Associate Director of Special Events

Lifelong is a community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible. We remove barriers to health with relentless compassion so that no one faces illness and injustice alone.

We lead with heart. Our respect for people drives our mission. For 40 years, Lifelong has fought health inequities so that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our comprehensive services include food and nutrition, healthcare navigation, aging and disability support, and connection to housing and other vital resources.

Position Overview:
The Associate Director of Special Events plays a vital role in advancing Lifelong’s mission and goals by planning, managing, and executing multiple successful special fundraising events that engage current and potential supporters and funders, cultivate donor relationships, and increase revenue. The ideal candidate has exquisite taste and is a dynamic, highly organized, and creative individual with a proven track record in special event design, production, logistics, talent booking and management (performers, hosts, influencers), and vendor negotiation.

Reporting to the Vice President of External Relations, the Associate Director of Special Events is a key agency leader working to maintain and expand Lifelong’s strength and sustainability. Collaborating closely with development, marketing, communications and PR, program leadership, and external partners, this role is instrumental in increasing Lifelong’s contributed income and community engagement through multiple major annual events and highlighting our mission to make health and food accessible across the communities we serve.

This regular, full-time, exempt, non-union role has a salary range of $80,833k/yr - $100,000k/yr and is based in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, with onsite presence required at least three days per week (Tuesday – Thursday).

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the planning, design, and execution of events of varying scales, from elevated bespoke intimate gatherings to large-scale productions
• Ensure event execution reflects the quality, integrity, and mission of Lifelong events and creates memorable experiences  
• Have a high degree of comfort leading large team meetings with internal stakeholders, including the CEO, to ensure events remain on schedule, align with objectives, and meet key performance indicators
• Identify appropriate third-party vendors and negotiate vendor proposals (i.e. entertainment, venue, caterers, lighting, sound, décor, etc.)
• Carefully manage event financials in adherence to the designated budget and submit timely payments
• Manage relationships with special events consultants, producers, and vendors, including developing relationships with in-kind partners to find cost savings and enhance event experiences
• Stay ahead of industry trends to drive innovation and continually elevate the creativity and impact of Lifelong’s event offerings
• Serve as Event Lead for sponsorship ideation, collaborating closely with marketing and development colleagues to develop customized sponsorship opportunities that align with Lifelong’s mission and brand and enhance overall event experience and value
• Collaborate with marketing, PR, and communications to promote events and drive attendance, ensuring event P&L goals are clearly identified and achieved
• Evening and weekend work required; travel as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven years of experience in events management and production, or combination of related education and work experience
• Experience planning nonprofit events, particularly in the arts, culture, or health sector, is desired
• Proven track record in the planning and execution of a major fundraising event with at least 500 guests
• Demonstrated success raising a minimum of $1 million through a single major fundraising event
• Strong understanding of philanthropic trends and best practices in fundraising is desired
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing and public speaking.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience managing a team.
• Proficiency in using fundraising software, donor databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, and other stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Passion for the Lifelong's mission and a commitment to ethical fundraising practices.

Portfolio or Event Documentation:

If you have a portfolio showcasing your event work, please share a link or attachment in the additional documents section. If you do not have a formal portfolio, you may instead upload or link to a few examples such as photos, event programs, or other materials that represent events you have managed or contributed to. These samples are not a formal requirement and will not be used as the sole basis for evaluation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous vacation (3 weeks your first year), sick leave, and 2 personal days a year
• 401(k) match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance options
• Long term disability
• Mass transit subsidy
• 15 paid holidays per year

Work Environment:

• This position operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. The role requires regular interaction with colleagues, leadership, and external stakeholders. The position may involve occasional evening or weekend work to support organizational activities or events, as well as limited travel as needed.
• Any offer of employment is contingent upon passing a criminal background check. Some programs may require additional background checks or frequency.

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About Lifelong:

Lifelong is a community health organization committed to removing barriers to health with relentless compassion so that no one faces illness and injustice alone.

We lead with heart. Our respect for people drives our mission. For 40 years, Lifelong has fought health inequities so that everyone can have the opportunity to thrive. Our comprehensive services include food and nutrition, healthcare navigation, aging and disability support, and connection to housing and other vital resources.

We are looking for passionate, dedicated people to join our talented team and make real, meaningful changes in the daily lives of those living with chronic and life-threatening illnesses in their community. Lifelong offers exceptional benefits, including paid time off, medical and dental coverage in addition to a balanced work-life integration.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Lifelong, we are dedicated to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

EEO Statement:

Lifelong is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and experience that recognizes diversity and cultural competence as integral components of what we do.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and as such, we do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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DISCLAIMER: INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Job descriptions assist organizations in ensuring that the hiring process is fairly administered and that qualified employees are selected. They are an integral part of a compensation system, effective performance review system, related promotion, transfer, layoff, etc. decisions.

All descriptions have been reviewed to illustrate the job functions and basic duties, in addition to peripheral tasks or that could generally be considered as other duties as assigned.

In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities and requirements be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Requirements, skills and abilities included have been determined to illustrate the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions.