Special Events Manager

On-site M-F: New York, NY (Midtown East)Helpusadopt.org is looking for a proactive, detail-oriented, creative, and vision oriented professional who enjoys working in a small organization where flexibility, creativity, ownership, strategic thinking and collaboration are essential. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families. The Special Events Manager will deliver events and experiences that fuel donor engagement, attract new audiences, and advance the organization’s mission.About Helpusadopt.orgHelpusadopt.org is a 19 year old fast-growing, mission-driven nonprofit organization that provides financial grants—up to $30,000—to help individuals and couples afford the cost of adoption. We support domestic, international, and foster care adoptions and proudly serve all families regardless of race, religion, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation.Position OverviewThe onsite Special Events Manager position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing fundraising and mission-driven events that support the goals and values of Helpusadopt.org. This role is hands-on and ideal for someone who can manage logistics, vendors, timelines, budgets, and communications what about: while collaborating closely with event committees, board leadership, and our internal team. This role operates from our NYC Midtown office five days per week and includes occasional evenings/weekends for live eventsKey Responsibilities: Event Planning & ProductionEnd-to-end, planning and management of all aspects of annual fundraising events, programs, and special initiativesClearly communicate timelines, budgets, and event plans with internal stakeholdersMaintain budgets and revenue reportsCoordinate and work collaboratively with venues, vendors, catering, staffing, entertainment, and technologyOversee on-site event execution and troubleshoot issues as they ariseDevelop new opportunities and collaborative partnerships for fundraising events and activations at established tentpole eventsFundraising SupportWork with event committees and board leadershipWork with leadership to support revenue goals aligned eventsCoordinate sponsorships, ticketing, and donor communicationsTrack RSVPs, guest lists, and post-event follow-up and wrap-up reportsWork closely with the development team to identify donor engagement opportunities and further conversations about their involvement in our workVendor & Partner ManagementSource, negotiate, and manage relationships with vendors and service providersEnsure contracts, permits, insurance, and logistics are in placeMaintain Express a calm and commanding disposition, treating all vendors and partners with respectCommunications & PromotionCollaborate on event marketing and outreach plans that drive attendance and awarenessCreate and produce invitations, materials, signage, and programsSupport list management, social media or email promotion related to eventsOperations & AdministrationOperationalize and maintain relationships with tech partners such as OneCauseManage event budgets and expense tracking for all eventsAssist with post-event reporting and evaluationMaintain organized records of event details, planning trackers, timelines, and contactsAbout you: You are a highly-organized, creative individual who enjoys all aspects of event planning and production for small to mid-size events. You’re naturally driven to optimize budgets and resources, resulting in successful outcomes. You are obsessed with details, have discerning taste, and are always curious about “knowing your audience”. You’re a self-starter, a multi-tasker, accountable and reliable. You’re comfortable working in a collaborative, small nonprofit or startup environment. You enjoy rewarding work that is meaningful, purpose-driven, and impacts the lives of humans around the world.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent3–7 years of event planning; nonprofit experience is a plusExceptional organizational and project management skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneouslyExcellent communication and problem-solving skills Preferred SkillsFundraising event experience (galas, donor events, campaigns)Vendor negotiation and budget managementFamiliarity with ticketing or event management platformsWorking knowledge of donor databases and reporting, Salesforce experience is a plusSponsor and donor engagement skills; familiarity with OneCauseMS Office, Google Workspace, and Canva experience is optimalCompensation:Salary: $70,000–$90,000 (exempt)Position reports directly to the CEO.