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions, raffles, and peer-to-peer fundraising.

Volunteer & Committee Engagement

• Recruit, train, and manage event volunteers and planning committees.

• Provide support and direction to volunteer leaders to maximize impact.

• Create a positive and inclusive environment for community engagement.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Work with development team to ensure event attendees are appropriately cultivated, thanked, and integrated into ongoing stewardship strategies.

• Maintain accurate records in the donor database for tracking event attendees, sponsors, and prospects.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Create and manage event budgets and financial reports.

• Evaluate event performance and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising (or sales), event planning, or donor engagement.

• Demonstrated success in planning and executing fundraising events.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Experience with donor databases (e.g., Bloomerang, Raiser's Edge) preferred.

•Bachelor's degree required.

Core Competencies

• Plans and Aligns – Organizes work effectively to meet goals and deadlines.

• Optimizes Work Processes – Identifies and implements improvements to increase efficiency.

• Collaborates – Works cooperatively with others to meet shared objectives.

• Communicates Effectively – Delivers messages clearly and persuasively in written and verbal formats.

• Action-Oriented – Takes initiative and moves quickly to implement ideas.

• Drives Engagement – Creates a climate where volunteers and supporters are motivated to contribute.

To Apply: Current Opportunities – UCP Heartland