Join Our Team

Events Lead

Position Title: Events Lead
Reporting to: Director of Advancement
Employment Type: Part-time Salary: 28 hours a week (.7 FTE)
Salary Range: $27.00- $35.00 DOE

About WildCare

WildCare delivers world-class medical care in our open admission wildlife hospital, together with exceptional environmental education, community engagement, and effective advocacy for the protection of wildlife and our shared habitat. WildCare envisions a future in which humans are committed stewards of the natural world and transform conflict with wildlife into coexistence.

Position Overview

The Events Lead manages WildCare’s organizational events, advancing fundraising goals and delivering mission-centered experiences for our community. This role oversees planning and execution of a focused slate of fundraising, community, and internal appreciation events. A member of WildCare’s Development Team, the Events Lead ensures events are mission-focused, well run, and meet or exceed financial goals.
This is a hands-on role requiring strong project management, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments while managing multiple priorities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Event Planning & Execution

• Build and manage the annual events calendar in alignment with Development goals and organizational priorities.
• Serve as project lead for assigned WildCare events, including planning, timeline, expense tracking run-of-show, and day-of management.
• Plan and execute a focused portfolio of mission-centered events (e.g., capital campaign, receptions, VIP experiences, donor appreciation events), community events (e.g., open houses, grand opening), and internal appreciation events (e.g., staff/holiday gatherings).

2. Committees, Volunteers & Stakeholders

• Steward and manage event committees (e.g., Gala Committee); prepare agendas and materials; facilitate effective meetings.
• Coordinate event volunteers, including recruitment, assignments, training, and onsite leadership.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to ensure staffing needs are met.

3. Auction, Raffle, and Revenue-Support Functions

• Provide fundraising element management (e.g., auctions and raffles), including procurement and value tracking, marketing timelines, pick-up and delivery coordination, display set-up and reporting.
• Ensure event elements support established revenue goals and optimum guest experience.

4. Logistics, Vendors & Budget

• Manage all event logistics, including venues, catering, A/V, rentals, décor, permits, and insurance.
• Source and manage vendors; negotiate contracts in collaboration with leadership.
• Track and report on budgets and expenses, partner with Finance on timely payment of event-related invoices.
• Maintain a detailed vendor database with historical costs, engagement records and points of contact.

5. Fundraising, Communications & Promotion

• Partner with the Director of Advancement and the Sr. Development Manager to align events with revenue goals, event budgets, and mission-centered donor experiences.
• Collaborate with Communications to ensure consistent branding, promotions, and event messaging.
• Coordinate with Program Directors to integrate program content and staff participation into events.
• Support the pursuit of press coverage and community recognition opportunities (e.g., awards, “Best of” lists).

6. Evaluation & Professional Development

• Track key event metrics (e.g., attendance, revenue, expenses, guest feedback, volunteer hours, press coverage).
• Produce post-event reports with recommendations for improvement.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and apply new learnings to enhance WildCare’s events.
• Scale ad-hoc or non-fundraising/donor stewardship events to available capacity; use volunteers and vendors strategically to meet peak demands.
• Flex hours around major events; schedule recovery time post-event.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of event planning and coordination experience, preferably in nonprofit or mission-driven settings.
• Experience managing large-scale fundraising events.
• Strong project management, vendor negotiation, and budgeting skills.
• Skilled at working with committees and volunteers; calm and solutions-oriented under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and event/project management programs.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• A strong affinity for WildCare’s mission.

Preferred

• Experience with nonprofit fundraising or donor engagement.
• Familiarity with software platforms for online auctions, guest management and check-in.
• Creative problem-solving and adaptability to shifting priorities.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Comfort working indoors and outdoors in varied conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Work nights and weekends as needed.

WildCare is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees and volunteers.

Apply Now

Please send your resume and cover letter with the subject line: WildCare Development
Associate Role – [Your Name] to:
Nicole Trautsch, Director of Advancement
nicole@discoverwildcare.org
No phone calls, please.