Senior Events Manager

ABOUT FAST FORWARD

Fast Forward launched in 2014 with a simple belief: tech can help solve the world’s biggest challenges. Back then, the intersection of tech and social impact was still undefined. The term “tech nonprofit” didn’t even exist. So, we coined it and founded Fast Forward to support the builders using tech for social good.

Since then, Fast Forward’s annual flagship Accelerator has supported an impressive portfolio of 100+ tech nonprofit builders with funding, resources, and partnerships. The result? 262M lives impacted and $1B+ in follow-on funding for tech nonprofits raised to date. Outside of the Accelerator, Fast Forward is growing the sector by offering the world’s 1,000+ tech and AI-powered nonprofits resources and tools to scale. Learn more.

THE POSITION

Fast Forward is looking for a Senior Events Manager, a seasoned events professional who can bring people together through exceptional experiences. This role will lead the planning and execution of Fast Forward’s in-person events, including our Accelerator Demo Days, our Alumni Retreat, and other multi-day conferences. As a member of the Programs team, this role will also support smaller-scale events, virtual programs, or other special projects as needed.

You will own every aspect of events — from contracting and vendor management to content planning, speaker prep, and on-site production. This role is perfect for a logistics mastermind who thrives on details, collaboration, and creating environments where attendees feel inspired and connected. Ideal candidates can move seamlessly between managing vendors, building run-of-show timelines, shaping event content, coordinating with venues, prepping speakers, and managing the smallest details to flawless execution.

This is a full-time, in-office role based in the Presidio in San Francisco, CA (no remote or hybrid options).

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Event Planning & Production

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of Fast Forward’s flagship events (Demo Day, our Alumni Retreat, and partner conferences) and support smaller scale events like dinners and funder meetings


• Own venue sourcing, contracting, budgeting, and all vendor relationships (catering, A/V, décor, photography & videography, hotel blocks, etc.)


• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, budgets, production schedules, run-of-show documents, scripts, and staffing plans


• Manage all attendee event logistics & communications including registration, email invites & reminders, travel coordination, post-event follow-up, etc.


• Ensure all events reflect Fast Forward’s values, accessibility standards, and community-centered approach

Program Development & Relationship Management

• Partner with internal and external speakers to develop compelling event content, agendas, and storytelling moments


• Lead speaker prep, including briefing, coaching, rehearsals, and managing materials


• Collaborate with Marketing to align messaging, event campaigns, and on-site brand experience.


• Build strong relationships with nonprofit leaders, funders, and partners to ensure seamless coordination and high-quality experiences.


• Serve as the primary point of contact for key event stakeholders, providing clarity, communication, and calm leadership throughout planning.

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 4–7+ years of professional experience in event planning, production, or event operations (nonprofit or fundraising event experience strongly preferred)


• Demonstrated success owning large-scale events from concept to execution, including content development and speaker prep


• Exceptional project management skills — you love a good spreadsheet, clear timelines, and tight checklists


• Strong relationship-builder who communicates clearly, calmly, and with empathy


• Detail-oriented operator who takes ownership, follows through, and consistently delivers high-quality results


• Mission-driven mindset with deep alignment with Fast Forward’s values and a belief in tech as a force for good

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO)


• 401k retirement plan & employer matching


• Office is located in a beautiful national park - The Presidio - with free transit to/from downtown San Francisco!


• Medical, dental, and vision insurance


• Most importantly, input on the office snack order

COMPENSATION

Salary: $120,000 - $135,000 - negotiable depending on experience.

Note: In accordance with federal, state, and local safety guidelines, this role is expected to be performed in-person, in San Francisco.

Fast Forward is a social justice organization founded on the idea that those with proximity to the problem should have proximity to the power to fix them. Our true north is empowering tech nonprofit leaders with the tools, community, and capital they need to scale solutions for underserved groups, and we know that a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is inextricable from that pursuit. Read our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guidelines to learn how we approach DEI across our investments, community, and workplace.

Fast Forward is an equal opportunity employer.