Events & Culture Manager

Feed Black Futures (FBF) is a Black, queer-led organization committed to food justice, sovereignty, and healing within our communities. We promote healing by strengthening Black food economies, creating ecosystems for resilience, and addressing the historical harms caused by carceral violence and land dispossession. Through principles of abolition and self-determination, we aim to build community power to advance collective liberation. We seek to activate our communities to reclaim their right to healthy, culturally relevant food, and to shape a future where everyone has access to food that sustains both body and spirit.

Position Overview

Feed Black Futures seeks a creative and community-centered Events & Culture Manager to design and execute meaningful experiences that bring our community together, deepen relationships with our team and community, and advance our mission of food sovereignty and collective liberation. This role combines strategic event planning with cultural stewardship, ensuring that all FBF gatherings reflect our values of abolition, self-determination, and healing and that our team has the resources and capacity to shine.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Operations and Communications and working collaboratively across the organization, the Events & Culture Manager will lead the planning and execution of community events, fundraising gatherings, educational programs, staff and board events, and cultural celebrations that center Black joy, resilience, and food sovereignty.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Oakland, CA with some flexibility for hybrid work.

Key Responsibilities
Event Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement an annual events calendar that advances organizational goals, including community building, fundraising, education, and advocacy
• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of 15-25 events annually, ranging from intimate donor dinners to staff wellness events to large-scale community celebrations
• Design event experiences that center Black culture, food traditions, and community healing practices
• Create event budgets, timelines, and production schedules, managing all logistics from concept to completion
• Establish and track event success metrics, including attendance, revenue, engagement, and community impact
• Research and recommend innovative event formats that align with FBF's mission and values

Community & Fundraising Events

• Plan and execute signature fundraising events, including annual galas, farm-to-table dinners, tasting events, and donor cultivation gatherings
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to integrate fundraising strategies into event planning
• Coordinate community events such as food distributions, cooking workshops, community meals, and cultural celebrations
• Partner with local chefs, food entrepreneurs, farmers, activists, and artists to showcase Black culinary traditions and food economies
• Design events that create accessible, joyful spaces for community members across different backgrounds and abilities

Cultural Programming & Partnerships

• Serve as a cultural steward, ensuring all events honor Black food traditions, healing practices, and community wisdom
• Develop partnerships with cultural organizations, artists, musicians, and community groups to enrich event programming
• Curate experiences that celebrate Black joy, creativity, and resistance while addressing food justice
• Incorporate abolitionist values and anti-oppression practices into all event spaces
• Create opportunities for community members to share their stories, traditions, and knowledge

Vendor & Community Outreach Management

• Source, negotiate with, and manage relationships with vendors, venues, caterers, and service providers
• Coordinate with volunteers, community partners, and Board members participating in events in coordination with our Community Engagement Manager
• Manage event volunteers, providing clear communication, training, and support in coordination with our Community Engagement Manager
• Build and maintain a database of trusted vendors, venues, and community resources

Operations & Communications

• Collaborate with Communications Manager to develop event marketing materials, social media campaigns, and promotional strategies
• Manage event registration systems, RSVPs, and attendee communications
• Coordinate event logistics including venue setup, food service, AV needs, accessibility accommodations, and breakdown
• Ensure all events comply with health, safety, and accessibility standards
• Maintain detailed event files, vendor contracts, and post-event reports
• Support grant reporting by documenting and evaluating event outcomes and community impact

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with program staff to integrate events with ongoing programmatic work
• Support Co-Executive Directors and Board members in hosting and facilitating at events
• Train and supervise event volunteers and occasional temporary event staff
• Contribute to organizational culture by bringing creativity, joy, and community care to internal operations
• Participate in staff meetings and organizational planning as a key member of the team

Qualifications
Required

• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in event planning and management, preferably in nonprofit, community-based, or social justice settings
• Proven track record of successfully planning and executing diverse events with budgets ranging from $8,000 to $20,000+
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple events simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to build relationships across diverse communities
• Experience with budget development and management, vendor negotiations, and contract management
• Proficiency with event management software, registration platforms (Eventbrite, , etc.), and basic design tools
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice, food sovereignty, and community empowerment
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for events

Strongly Preferred

• Experience planning events for Black-led, LGBTQ+-led, or other identity-based organizations
• Knowledge of Black food traditions, culinary history, and food justice movements
• Experience with fundraising events and donor cultivation
• Connections within Oakland/Bay Area food, arts, and social justice communities
• Understanding of abolitionist frameworks and transformative justice principles
• Experience creating accessible and inclusive event spaces
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities
• Food handler's certificate or willingness to obtain

Personal Characteristics

• Creative thinker with strong aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail
• Community-oriented with deep respect for cultural traditions and collective wisdom
• Calm under pressure with excellent problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated and proactive with entrepreneurial spirit
• Collaborative team player who centers relationships and care
• Passionate about creating joyful, transformative community experiences

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range:

$72,000-$82,000 annually, commensurate with experience
- Benefits Package:

Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plan contribution, generous PTO, professional development stipend, and flexible work arrangements
- Location: Oakland, CA

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials to with "Events and Culture Manager" in the subject line:

1. Cover Letter

(2 pages maximum) describing your interest in FBF, relevant experience, and vision for community-centered events
2. Resume or CV
3. Event Portfolio or Examples

(can be a simple document with photos, descriptions, and outcomes from 2-3 events you've planned)

Three professional references

with contact information (references will not be contacted without prior notice)