Special Events Manager

Position description

Kennedy Human Rights Center is seeking a Special Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of our fundraising events and auctions. You'll combine creative event design with sharp logistical execution - building experiences that engage supporters and raise critical funds for our mission.

This role is a strong fit for someone who loves both the big-picture strategy of an event and the on-the-ground details that make it run smoothly. You'll work closely with our Development and Leadership team and gain hands-on experience across fundraising, donor engagement, and event production.

This role blends creativity with logistical precision and will build a strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, and event production.

Responsibilities:

Auction Management:

• Own the full auction and raffle lifecycle: item cataloging, bidding, fulfillment (with CharityBuzz and internal teams), and payment collection (with the Development Operations Associate)
• Secure in-kind donations and sponsorships each year by partnering with KHRC staff, leadership, and networks (corporate partners, artists, celebrities, mission-aligned businesses)
• Build the annual auction plan - budget, revenue goals, and expense tracking - for COO review, in collaboration with the Director of Operations
• Manage the CharityBuzz and GoFundMePro Auction platforms , ensuring items are listed accurately
• Run day-of auction operations, including setup and breakdown, with the Development team and our event agency
• Oversee item cataloging, staging, display, and delivery to winning bidders
• Track sponsorship pledges and payments with the Development Operations Associate
• Ensure timely donor and sponsor acknowledgments
• Resolve bidder issues and manage post-event follow-up and reporting
• Analyze auction and event data to sharpen future strategy and ROI

Event & Logistics Coordination:

• Lead planning, timelines, contracts, vendor relationships, and on-site logistics for 5 signature events each year:
  • Human Rights Award (Washington, DC — June)
  • John Lewis Young Leaders Annual Retreat (location varies — June)
  • Marathon events throughout the year (including the NYC half and full marathon)
  • All Staff Retreat (February)
  • '68 Collective (early career professional) events, board engagement, and branding
• Secure venues, manage travel logistics (with NY and DC office managers), and negotiate vendor contracts with an eye toward budget and cost-effective solutions
• Manage on-site staff and delegate tasks for smooth execution
• Lead marathon events to maximize runner experience and revenue
• Support registrants and participants, including key partners and vendors
• Ensure registration and engagement data is captured accurately in Salesforce (with the Tech Project Manager and Development Operations Associate)
• Maintain a shared staff resource database (hotels, restaurants, venues, etc.)
• Negotiate staff perks with vendors and venues (e.g., hotel discount codes)
• Support the event agency and program owners on the Ripple of Hope Gala and Compass Investor Conference as needed

Qualifications

A successful candidate must have the following skills and experiences:

We know great candidates bring different combinations of experience and skill — if you're excited about this role but don't check every box, we'd still love to hear from you.

• 2-4 years of experience in nonprofit event fundraising, auction procurement, and/or development
• A track record of managing fundraising events or auctions from concept through execution
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Experience with donor CRMs (e.g., Salesforce) and event/auction platforms (e.g., CharityBuzz, GiveSmart, GoFundMePro)
• Comfort with hybrid/virtual event tools (Zoom, Google Suite)
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication
• A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset — you help others and build strong working relationships
• Interest in and awareness of global human rights issues
• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends around events
• Attention to detail, you’re able to scope out errors and willing to fix mistakes;
• Time management, you have the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
• Flexible, patient, and ability to stay gracious under pressure;
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information;
• Innovative thinking, willingness to voice your opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential;
• Teamwork, you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others;
• Inclusive, you’re excited to work with people who have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.

No phone calls please. Kennedy Human Rights will contact qualified candidates directly.

Kennedy Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool. If you're in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to [email protected] with the subj. line "Accommodation Request". Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud
• Having interviews in a more accessible location/format

Application instructions