Events Director

Responsibilities

• Produce and coordinate key fundraisers, events, and initiatives throughout the year such as the annual Spring Break gala, donor salons, and 20th anniversary celebrations.
• Lead the creative direction and experience design of events, ensuring each experience brings City Year Los Angeles’ impact to life in compelling, immersive, and authentic ways.
• Translate organizational messaging into cohesive event themes, environments, and storytelling moments in partnership with Marketing & Communications team.
• Oversee execution of a flagship annual gala serving 800-1000 guests and generating $1M+ in revenue, including sponsor integration, VIP experiences, and live program production.
• Partner with Corporate Partnerships team to design and deliver high-quality sponsorship activations that align with partner goals and enhance the guest experience.
• In partnership with the Marketing & Communications team and design consultants, support the development of all event collateral including invitations, event signage, and sponsorship materials.
• Ensure seamless event attendee and staff experience at all City Year Los Angeles events.
• Develop event staffing plans and support the training of AmeriCorps Members, staff and volunteers on roles and logistics.
• Prepare and manage events budgets to ensure effective use of funds at or underbudget.
• Secure necessary venues, obtain quotes, negotiate and secure vendor contracts, and monitor vendor performance to ensure City Year receives exceptional service and value.
• In collaboration with development staff, create new strategies to generate event revenue, and deepen relationships and engagement. In collaboration with frontline fundraisers, analyze return on investment of costs to revenue generated across events and adjust strategy accordingly.
• Contribute to sponsorship strategy and packaging tied to event assets.
• Partner with Individual Giving, Corporate, and Foundations teams to align guest strategy with fundraising priorities.
• Develop targeted engagement strategies for high-value attendees during events.
• Design, manage, and execute Back to Service and Graduation events in collaboration with ProServe and Development teams to create meaningful, memorable, and engaging events for the corps while maximizing sponsorship, donor recognition and donor engagement opportunities for both events.
• Manage all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, catering, audiovisual needs, live experience, and event flow.
• Lead cross-departmental planning committees to execute events and initiatives to meet organizational goals.
• Coordinate event schedules, timelines, run-of-show plans, and format of event to ensure smooth and successful event execution.
• Fully manage each event budget, monitoring costs and ensuring events are executed at or under budget.
• Explore cost-effective solutions and in-kind support to maximize event resources.
• Manage purchase card expenses and submit invoices for payment with approval from manager and in a timely manner.
• Partner with CYLA departments and staff through stakeholder engagement, event and service day participation, and cross-departmental committees as needed to ensure site-wide goals are met.
• Provide logistical support as needed to the Career & Talent Pathways team for ongoing summits and networking events
• Support the planning and development of the staff events including Holiday Party and End of Year Celebration.
• Support the execution of site-wide goals through collaboration with program staff and leadership.
• Collaborate cross functionally to make shared decisions, set strategy, and develop work outputs.
• Support other department functions as needed.

Requirements

• 5–10 years of professional experience, including at least 3 years in event management, external engagement, or experiential marketing.
• Proven success leading high-quality events from concept through execution, including fundraising, donor, corporate, and community engagement events.
• Strong project and budget management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, vendors, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Ability to establish clear systems, workflows, and accountability structures that support effective collaboration and strong execution.
• Authorized documentation to work in the United States of America
• Criminal background history clearance to work with school-age children, depending on the position
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events and external engagement activities.

Nice to have

• Strong leadership, delegation, and communication skills, with the ability to set high expectations and drive results across teams and partners.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and solutions-focused in fast-paced environments with changing priorities.
• Self-starter who works well independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Passion for educational equity, youth development, and the mission of City Year Los Angeles.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, partnerships, entertainment, education, or civic engagement environments preferred.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Asana, and event management platforms preferred.
• City Year or AmeriCorps experience is a plus.

Benefits

• Full-time employees will be eligible for all benefits including vacation, sick days and organization holidays. You may participate in all benefit programs that City Year establishes and makes available to eligible employees, under (and subject to all provisions of) the plan documents that govern those programs. Currently, City Year offers medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death and dismemberment and disability coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and other benefits including 401(k) plan(s) pursuant to the terms and conditions of company policy and the 401(k) plan document. For more information, click here.