Special Events Manager

Status: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: On-site
Schedule: Flexible schedule including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed
Starting Pay Range: $50,000–$55,000 annually

Who We Are

For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set – and raised – the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. As a full-service companion animal resource community, Animal Friends supports the region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services and impacting more than 200,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy, and our pet food bank each year.

Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives . . . simply put, because it’s what we do.

At Animal Friends, we believe caring for animals and caring for people go hand in hand. We strive to create a compassionate, humane, inclusive, and healthy workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and connected to our mission.

Position Summary

The Special Events Manager plays a vital role in supporting Animal Friends’ mission by creating engaging fundraising events and community partnerships that inspire generosity and deepen connections to our work.

This position leads the planning and execution of secondary fundraising events and third-party fundraising activities while supporting larger organizational events. Working closely with donors, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, community partners, and colleagues across the organization, the Special Events Manager helps create memorable experiences that raise critical funds, strengthen relationships, and advance Animal Friends’ vision of a humane and compassionate future for every animal friend.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, coordinating details, solving problems, and bringing people together around a meaningful cause.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Management

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of secondary fundraising events.
• Manage all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, catering, registration, signage, displays, printing, security, and event materials.
• Support the Chief Development Officer with planning and implementation of major organizational fundraising events.
• Develop event timelines, project plans, and budgets to ensure successful execution.
• Conduct post-event evaluations and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Third-Party Fundraising & Community Partnerships

• Coordinate and support fundraising events hosted by businesses, corporations, community groups, and individual supporters.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, vendors, community partners, and event organizers.
• Provide guidance, resources, and support to third-party fundraisers to ensure successful and mission-aligned events.
• Steward community partners before, during, and after events to cultivate long-term relationships.

Sponsorship & Fundraising Support

• Solicit and secure in-kind donations for raffles, auctions, and fundraising initiatives.
• Assist with sponsorship outreach, stewardship, and recognition efforts.
• Support fundraising goals through donor engagement and event participation strategies.
• Ensure event revenue and expenses are accurately tracked and documented.

Volunteer Engagement

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers, interns, and support staff involved in events.
• Foster meaningful volunteer engagement that supports Animal Friends’ mission and event success.
• Help integrate volunteers into Development Department activities and initiatives.

Administrative & Organizational Support

• Maintain accurate event records, budgets, registrations, financial reports, and post-event documentation.
• Collaborate with Communications to coordinate marketing, promotional materials, event signage, and related creative projects.
• Handle cash, checks, and credit card transactions in accordance with Animal Friends’ financial control procedures.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Animal Friends’ programs, services, and organizational priorities.

Other Duties

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support organizational needs.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off, holidays, and birthday pay
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities
• Pet care discounts and on-site clinic benefits
• Casual dress and Animal Friends gear
• Opportunities to build meaningful community relationships
• A mission-driven team and meaningful work that directly impacts animals and the people who care about them

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Animal Friends is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We value the unique contributions and lived experiences of all team members and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Hospitality, Business, or a related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of fundraising, event management, hospitality, community engagement, or related experience.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience working with volunteers, donors, or community stakeholders.

Certifications/Licensures

• Valid driver's license required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Pennsylvania Child Abuse, Pennsylvania State Police, and FBI Fingerprint Clearances.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and project coordination skills.
• Ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Computer proficiency and experience using fundraising platforms, donor databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.

Availability

• Flexible availability required, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, events, and community engagement activities.

Animal Handling

• Comfort working around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Ability to complete Animal Friends animal handling training requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Nice-to-have experience that supports success but is not required:

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Experience managing fundraising events, auctions, or community campaigns.
• Experience with donor databases and event registration software.
• Experience securing sponsorships and in-kind donations.
• Knowledge of volunteer management practices.
• Passion for animal welfare and nonprofit mission-driven work.

Physical, Environmental & Emotional Demands

This position:

• Requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and frequently move items weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Involves setting up, breaking down, and transporting event materials and supplies.
• Requires travel to event venues, donor meetings, and community locations.
• Involves working around dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals.
• May require working outdoors and in varying weather conditions during events.
• Requires flexibility and effective stress management in a fast-paced event environment.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable laws.