Event Specialist

Founded in 1946 and based in Nashville, Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the state’s oldest and most influential conservation organizations. For 80 years, we’ve worked to protect Tennessee’s wildlife, promote responsible stewardship of natural resources, and ensure everyone can enjoy the outdoors. As a trusted voice for sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation advocates, we lead conservation efforts that make a real difference—and we’re looking for passionate people to help us continue that impact. Building on this legacy, the Event Specialist plays a critical role in bringing our mission to life through engaging events that connect people to the organization and foster community. The Event Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing a wide range of events that advance organizational goals. This includes overseeing all aspects of event logistics, budget development and management, collaboration with internal teams and external vendors, and ensuring events are executed seamlessly, on time, and within budget. By combining attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and effective coordination, the Event Specialist helps create high-quality events that engage participants and support the organization’s mission. Events are essential to supporting our fundraising and community engagement efforts, while also helping communicate and increase awareness of our policy priorities. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and energized by bringing people together. They are proactive, resourceful, and thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, with a passion for creating meaningful experiences that inspire others to support conservation. Job Responsibilities Event Planning & Execution Plan and execute donor and prospect engagement events, board of directors meetings and social receptions, community outreach awareness meetings, legislative receptions, policy fellows annual meeting, and other events that advance our mission. Manage all event logistics, including venues, equipment, volunteers, transportation, and vendor coordination. Provide on-site event management to ensure smooth operations, troubleshoot issues, and maintain a high-quality attendee experience. Budget & Resource Management Collaborate with supervisor to develop event budgets and take ownership of managing and tracking expenses to ensure efficient use of resources and alignment with organizational priorities. Maintain organized records of vendors, attendees, budgets, and other event-related documentation. Stakeholder Engagement & Development Coordinate with Development and Policy leadership to ensure engagement strategies are incorporated in all events to strengthen relationships with attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders. Collaborate closely with Development, Policy, and Communication teams to align event strategy with organizational goals. Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, partners, and vendors to enhance engagement and long-term support. Support and contribute to sponsorship strategy, including outreach and fulfillment. Marketing & Communications Partner with the Communications team to create event-related materials, including promotional pieces (save-the-dates, invitations, venue maps) and day-of signage (directional, parking, welcome, and sponsor recognition). Oversee event registration, attendee tracking, and guest communications to create a seamless attendee experience and support engagement and donor relations. Coordinate post event follow-up and acknowledgments for partners, vendors, venues, and volunteers, when appropriate and in accordance with company guidelines. Evaluate event outcomes, track success metrics, provide post-event reports, and organize post-event debrief meetings to obtain actionable recommendations for future improvement. Stay current on nonprofit event trends, best practices, and innovative approaches to increase attendance, engagement, and impact. Other Duties Manage multiple events simultaneously ensuring timely and effective completion. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or related field. 2+ years of professional experience in nonprofit or fundraising event planning and coordination. Experience in a conservation organization preferred. Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and sponsorships. Proficient across Microsoft Office 365 and Google Suite; Familiarity with event management or donor database software preferred. Willingness to travel across Tennessee for events as needed. Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends as required by event schedules. Ability to lift and transport event materials up to 30 lbs. Skills and Abilities Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills; Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders and vendors. Strong organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail. Proven ability to identify challenges and improve systems for greater efficiency. Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in all verbal and written communications. Demonstrated ability to manage complex events independently and exercise professional judgment. Strong work ethic with the ability to reject setbacks and enthusiastically persist until goals are achieved. Professional, adaptable, and positive, with strong attention to detail and the ability to handle fast-paced, day-to-day challenges with composure—and a sense of humor. Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, team environment. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; Ability to shift priorities quickly and unexpectedly. Resourceful and innovative at tackling challenges in a timely manner. Approach work from the Federation’s point of view rather than a personal point of view. Must have a passion for the Federation’s mission. A valid TN driver’s license, including a good motor vehicle record, and appropriate automobile insurance. Additional Information Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Accident Employee Assistance Program 401(k) match up to 6% 13 company paid holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, disability, national origin, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Tennessee Wildlife Federation is committed to workplace diversity. Ethical Hunting, Angling and Outdoor Recreation Practices Federation staff know and respect the game and fish pursued in the field and follow all related laws, familiarize themselves with wildlife in the area and behave accordingly. This likewise applies to hiking, camping and other outdoor activities that require responsible use of public resources. As an employee of the Federation, all employees are expected to follow all state and federal hunting and fishing guidelines and practice ethical and fair chase practices while executing or assisting with program events or in your personal outings afield. Details Date Posted: March 24, 2026 Type: Full-Time Job Function: Communications / Marketing / PR Service Area: Animal Welfare Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk; M-F, 8:00am - 5:00pm (flexible) #J-18808-Ljbffr Tennessee Wildlife Federation