Manager, Special Events

The NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is the country’s first and foremost civil and human rights law organization. Founded in 1940 under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall, who subsequently became the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice, LDF was launched at a time when the nation’s aspirations for equality and due process of law were stifled by widespread state-sponsored racial inequality. From that era to the present, LDF’s mission has been transformative — to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.

LDF’s litigation, public policy advocacy and public education programs in the substantive areas of criminal justice, economic justice, education, and political participation seek to ensure the fundamental and basic human rights of all people to quality education, economic opportunity, the right to vote and fully participate in democracy, and the right to a fair and just judicial system. LDF continues to make an impact in the area of public service and was recognized by Fast Company as one of its 2023 Brands That Matter under its public service category.

Special Events are an important component of a successful Development program, because they: raise the profile of the organization; convey the organization’s priorities/values/brand; attract new supporters/partners; and provide opportunities for engagement and stewardship with new and existing supporters. Producing special events requires significant planning, coordination, and problem-solving. The Special Events Manager will provide critical support to the Special Events Director and oversee the Special Events Associate. 

LDF operates in a hybrid work environment where employees are expected to be in the office a minimum of two days per week, unless otherwise indicated.

Responsibilities:

Special Events are an important component of a successful Development program, because they: raise the profile of the organization; convey the organization’s priorities/values/brand; attract new supporters/partners; and provide opportunities for engagement and stewardship with new and existing supporters. Producing special events requires significant planning, coordination, and problem-solving. The Special Events Manger will provide critical support to the Specia Events Director and oversee the Special Events Associate.

In consultation with Director of Special Events, plan and implement LDF’s annual signature fundraising event, the National Equal Justice Awards Dinner (NEJAD). Related responsibilities include:

• Assist Director of Special Events in planning NEJAD, including researching and identifying potential honorees, venues, performers, event theme, vendors, etc.
• Assist in the negotiation of contracts with vendors and event contributors and manage implementation of contracts.
• Oversee prospect research for event sponsorships.
• Prepare presentations and materials for sponsorship requests.
• Manage invitation and RSVP process (e.g., request invitation lists from Development Operations, coordinate invitation design, manage registration, assist with seating, etc.).
• Manage fulfillment of sponsorship packages (e.g., ensure accurate name/logo recognition, appropriate table placement, etc.).
• Oversee development of profiles and look-book for NEJAD attendees.
• Communicate with donors/prospects and respond to inquiries.
• Assist Director of Special Events with event logistics and day-of-event operations; Attend/staff NEAJD.
• Manage Special Events Associate on NEJAD-related tasks such as invoicing/expense reports, research, creating materials, scheduling meetings/creating agendas, updating/maintaining Raiser’s Edge records, etc.
• Assist Director of Special Events with post-NEJAD responsibilities, including thank you notes, debrief meetings, etc.

In consultation with Director of Special Events, plan and implement at least 8 cultivation/stewardship events (e.g., in-person receptions, webinars, panel discussions, etc.) throughout the year and across the country for Institutional donors and Individual donors. Related responsibilities include:

• Research and identify venues, vendors, speakers, and content.
• Prepare presentations and materials for sponsorship requests, as appropriate.
• Manage invitation and RSVP process (including invitation lists, invitation design, registration, seating, etc.).
• Communicate with donors/prospects, respond to inquiries.
• Oversee development of profiles and look-books for special events
• Assist Director of Special Events with event logistics and day-of-event operations.
• Help plan and implement in-person and virtual events, including researching event location/venue and day-of-event logistics.
• Coordinate and/or oversee travel related to events for LDF staff and external partners.
• Manage Special Events Associate on special events-related tasks such as invoicing/expense reports, research, creating materials, scheduling meetings/creating agendas, updating/maintaining Raiser’s Edge records, etc.
• Assist Director of Special Events with post-event responsibilities, including thank you notes, debrief meetings, etc.
• Manage the stewardship process related to special events (e.g., acknowledgment letter process, recognition program/sponsorship benefits).

Help develop and implement an efficient, high functioning special events program. Responsibilities include:

• Develop detailed work plans and timelines for all special events.
• Create special events templates and toolkits by type of event and/or region.
• Work in coordination with Individual Giving and Institutional Giving teams to plan events that support program goals and grow donor base.
• Maintain appropriate files and records of donors/prospects, vendors, venues, etc.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• 5-7 years of experience in Development & Special Events;
• Bachelor’s degree;
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; meticulous organizational, project management, and time management skills;
• The ability to interact with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner; ability to exercise independent judgment when appropriate;
• Ability to plan and administer multiple concurrent projects;
• Knowledge of event scheduling, production, administration and sponsorship;
• Ability to work well under pressure; self-motivated with a proven ability to solve problems; aptitude for working collaboratively under varying degrees of supervision;
• Experience working with senior executives and high profile volunteer leadership;
• Flexibility and ability to work independently and as a team player with a range of constituents and colleagues;
• Commitment to the mission and growth of LDF;
• Experience with civil rights, human rights organizations a plus;
• Excellent computer skills and advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Power-point, Word) programs;
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as necessary, especially during events.

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts or requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This description does not constitute a contract of employment and LDF may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.

The salary range for this position is $93,000 - $105,000

LDF offers all eligible employees a generous benefits package.  To learn more click the following link 2025 Benefits Overview.

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