Event & Engagement Manager

Event & Engagement Manager Location: Kansas City, MO Job Id: 941 # of Openings: 1 Department: Development Reports to: Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications Category: Full-time; Salary - Exempt Compensation: $50,000 - $55,000 annually KC Pet Project is dedicated to creating a compassionate and safe community for pets and people. We continue to build on our national reputation as an innovative leader in animal welfare with our progressive, lifesaving programs and support services. KC Pet Project is committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feels valued and respected. We at KC Pet Project are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and locations. We respect and value diverse life experiences and cultures and ensure that all voices are valued and heard. We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire animal welfare community, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. About the Position The Event & Engagement Manager leads KC Pet Project’s annual signature and community events, serving as a key driver of community engagement and revenue for the organization. This role is responsible for sourcing and executing visible community partnerships, including third-party event participation, promotional tabling opportunities, and cause-marketing campaigns with local business partners. The ideal candidate is an experienced and highly organized marketing or nonprofit development professional who excels in event planning, project management, cross-functional collaboration, and donor engagement. Event Management Start-to-finish planning and execution of our four special events: KC Pet Project 5K, Patio Party Benefit Concert, Love Finds a Way Gala, Cat-Themed Bar Crawl in the Crossroads. Serve as the primary project manager for organizational events, coordinating timelines and deliverables across Marketing, Development, Operations, Volunteer, Foster, Retail, and Leadership teams. Partner with the Development team to establish and achieve sponsorship, ticket sales, peer-to-peer fundraising, and event revenue goals; track and report on event performance. Manage event budgets and registration systems. Negotiate and manage contracts, insurance requirements, permits, rentals, entertainment, food and beverage vendors, and event production partners. Develop volunteer leadership structures and event-day staffing plans to support successful event execution. Other duties as assigned. Community Engagement Identify opportunities to provide brand presence across a diverse range of local events outside of KC Pet Project’s special events calendar. Participate in multi-vendor events with general or program-specific awareness materials. Attend third party fundraising or awareness events that benefit KC Pet Project as commitment level and capacity allows, sometimes offering event planning and marketing support. Work closely with retail team to coordinate KC Pet Project merchandise at partner and community events as appropriate. Coordinate the attendance and participation of other KC Pet Project team members at community-wide or third-party activations depending on need. Partnership Development Build and maintain relationships with individual, corporate, and organization partners as they support KC Pet Project at or through events. Work with the development team to recognize, support, and host event sponsors on event days and throughout event campaign periods. Cultivate continued relationships with event and activation specific points of contact, working closely with the development team on outreach strategy. Seek and solicit new event sponsors in partnership with the development team. Working Conditions Work is typically performed at the KC Campus for Animal Care, though work may also be performed in the field, in the community, or at offsite locations, as needed. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., endure long periods of standing, bending, stooping, and reaching in an animal shelter-type setting. Handling and interacting with cats and dogs, in addition to other species, who have a variety of behavioral and/or medical needs. Working around animals and activities related to their care –including medical and surgery-related activities, basic care, and more. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position regularly requires the use of hands, fingers, and to talk and hear. The individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch. While performing the duties of this job this position may be exposed to animal odors or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent experience. 3-5 years of experience in event management, or nonprofit marketing & development, with demonstrated success leading large-scale events. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to manage event budgets, track revenue and expenses, and analyze data. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort representing KC Pet Project to the public, to donors and partners, and to members of the media. Exposure to Microsoft Office applications, CRM systems, and event registration and ticketing platforms. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and outdoor events as needed. Ability to lift and transport event materials up to 30 pounds, and to stand and walk for extended periods during events. A commitment to KC Pet Project’s mission to create a more compassionate community for pets and people. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kansas City Pet Project