Event Manager

About MN8MN8 began as a grassroots campaign in August 2016, formed by the families of 8 Cambodian Minnesotans to prevent their detention and deportation by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement. MN8 has grown through the active participation of Asian American grassroots community organizers and people affected by U.S. detentions and deportations of immigrants, expanding its mission to advocate for all Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees facing unjust detention and deportation. We believe those who are most impacted must have power, voice, and resources for change to happen.Position SummaryThis position is a temporary, independent contractor who will report to the Executive Director. The Gala Event Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of the 10 year anniversary celebration and benefit for MN8. The Gala Event Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and manage all operational aspects of the benefit dinner including the silent auction, vendors, volunteers, event communications, and event-night execution.Reports to: Executive DirectorFLSA Classification: Non-Exempt, temporary contractorLocation: Mostly remote with occasional work in our Saint Paul, MN, office.Compensation: $28-$33/hrResponsibilitiesLead event production, including venue planning, vendor management, and site visitsManage speaker scheduling, preparation, and communicationsOversee run-of-show, A/V, accessibility, livestreaming, and troubleshooting on-siteConduct proactive donor outreach, including cold outreach, to secure a full catalog of50 high-value items for the Silent AuctionCollaborate with a small internal team to develop the event theme, design, and decor and execute the vision with polishMaintain pristine donor and event records using EveryAction, Google Sheets, Microsoft Office, and Google DrivePartner with communications and operations to design sponsorship packages and steward sponsors and donorsManage RSVPs, ticketing, and contact databases (Eventbrite, Donorbox, etc.)Use a project management platform that the ED can collaborate on (e.g. Asana, ClickUp, Air Table, etc.) to manage all aspects of project planning and executionWork with the communications team to ensure clean, on-brand copy and imagery across all event materials and communications, including weekly list emails and reports to internal stakeholdersServe as the primary point of contact during the live eventSupport responsive, relationship-centered communications with donors, vendors, and guests before, during, and after the eventRun post-event evaluations, measuring attendance, audience conversion, and financial ROIDevelop dashboards that connect event participation to membership and donor pipelinesKey RequirementsFlawless, fearless communicator able to confidently interact with donors, volunteers, vendors, and board membersExceptionally organized with strong project-management discipline and meticulous data managementProven experience supporting or managing at least three comparable fundraising events or galasAlready proficient in Microsoft Office and Google SuiteComfortable conducting outreach, coordinating many stakeholders, and maintaining clean, actionable dataCollaborative and diplomatic, with strong relationship-building skillsHighly organized with the ability to juggle multiple projects while meeting deadlinesA detailed approach with commitment to quality and timelinessContract DetailsIndependent contractor role (no benefits)Start date May 1, 2026End date November 1, 2026Candidates should be based in the Twin Cities Metro area. Applicants who are not based in the Twin Cities Metro area may still apply but must be present in office 2x per week and during the event week in October to support final event preparation and the live event. Contractors are responsible for their own travel and lodging; no travel expenses will be reimbursed.To apply: Email your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and 3 recommendations to ia@minnesota8.org.Applications will be accepted until April 9, 2026.MN8 is an equal opportunity employer. MN8 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color religion, age, sex, national origin, disability statues, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We celebrate our rich diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.