Position Title

Senior Manager, Special Events

Position Type

Full-time (Exempt)

Reporting to

Senior Director, Events

Position Summary

The Senior Manager of Special Events is primarily responsible for the planning, execution, and growth of TMF special events. Reporting to the Senior Director of Events, this senior manager is also responsible for the management of the Special Events team. TMF’s Events department consists of a Special Events team and an Athletic Events team. Candidates with extensive event planning and fundraising experience are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

TMF is accepting applicants from candidates in the following states: PA, NJ, DE, NY, MD, VA, and D.C. You can expect to be traveling to programs and events at least 30% of the time.

About Travis Manion Foundation

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) unites communities to strengthen America's national character by empowering veterans and families of fallen to develop and lead future generations. In 2007, 1stLt Travis Manion was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Travis' legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, "If Not Me, Then Who..." Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives by serving as character role models to youth. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes lives on in the next generation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Event Management & Fundraising Execution

• Plan, manage, and execute large-scale fundraising events, including TMF’s annual tailgate and
  three golf tournaments, ensuring strong donor experiences and revenue growth.

• Manage a portfolio of 100+ peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, driving participation, retention,
  and revenue.

• Develop and design sponsorship packages and pitch decks to attract, retain, and grow corporate and individual sponsors.

• Lead venue sourcing, vendor negotiations, entertainment selection, and all event logistics to ensure seamless execution.

• Build and manage comprehensive event budgets, maintaining strong financial oversight and accountability.

• Oversee live and silent auctions, maximizing revenue through item procurement, pricing strategy, and execution.

• Collaborate closely with Marketing and Development teams on event proposals, sponsorship deliverables, timelines, and promotional strategies.

Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement

• Partner with Development leadership to support annual fundraising goals tied to special events,
  sponsorships, and peer-to-peer initiatives.

• Cultivate and steward relationships with sponsors, donors, and peer-to-peer event hosts to
  encourage long-term engagement and repeat participation.

• Identify opportunities to upgrade donors and sponsors through enhanced event experiences,
  recognition, and post-event follow-up.

• Support donor acquisition and pipeline growth by leveraging events as an entry point to deeper
  organizational involvement.

Strategic Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the local regional contact for National TMF Initiatives including third-party fundraisers,
  athletic events, and community service events to ensure successful execution.

• Support TMF national events by recruiting volunteer leaders and participants, promoting events
  through various channels, cultivating deeper relationships locally, providing TMF supplies/resources, and attending local events hosted, etc.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise the Special Events Manager, providing guidance, coaching, and support related to 

  event logistics, timelines, and execution.

• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture through regular feedback, professional development, and recognition of success.

• Oversee the manager’s support for individual fundraiser (IF) hosts, including Classy page build-outs, marketing assistance, giveaways, and event attendance.

Account Management & Stewardship

• Maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, and fundraiser hosts to ensure retention and ongoing support.

• Communicate organizational updates, impact, and upcoming initiatives with key stakeholders to foster engagement and collaboration.

Reporting, Analysis, & Performance Tracking

• Prepare quarterly performance reports for individual fundraisers (IFs) within the Spartan Society.

• Track and evaluate key metrics including event revenue, expenses, participation, sponsor retention, and donor engagement.

• Analyze event outcomes and provide recommendations to improve efficiency, revenue, and participant experience year over year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (or previous military service) is preferred; minimum of 5 years’ work experience in event planning or a related field.
• There is a strong preference for candidates who have significant experience managing large-scale fundraising and/or special events, with demonstrated success in sponsorships and revenue generation.
• Demonstrated skill in proactively building and maintaining high-impact relationships.
• Highly competent with Microsoft Office Suite and G-Suite, familiar with Salesforce (or similar databases) is a plus.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational and customer service skills; must be self-reliant and initiative-driven, while still being an effective and collaborative team member
• Excellent and persuasive communicator with exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills
• Remains focused and efficient in the face of pressure, delivers results with timelines; not intimidated by complex tasks, challenging timelines, or a fast-paced work environment.
• Energetic, flexible, and proactive with dedication to the mission of Travis Manion Foundation and a passion for service and community development.
• Must have their own car in working condition and a valid driver’s license. Proof of automobile insurance is required. TMF does reimburse for mileage when a personal vehicle is used for business travel.
• Military service and/or connected to the U.S. military is a plus, but not required.

Compensation

For the past seven years, Travis Manion Foundation has been recognized as a “Best Nonprofit to Work For” by the Nonprofit Times.

The pay for this position is $75-80k and is based on the candidate’s work experience, skills, and abilities. TMF offers a benefits package, which includes medical and dental, short-term disability, long-term disability, life and participation in our 401(k) program, to name a few. In addition, we have an attractive PTO policy along with holidays and paid parental leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TMF is committed to an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect, dignity and equal opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, genetic information, marital and partnership status, familial status, alienage or citizenship status, handicap, disability or perceived disability, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, consumer credit status, unemployment status, caregiver status, victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, military and veteran status and any other category protected by federal, state, city and local laws.

At TMF, one of our main priorities is to create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are seen as real value for our leaders, staff, board, members and those we serve. Many of the greatest ideas come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive environment.

Application Procedure

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter (with salary requirements) describing their background as it relates to the position description. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a final candidate is selected. Submit all information via email to [email protected].

**No phone calls or faxes. Due to the volume of applications, TMF cannot notify applicants of the status of their applications unless an interview is requested.