Events Manager

The Events Manager is responsible for planning, executing and driving participation in UPAF fundraising and stewardship events, with a focus on the Ride for the Arts.  The Events Manager works collaboratively with the marketing and development staff to maximize sponsorship opportunities and with the donor experiences team to deliver exceptional event experiences. The events manager will primarily use digital channels for promotion, registration and marketing of events and will be responsible for enhancing UPAF’s event presence across platforms.

Primary Accountabilities

• Plan and execute UPAF’s largest fundraising event, the annual Ride for the Arts, achieving revenue goals ($500k+).

• Create and manage event timelines and meet all event deadlines.

• Create and execute promotional plan to drive participation and fundraising with a heavy emphasis on digital channels

• Manage and streamline online registration process and pre-ride preparation.

• Drive participation in bike teams via corporate partners.

• Secure and manage vendors and strategize with Development staff to secure in-kind donations.

• Hire and manage seasonal events coordinator and oversee volunteer recruitment and activity

• Work with state and municipal partners to determine the route, secure permits and ensure a safe and successful event.

• Oversee stewardship of donors and event participants through acknowledgements, personal touchpoints, social media highlights and recognition.

• Prepare and execute event marketing plan to drive registrations and peer to peer fundraising, with an emphasis on digital marketing.

• Recruit and lead event Steering Committee responsible for driving many aspects of the event.

• Collaborate with the Donor Experiences Team to develop, market and execute premiere events for UPAF Campaign, stewardship activities and prospecting events, such as UPAF Nights, UPAF Presents, and Artist Society Party.

• Develop a volunteer platform to be used across special events so that more community members can engage.

• Collaborate with development staff to identify sponsorship opportunities and create sponsorship packages and manage deliverables of sponsor benefits.

• Collaborate to develop and project manage new events that position UPAF as a thought-leader in Milwaukee. Leverage digital platforms for connection and driving participation.

• Work closely with UPAF member groups for cross-promotion and collaboration to ensure UPAF presence woven through member groups performances and events.

• Develop and manage budgets and process invoices in a timely manner.

• Ensure return on investment by developing plans to achieve optimal revenue results. Provide comprehensive analysis upon completion of events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Three years of experience in event planning/marketing.

• Exceptional organizational and project management skills, able to manage multiple competing projects and priorities.

• Strong digital acuity and knowledge of platforms and systems that support complex events.

• Strong background and experience in promotion through social media.

• Works well in a fast-paced collaborative environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communications.

• Strong in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).

• Experience with online marketing tools (Constant Contact or similar) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems.

• Basic web editing (WordPress or similar).

• Familiarity with Adobe tools a plus.

• Analytical skills to determine metrics/targets and best practices.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.