Event Manager

About ECMC Foundation

The Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing the services ECMC offers to patients and the community. By securing essential resources, the Foundation supports ECMC's lifesaving work and advances initiatives that benefit patients, families, and the broader Western New York region.

Driven by a dedicated Board of Directors and a professional staff, the Foundation manages development efforts, operations, and signature events while fostering community engagement through financial gifts and volunteer support. In doing so, the Foundation enables ECMC to provide top-tier care and promote wellness across the region.

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Opportunity Summary

The Events Manager plays a vital role in advancing ECMC Foundation's mission by designing and executing mission-driven events that inspire donors, generate revenue, and strengthen community connections. This individual will oversee a portfolio of high-impact events including the Springfest Gala, ECMC Golf Classic, community fundraisers, donor receptions, and employee engagement events. They will ensure each experience is strategically aligned with the Foundation's philanthropic priorities, delivering both strong return on investment and meaningful contributions to the donor pipeline.

The Events Manager will serve as a creative strategist, production lead, and donor steward. The successful candidate will bring expertise in high-production fundraising events, as well as donor and sponsor engagement. Collaborating closely with development, marketing, volunteers, and vendors, the Events Manager will ensure all events are successfully implemented and meet the Foundation's goals.

This is a unique opportunity to shape events that not only raise funds but also advance the Foundation's philanthropic goals and elevate its visibility in Western New York.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a diverse portfolio of fundraising and stewardship events, including Springfest Gala, ECMC Golf Classic, Community Run, donor receptions, luncheons, hospital events, and community fundraisers.
• Manage all event logistics including contracts, vendors, timelines, permits, catering, entertainment, staging, and run-of-show schedules.
• Lead onsite event execution to ensure a seamless and positive donor experience, followed by post-event wrap-up including donor recognition, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Evaluate ROI and align programming with the Foundation's broader development goals.

Auction Management

• Oversee all aspects of live and silent auctions, including procurement, catalog development, packaging, display, and bid management.
• Work with staff and volunteers to secure in-kind donations from local businesses and community partners.
• Set up and manage auction software platforms (e.g., Greater Giving, GiveSmart, OneCause).
• Coordinate auction item pickup, delivery, and donor acknowledgment.

Sponsorship & Donor Engagement

• Support sponsorship acquisition by preparing proposals, benefit tracking, and recognition.
• Assist with donor engagement opportunities related to events and auctions.
• Help identify and cultivate new relationships with prospective donors, vendors, and community partners, ensuring events contribute to long-term donor cultivation and stewardship.

Marketing & Communication

• Collaborate with the communications team to design event branding, invitations, collateral, signage, and digital content.
• Manage event and auction promotions across social media, email, and web platforms to ensure visibility and attendance.

Volunteer & Committee Leadership

• Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers support events and auction activities.
• Partner with event committees and board members, providing clear communication, updates, meeting support, and task accountability.

Post-Event Stewardship & Reporting

• Coordinate timely post-event thank-you communications for sponsors, donors, and attendees.
• Maintain accurate records in donor database
• Analyze and report on post-event outcomes, ROI, and donor participation metrics.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, event planning, communications, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in event management, with a preference for candidates experienced in high-production fundraising or entertainment events.
• Experience in nonprofit and/or healthcare settings desired.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, vendors, and ROI analysis.
• Proficiency with auction software and fundraising/event tools.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and vendor negotiation abilities.
• Creative and detail-oriented with a passion for building donor experiences.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for event support.
• Some local travel required. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.