Manager of Special Events

The Westchester Community College Foundation was founded in 1969, with the goal to raise funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds.  It is historically a top-performing community college foundation, raising on average between $4 and $6 million in private funds annually, and disbursing between $2 million and $3 million in scholarship funds and between $2 million and $3 million in other support for the College annually.

The following position requires experience in all aspects of event management, the ability to work closely with top donors and Board members, and skill in building relationships in a culturally diverse work environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Director of Development/Annual Giving, the Manager of Special Events is a senior member of the management team responsible for the planning and execution of WCC Foundation’s special events, currently the Transforming Futures Together Gala and President’s Forum. Assist various Senior Staff members and Board Committee Chairs with the planning and execution of other Foundation stewardship events, including a Scholarship Recognition event, Donor and President’s Council events, Great Chefs and/or Celebrity Salons and additional events as they arise. Responsibilities
focus primarily on donor stewardship and fundraising events.

• Work directly with Board Planning Committee and Committee Chairs on theme, details and overall event(s); liaise with Committee Chair, honorees, guest speakers/emcees, and planning committees.
• Create and manage event budgets and calendar of events; coordinate event committee meetings, event details; manage RSVP’s, track attendance in database, pre-and post-event informational mailings.
• Responsible for event planning, execution, set up and break down, and follow up; work with numerous departments on campus to ensure success; coordinate with College Strategic Marketing and Communications on press releases, photo requests, press attending an event and post event coverage; update event information on Foundation website; coordinate event registration set-up with database coordinator.
• Collaborate with numerous outside vendors, including rental companies, catering company, AV, valet services, and others; coordinate design, execution of all printed material- programs, invitations, reply cards, etc.; work with Design Company, Committee Chairs, Planning Committee and Senior Staff on content and design.
• Participate as a member of the Development team in developing overall fundraising strategies; represent the College/Foundation at special events and outside functions; track and report progress on an on-going basis.
• Serve as a resource to Foundation staff and assist where possible on events such as Volunteer Luncheon, Alumni Engagement events, Hartford Hall Society and Native Plant Center events.
• Position requires availability on evenings and weekends as needed for event management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

BA degree is required; 3 – 5 years prior experience as an events coordinator is desired, preferably with the non-profit sector; Hospitality Management background a plus. Demonstrated organization and
planning skills and exceptional attention to detail required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred. Familiarity with donor databases such as Raiser’s Edge is strongly preferred. Outstanding writing abilities and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated understanding of the complexity of the volunteer/professional relationship and success managing relationships in a warm and professional manner. Must be highly energetic, able to work in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy working as a member of a mutually supportive team.

POSITION EFFECTIVE:

The position is available January 1, 2024.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The salary range begins at $79,822 and is commensurate with experience, plus
benefits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This is a full-time exempt position.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

You must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of hire. Qualified applicants should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected], to the attention of:

Dolores Swirin-Yao
Westchester Community College Foundation
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY 10595

Priority will be given to applications received by November 17, 2023. The review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The Foundation will provide equal opportunity in all of its employment practices to all persons without unlawful discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, or use or non-use of lawful products off College premises during nonworking hours, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.

About WCC Foundation

Created in 1969, the Westchester Community College Foundation advances the College’s pursuit of excellence in education, research, and public service. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
organization, has a singular mission: to support Westchester Community College. WCCF consistently ranks amongst the top ten highest performing community college foundations in the nation for overall fundraising. To date, the Foundation has raised over $100 million in philanthropic funds, awarded $24 million in scholarships, invested $3.25 million in faculty excellence, received 250,000 volunteer hours, added 72,000 square footage of instructional space to the College campus, established 40 endowed faculty chairs, and created The Native Plant Center.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary, is a non-residential suburban institution 30 miles north of New York City. In 1957, the County of Westchester bought the
360-acre John Hartford estate in Valhalla and designated 218 acres for the community college. WCC is committed to helping its diverse student population receive a college education. As a Minority and Hispanic Serving Institution, the College has a student body that reflects the diversity of Westchester County: 50% of students are above age 22, 60% are first-generation students, 69% of students are non- white, 49% attend part-time, and 61% of students receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid. In addition to its traditional academic coursework, the College is committed to providing workforce education for “middle skill” employment opportunities in industries that require at least an Associate degree and provides family-sustaining wages and opportunities for professional growth.