Events Manager

Emily’s Entourage is seeking a highly organized, proactive Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of fundraising, donor engagement, and scientific events.

על הפמליה של אמילי

Emily’s Entourage (EE) is an innovative 501(c)(3) that speeds lifesaving research for new treatments and a cure for individuals in the final 10% of the cystic fibrosis (CF) population that do not benefit from current mutation-targeted therapies. CF is a fatal genetic disease primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. Since 2011, EE has awarded millions of dollars in research grants, launched a clinical-stage CF gene therapy company, developed a global patient database and clinical trial matchmaking program to accelerate clinical trial recruitment, and led worldwide efforts to drive high-impact research and drug development.

עבודתה של EE קריטית במיוחד כעת, כאשר פריצות דרך מהפכניות זמינות עבור 90% של אוכלוסיית חולי CF, אך אלו הנמצאים ב-10% המרוחקים של קהילת CF אינם נהנים מההתקדמות הגדולה הזו. EE מתמקדת באופן מובהק בשינוי זה - ולעשות זאת במהירות, כך שאף אחד לא נשאר מאחור. 

While the urgency of the organization is inspired by Emily’s advanced-stage disease, the work of EE gives impetus to advances that benefit not only people with CF, but also millions of people with genetic diseases, as well as those combating antibiotic-resistant infections for whom there are no existing treatments.

EE has been featured in the New York Times, STAT, CNN, TheSkimm, People, and more. Emily was named a “Champion of Change” for President Obama’s Precision Medicine Initiative and is the recipient of the 2024 Personalized Medicine Coalition’s “Award in Leadership in Personalized Medicine,” 2020 Philadelphia Magazine “Luminary Award,” and 2016 Global Genes Rare “Champion of Hope for Advocacy” Award.

אודות המשרה

We are seeking a highly organized, proactive Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of fundraising, donor engagement, and scientific events, including our annual gala—our signature and largest fundraiser. As a one-person events team, you will play a central role in coordinating and delivering events that advance our mission, drive increased fundraising, and bring together donors and supporters, as well as scientific and patient stakeholders as appropriate. 

This role will report to the Co-Founders, partnering closely with them on event strategy, execution, and logistics. They will also collaborate with the incoming Director of Development, a position currently under recruitment. The Events Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of events that span multiple departments and therefore works closely with leaders across EE’s team, including the Development Assistant, Database Manager, Director of Marketing and Communications, Chief Scientific Officer, and Chief of Staff to ensure seamless alignment across the organization. 

We are seeking a candidate who loves events, is creative, thrives under pressure, and brings a strong visual aesthetic, positive energy, proactivity, and excellent project management skills with meticulous attention to detail. The Event Manager should take full ownership of each event, demonstrating accountability, organization, and the ability to mobilize people to execute events flawlessly and impactfully..

תחומי אחריות מרכזיים

Events Planning and Production 

• Plan, coordinate, and execute events of all types and sizes, in close collaboration with the Director of Development, including:
  • A large-scale annual fundraising gala (~300 attendees)
  • Parlor meetings and donor cultivation events
  • Community and peer-to-peer events (including walks/runs and sporting events)
  • Donor appreciation events
  • Virtual events, webinars, and online auctions
  • Scientific meetings, symposia, advocacy events, and research-focused convenings both in-person and virtually.
• Work closely with co-founders and Director of Development to lead all logistical and production aspects of events, including: sourcing, vetting, negotiating, and contracting with vendors and venues; catering; décor; audiovisual and streaming requirements; programming; registration management, on-site check-in, and guests lists; event-related insurance and compliance; post-event communications and surveys; and event analytics and reporting.
• Take full ownership of event execution, ensuring every detail aligns with the organization’s standards of quality, style, and attendee experience and that events are delivered on-time and on budget.
• Create and manage detailed run-of-show documents, cue sheets, and production schedules for all events and serve as on-site lead during events, managing vendors, speakers, honorees, volunteers, and staff in real time, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
• Coordinate scripts, talking points, and timelines with speakers and leadership.
• Research, develop, and implement approaches to drive the success and engagement of events. Stay up-to-date with current developments in the gala and virtual/digital event space to guide continuous improvement.
• Oversee agendas, speaker coordination, travel logistics, accommodations, event materials, registration, and follow-up.

Project Management, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Develop detailed budgets and track revenue and expenses to deliver events on time and within budget.
• Establish goals for event-related success and monitor and report on KPIs such as attendance, engagement, and overall event quality.
• Compile pre- and post-event reports, analyze outcomes, make recommendations, and implement leadership-approved refinements for continuous improvement.
• Maintain detailed event timelines, runs of show, production schedules, and checklists, and develop SOPs that codify event workflows, approvals, and best practices to support efficient execution across multiple projects.
• Ensure seamless execution while reflecting the organization’s professionalism, branding, and mission alignment.

Volunteer, Board & Committee Engagement

• Lead and coordinate event planning committees, establishing clear goals, timelines, and responsibilities; communicating regularly on progress and updates; overseeing meetings; and developing and managing materials (agendas, notes, action items, solicitation tools) to ensure accountability and follow through for successful execution. 
• Engage and steward board members, EE leaders, and community partners to drive participation, sponsorship, and support for events. 
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, providing clear guidance, tools, and support to ensure effective participation and positive experiences.

כישורים ומיומנויות

• You are a versatile and well-rounded event management professional. You have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience planning sophisticated events (nonprofit sector preferred but not required); extensive experience executing large-scale galas, donor appreciation events, virtual/digital events, and scientific convenings. You have an understanding of event management best practices. 
• You are an excellent project manager, with a strong sense of follow-through. You succeed at managing multiple workstreams and motivating, coordinating, and directing others to stay on track. You possess strong attention to detail and the capacity to balance competing priorities and deliver projects on time and within budget.
• You bring a strong visual aesthetic and creativity with attention to detail and a commitment to quality, style, and attendee experience.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills. You also have strong listening skills and have the ability to inspire and organize volunteers, staff, and committees.
• אתה נשאר רגוע ושלו בסביבה משתנה במהירות. You bring professional maturity and the ability to manage complex situations and wear many hats—all with grace under pressure. You genuinely enjoy the pace and challenges of live events.
• You are tech-savvy and keep up with tools and trends in event management. You are proficient in working with commonly used event software, donor 
• את/ה יוצר/ת ובעל/ת תושייה ועצמאי/ת. You bring a “get it done” attitude and thrive in a highly entrepreneurial and fast-paced setting. You solve problems and maintain a high degree of flexibility and creativity in a dynamic environment.
• You are inspired by the mission, vision, and values of EE. You share a commitment and sense of urgency to bring lifesaving treatments to the final 10% of individuals with CF. You thrive in a high-energy and collegial environment that values relationships, collaboration, and a laser focus on mission.

This position is fully remote, with a preference for candidates located in the Greater Philadelphia region with consideration given to candidates in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Regardless of location, all interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. 

The Events Manager will be required to travel and attend events in-person, and will occasionally work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.

Pay and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried position. The salary range for this role is $65k-$80k, commensurate with experience, plus a generous PTO plan and health and retirement benefits. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

הפמליה של אמילי מספקת הזדמנויות תעסוקה שווה לכל בני האדם ללא הבדל גיל, גזע, צבע, דת, מוצא לאומי, מין, נטייה מינית, מצב משפחתי או מוגבלות.

הוראות יישום

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume in a single file entitled “Candidate Name_Events Manager” to careers@emilysentourage.org.