Events Manager Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an experienced and motivatedEvents Managerto join our growing team atAbilis!

About Us:Abilis' mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through comprehensive services, support, and advocacy. We are dedicated to helping people build able, independent lives while honoring dignity and individual strengths. Our work strengthens families and fosters inclusive, supportive communities.

Job Summary:The Events Manageris responsible forplanning, coordinating, and executing avariety of events to supportAbilis' fundraising goals and community engagement efforts. This role includes managing internal and external events, collaborating with committees and volunteers, andensuring smooth event execution whilemaintainingbudgets and fostering relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain excellent communication with all stakeholders, ensuring events align with organizational goals.

• Provide consistent updates to the Senior Vice President of Development and other team membersregardingevent progress.

• Foster positive relationships with sponsors, donors, and volunteers to enhance engagement and support for future events.

• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures related to event planning and execution.

• Assist the Senior Vice President of Development insolicitingsponsors, underwriters, and attendees for three key annual events: Walk/Run forAbilis, Spring forAbilisGala, and the annual golf outing, with fundraising goals ranging from $30,000 to $450,000.

• Oversee coordination of internal events such as theAbilisannual meeting and staff appreciation events.

• Provide support and guidance for third-party events with community partners as needed.

• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring alignment with expense and revenue projections, and reconcile financial details with the FinanceDepartmentpost-event.

• Serve as the primary contact for event vendors, managing the bidding process through the delivery of services.

• Coordinate onsite event coordination, including guest list management, vendor oversight, volunteer assignments, and adherence to event timelines.

• Assemble and manage event committees and volunteers in collaboration with the Board of Directors, Friends ofAbilis, and theAbilisYouth Board.

• Arrange and oversee all event-related committee meetings and follow up.

• Manage all aspects of invitation processes, including production, assembly, personalized notes, mailing list management, responses, and follow-ups.

• Collaborate with the Senior Vice President of Development to support the annual appeal mailing, including list management, coordination of note-writing materials for the Board of Directors, and execution of this large-scale appeal.

• Create comprehensive social media strategy for all Development Department Special Events including pre and post event publicity that aligns with sponsorship opportunities. Provide SVPof Marketing detailedcalendarofallfor reference.

• Manage Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn accounts specifically for Development Department Special Events.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

• At least 3 years of fundraising and/or event management experience.

• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office.

• Experience with NEON ONE CRM software or a comparable system for gift entry.

• Experience with online event platforms.

• Strong organizational, detail-oriented, and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Superior customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally with donors, board

• members, volunteers, and program participants.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as necessary.

• Salarycommensuratewith experience.

Benefits:

Full timeemployees will receive: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, free life insurance, 401k profit share, tuitionassistanceprogram,awardsand recognition including team of the season, on the spot awards, and anniversary gifts.As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer, this rolequalifies for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Eligible employees may receive student loan forgiveness after meeting program requirements, including qualifying payments and employment.