Donor Events Manager

-As a team member, exemplify Zoo Knoxville’s core values through interactions with guests and fellow team members.
-Work in close concert with the Vice President of Development to execute strategies and responsibilities.
-Plan, coordinate, and execute a comprehensive calendar of donor cultivation, stewardship, recognition, and fundraising events, ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale signature fundraising galas, including Zoo Knoxville’s signature event, Zoofari.
-Lead all aspects of event planning and execution, including concept development, timelines, logistics, vendor management, catering, decor, entertainment, audiovisual needs, and event production.
-Develop meaningful donor experiences that strengthen relationships, enhance donor engagement, and inspire philanthropic support for Zoo Knoxville’s mission.
-Collaborate with the Vice President of Development and Development team to identify event objectives, target audiences, cultivation strategies, and fundraising goals.
-Partner with Development staff to identify, cultivate, steward, and recognize current and prospective donors through personalized event experiences.
-Serve as the primary point of contact for event sponsors, donors, volunteers, vendors, and community partners before, during, and after events.
-Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and donor recognition to ensure all benefits are delivered accurately and professionally.
-Develop event timelines, production schedules, run-of-show documents, and contingency plans to ensure seamless event execution.
-Recruit, coordinate, and supervise volunteers and cross-functional staff participating in Development events.
-Work collaboratively with Animal Care, Guest Services, Marketing, Operations, Food Service, Facilities, and other departments to ensure successful event planning and implementation.
-Evaluate event success through attendance, fundraising outcomes, donor engagement metrics, and participant feedback, providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
-Research emerging trends and best practices in donor engagement, fundraising events, and philanthropic stewardship to enhance the donor experience.
-Assist with donor cultivation by participating in meetings, presentations, tours, and relationship-building activities throughout the year.
-Maintain confidentiality regarding donor information, giving history, and organizational fundraising strategies.
-Ensure all events reflect the Zoo’s brand standards, mission, and commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
-Manage event contracts, invoices, and payments while ensuring expenditures remain within approved budgets.
-Assist in identifying and soliciting event sponsors, auction donors, and in-kind contributors in partnership with the Development team.
-Coordinate post-event stewardship activities, including donor acknowledgments, impact communications, recognition, and follow-up reporting.
-Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, and community stakeholders to foster long-term engagement and philanthropic investment.
-Develop and manage budgets in areas of responsibility, preparing reports accordingly.
-Utilize database (Raiser’s Edge) to track donors, prospects, cultivation steps, gift requests and results for all Development events.
-Maintain up-to-date, accurate and detailed records.
-Prepare creative content for print, web, email campaigns and other communications related to Development events.
-Host behind-the-scenes tours and mission experiences as assigned.
-Attend zoo events and activities as required.
-Additional duties as assigned or as required.