Senior Events Manager

WHO WE ARE

United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA) is home to the change makers and justice seekers. We're individuals from various walks of life making collective steps towards a better future for our community. Our focus is on bringing about real and sustainable change by unleashing the collective power of people to open minds, unite diverse communities, and convert compassion into action for a more just, inclusive, and thriving L.A. County. Together, we make tangible impact on some of our toughest community issues including poverty, homelessness, housing, education equity, and creating pathways to long-term prosperity. For us, being 'united' isn't just in reference to our organization but to our hope for the future of Los Angeles. Regardless of race, gender, orientation, or self-identification - we do our part as one by making room for all.  

WHAT WE DO

Our Marketing & Communications department advances United Way's mission by connecting our mission to the key constituents, donors and partners who help drive awareness, action, giving, volunteerism and advocacy. We bring the organization’s vision for community change to life by creating engaging content, events, communications and experiences that grab the attention of our partners, donors, neighbors, and challengers alike.

WHY WE NEED YOU

We are inviting high-performing, detail-oriented event leaders with a passion for creating meaningful experiences that inspire community engagement and philanthropic giving to apply for our Senior Events Manager role.

In this role, you’ll drive the success of United Way’s signature events by increasing participation and net revenue while delivering exceptional, mission-centered experiences that connect donors, partners, and the community.

You will have the unique opportunity to shape United Way’s flagship moments, bringing people together across Los Angeles County and activating the power of community to advance our mission in powerful, memorable ways.

HOW YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE

Event Planning & Execution

• Own end-to-end planning and execution for UWGLA's signature events, including WalkUnitedLA, from venue and vendor selection through run-of-show and staffing
• Own end-to-end planning and execution for 10-20 additional donor, corporate, employee, and community engagement activations annually — venue, vendors, budget, run-of-show, and staffing — designed to cultivate donors, strengthen community ties, and advance brand positioning
• Manage logistics and day-of execution for donor events led by Development, ensuring seamless handoff between strategy and production
• Create and maintain task lists, checklists, and timelines for each assigned event, ensuring deliverables are completed on time and within budget
• Implement branding and messaging details (signage, collateral, run-of-show scripting) so each event consistently reflects UWGLA's mission and values

Partnerships & Sponsorships

• Design and produce tiered sponsorship assets and benefit packages (signage, program recognition, VIP access, speaking slots) as a sellable menu for Development's tiered corporate engagement model
• Package post-event assets (photos, recap content, impact moments) for donor communications
• Execute sponsor and partner visibility opportunities through tailored on-site activations
• Develop and maintain delivery timelines for sponsorship recognition and activation commitments, tracking fulfillment against what Development has promised partners
• Ensure fulfillment of event recognition opportunities for individual and corporate donors and partners
• Help ensure outstanding event experiences for donors and volunteers through solid planning and execution

Project & Calendar Management

• Maintain a comprehensive annual event calendar spanning donor, corporate, employee, and community events, ensuring coordinated execution across programs
• Oversee staff, vendors, contracts, budgets, and timelines for all assigned community and donor events
• Collaborate across Development, Marketing, and Program staff to align event execution with fundraising, marketing, and programmatic goals

Marketing & Communications

• Partner with department colleagues to ensure timely production of supporting event promotions, collateral, digital campaigns, and media opportunities
• Track events against plans and objectives to ensure events build brand awareness, deliver key messages to target audiences and highlight organizational impact
• Maintain a consistent visual identity and messaging framework across all event collateral

Team Management & Development

• Mentor and coach event staff to grow skillsets, support individual professional development goals, and inspire team members to both lead and follow
• Provide direct but respectful constructive feedback in real-time and during formal review periods to elevate team performance, maintain accountability, and reach goals
• Other responsibilities as assigned

WHAT 1 YEAR OF SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Manage operational logistics for WalkUnitedLA 2027 contributing to a goal of $500k net revenue through creative and effective budget management, vendor negotiations, fundraising team support, and increased participation rates.
Build and manage detailed project/event plans to execute 10-20 donor and community events, ensuring fundraising and program goals are supported through professional project plans, timelines, and budgets.
Support relationship management with event sponsors and partners by coordinating deliverables, ensuring sponsor recognition, and maintaining consistent, clear, professional communication to strengthen partnerships.

SKILLS YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED (The Must-Haves)

Education & Experience:

High school diploma or GED required

Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in event management, strategic communications, brand and audience strategy, advertising, promotions, or marketing is required

Minimum 3 years’ experience directly supervising and coaching in-house direct reports required

Personal Qualities & Competencies:

You enjoy a hybrid environment that includes both in-person and remote work styles and are able to work from our DTLA office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and additional days as needed.

You understand the value of racial equity as an organizational operating principle and are committed to continued learning on issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

You are curious about emerging technology and artificial intelligence and always looking for practical ways to apply new tools to work smarter and drive greater impact.

You understand that events don’t always stick to a 9–5 schedule, so you’re ready to flex hours and travel throughout Los Angeles County as needed to make each one a success.

You bring strong event production skills to every project, turning an empty venue into an unforgettable experience through flawless logistics and attention to detail.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’RE A FIT (The Nice-to-Haves)

You make project management look easy keeping timelines tight, budgets balanced, and big ideas organized from kickoff to curtain call.
Your strength in developing project work plans ensures every moving part from logistics to follow-up runs on schedule and with purpose.
You adapt gracefully when things don’t go as planned, keeping calm, resourceful, and always solution oriented.
You know how to build a plane while you fly it and thrive in the face of ambiguous situations.
Your sharp attention to detail ensures every checklist item, design element, and guest experience meets the highest standard.
Your natural collaboration skills make you a trusted partner who can rally cross-functional teams and vendors toward a shared vision.
You demonstrate exceptional communication skills that are clear, confident, and professional in every interaction with sponsors, partners, and guests.
You maintain a results-driven approach, proud to see your work increase attendance, revenue, and enthusiasm year after year.
You pair budget management discipline with creative problem-solving to boost ROI, generate savings, and deliver events that overperform expectations.
You know your way around the Microsoft Windows operating systems and all its essential programs including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Hiring Salary Range: $90,000-100,000 per year dependent on internal equity and a variety of job-related factors including, but not limited to, experience, training, education, and market demands.

• The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 403(b) plan, pension, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, paid holidays, and paid time off.