Events Director

Application Instructions

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Number of Positions: 1

Work Location: Hybrid On-Site/Remote

Position Overview

Reporting to the Managing Director of Development, the Events Director is responsible for overseeing and executing City Year Los Angeles’ key internal and external events which serve to engage the community, raise increased resources, and ultimately serve more students in Los Angeles through stellar implementation and strong storytelling.

The Events Director will be a highly effective planner, project manager, and collaborator who can execute high-level events that showcase City Year Los Angeles’ culture and impact to external audiences, including those who may be unfamiliar with the organization. This individual will be a creative strategist who designs events not only as memorable experiences, but also as strategic tools for donor engagement, pipeline development, and revenue generation. They will lead innovative engagement opportunities that strengthen and expand our portfolio of partners while advancing fundraising goals, deepening long-term relationships, and inspiring investment in City Year Los Angeles’ mission.

This position is ideal for someone who is systems-oriented with proven event management experience looking to take the next step to grow their skills and impact at one of the largest sites of a fast-paced national non-profit. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader, level-headed problem solver, and strategic thinker with an aptitude for both organizational development and creative innovation. They will also demonstrate a passion and commitment to helping students reach their potential.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Fundraising Event Design & Execution

• Produce and coordinate key fundraisers, events, and initiatives throughout the year such as the annual Spring Break gala, donor salons, and 20th anniversary celebrations.
• Lead the creative direction and experience design of events, ensuring each experience brings City Year Los Angeles’ impact to life in compelling, immersive, and authentic ways.
• Translate organizational messaging into cohesive event themes, environments, and storytelling moments in partnership with Marketing & Communications team.
• Oversee execution of a flagship annual gala serving 800-1000 guests and generating $1M+ in revenue, including sponsor integration, VIP experiences, and live program production.
• Partner with Corporate Partnerships team to design and deliver high-quality sponsorship activations that align with partner goals and enhance the guest experience.
• In partnership with the Marketing & Communications team and design consultants, support the development of all event collateral including invitations, event signage, and sponsorship materials.
• Ensure seamless event attendee and staff experience at all City Year Los Angeles events.
• Develop event staffing plans and support the training of AmeriCorps Members, staff and volunteers on roles and logistics.
• Prepare and manage events budgets to ensure effective use of funds at or underbudget.
• Secure necessary venues, obtain quotes, negotiate and secure vendor contracts, and monitor vendor performance to ensure City Year receives exceptional service and value.

Event Revenue Strategy

• In collaboration with development staff, create new strategies to generate event revenue, and deepen relationships and engagement. In collaboration with frontline fundraisers, analyze return on investment of costs to revenue generated across events and adjust strategy accordingly.
• Contribute to sponsorship strategy and packaging tied to event assets.
• Partner with Individual Giving, Corporate, and Foundations teams to align guest strategy with fundraising priorities.
• Develop targeted engagement strategies for high-value attendees during events.

Milestone Event Project Management

• Design, manage, and execute Back to Service and Graduation events in collaboration with ProServe and Development teams to create meaningful, memorable, and engaging events for the corps while maximizing sponsorship, donor recognition and donor engagement opportunities for both events.
• Manage all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, catering, audiovisual needs, live experience, and event flow.
• Lead cross-departmental planning committees to execute events and initiatives to meet organizational goals.
• Coordinate event schedules, timelines, run-of-show plans, and format of event to ensure smooth and successful event execution.
• Fully manage each event budget, monitoring costs and ensuring events are executed at or under budget.
• Explore cost-effective solutions and in-kind support to maximize event resources.
• Manage purchase card expenses and submit invoices for payment with approval from manager and in a timely manner.

Site & Department Support

• Partner with CYLA departments and staff through stakeholder engagement, event and service day participation, and cross-departmental committees as needed to ensure site-wide goals are met.
• Provide logistical support as needed to the Career & Talent Pathways team for ongoing summits and networking events
• Support the planning and development of the staff events including Holiday Party and End of Year Celebration.
• Support the execution of site-wide goals through collaboration with program staff and leadership.
• Collaborate cross functionally to make shared decisions, set strategy, and develop work outputs.
• Support other department functions as needed.

Key Competencies:

In order to succeed in this role, an applicant must have the following competencies:  

• Strategic Thinking: Collaborates cross-functionally to develop and translate strategies into action plans that build the capacity of the site/department; systems oriented. When there are no clear or simple solutions, assesses opportunities for improvement, and develops multiple pathways to solutions.
• Project Management: Creates work plans for complex projects by breaking down and sequencing work into manageable pieces. Evaluates resources and barriers and creates contingency plans to address potential risks. Consistently assigns work, tracks progress and follows up in an organized and effective manner.
• Accountability: Plans ahead for how to meet competing commitments and priorities, anticipates & addresses barriers. Proactively defines goals and role clarity in work they are involved in. Ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced diverse team environment
• Collaboration: connects with stakeholders to identify shared interests. They also intentionally partner with others to incorporate different perspectives in pursuit of a common goal. Uses multiple strategies to communicate with partners to share information, plan collaboratively, and resolve conflict.
• Communication: Ability to communicate to diverse audiences using compelling presentation skills; clearly articulates information and ideas orally and in writing.
• Learning: City Year has a unique service model and organizational culture. Successful applicants will have strong experience and a proven track record of success in the above areas but must also be willing and eager to continue to learn.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5–10 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in event management, external engagement, or experiential marketing.
• Proven success leading high-quality events from concept through execution, including fundraising, donor, corporate, and community engagement events.
• Strong project and budget management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, vendors, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Ability to establish clear systems, workflows, and accountability structures that support effective collaboration and strong execution.
• Authorized documentation to work in the United States of America 
• Criminal background history clearance to work with school-age children, depending on the position
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events and external engagement activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong leadership, delegation, and communication skills, with the ability to set high expectations and drive results across teams and partners.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and solutions-focused in fast-paced environments with changing priorities.
• Self-starter who works well independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Passion for educational equity, youth development, and the mission of City Year Los Angeles.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, partnerships, entertainment, education, or civic engagement environments preferred.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Asana, and event management platforms preferred.
• City Year or AmeriCorps experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk around for extended periods.
• Move about the office or event location as needed throughout the workday.
• Lift and carry materials and supplies up to 25 pounds. 
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, and handling office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens and printed materials.
• Hearing ability to participate in conversations and respond to phone calls.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and in writing.

Working Conditions:

• Based in LA with an average 3-4 in-person days per week, typically at our offices in downtown Los Angeles
• Regular travel across LA. Locations vary based on events or projects.
• Flexible schedule and location based on role responsibilities.
  • Typical schedule: 40 hours per week with occasional extended hours as needed.
  • Some after hours and weekend work.

• Noise levels are generally moderate.
• Must have reliable internet access for remote or flexible work arrangements.

Benefits