Interim Manager, Development Events and Operations

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Posting Information: 

Salary: (pro-rated) $1,346.15-$1,442.30/week 

Hours per week: 40 

Duration: March-October 2026 

Job Classification:  Limited Term, Exempt 

Job Type: Hybrid 

Location: Boston, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

The Role: 

Please note that this is a temporary, leave replacement position beginning in March 2026 and ending in October 2026. 

As the Interim Manager of Development Events and Operations, you will play a pivotal role on a high-performing Development Team, driving fundraising success through the strategic execution of more than 40 annual events. These gatherings engage over 1,000 donors giving at the $1,000+ level, making them a cornerstone of our philanthropic efforts. 

In this role, you’ll partner closely with Major Gift Officers and the Events Team to design, implement, and evaluate events that strengthen donor relationships and advance fundraising goals. Your expertise in event management and operational systems will ensure flawless execution, meaningful donor experiences, and accurate reporting on outcomes. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Facilitate event vendor research and coordination 

• Build donor prospect lists based on past interest / participation 

• Draft donor and committee update emails and agendas for meetings 

• Maintain accurate budget documents for events 

• Assist with event lead up preparations for registration needs and run of show documents 

• Maintain positive donor relations and manage the [email protected] email inbox 

• Maintain accurate ticket sales, registrations, and event reporting  

• Effectively utilize and update Salesforce and other systems to ensure accurate and complete event data 

• Build invitation criteria and event invitation lists and collaborate with marketing teams to create invitations, website content, message points, and collateral for all events    

• Maintain and track event ticket sales via Classy/GoFundMe, ACME, or another ticketing system 

• Act as the primary lead on Fundraising Event Auctions  

• Support and actively participate in the planning and implementation of all Development and Governance Events 

• Time commitment: 

• Work in the Boston office as needed for event prep, usually 1X per week on Mondays. 

• Attendance is required at, but not limited to the following 2026 event dates: March 5, April 6, May 6, May 7, May 9, June 7, July 25, September 18 

• Work days will vary depending on events schedule. 

This is a temporary, leave replacement exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to Director of Development and Governance Events.  

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• History of successful event coordination 

• High proficiency in logistics and operations management 

• Detail oriented and reliable 

• Excellent communication skills 

• 3-5 years of experience in Development, event planning, and operations  

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to foster client and vendor relationships.    

• Results and deadline driven with strong ability to work independently.     

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook. 

• Experience with Salesforce 

• Experience with ACME, GoFundMe (preferred) 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently and to effectively collaborate with departments across the organization    

• Access to reliable transportation to travel between properties and transport materials, supplies, etc. for events.   

• Ability to work on nights and weekends depending on event needs. 

• Reliable internet, computer and phone 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Questions? Contact our People team at [email protected] 

Your Benefits: 

• Sick time: 120 hours per year (prorated) 

• Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated) 

• Holiday time: 12 set holidays, 3 floating (prorated) 

• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance 

• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave 

• Life Insurance  

• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment 

• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

• Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property 

• Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity. 

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].