Associate Development Director, Special Event
About the Organization
Heal the Bay is the most recognized environmental nonprofit group in Los Angeles for a reason: since 1985, we have been dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and cleanliness of Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds for both people and marine life. Through education, science, advocacy, and community action, we raise awareness and implement practical solutions to address complex water quality issues.
Each year, we organize hundreds of beach and community cleanups, engaging individuals and educating them on the root causes of pollution in coastal and inland areas. We also provide easily accessible water quality data for over 700 beaches along the West Coast, as well as local freshwater recreation sites.
Advocating for strong water quality regulations is central to our mission—protecting public health and local ecosystems. We also operate the award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier, inspiring visitors to become stewards of our most vital natural resource: clean water.
About the Role
The Associate Director of Special Events will lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of Heal the Bay’s signature fundraising events, including the Bring Back the Beach Gala ($1.2M), Golf Tournament ($600,000), and ONE Water ($80,000), as well as identify new opportunities and sponsorships for programmatic events. With a strong focus on year-round donor cultivation and stewardship, this role oversees all aspects of event management, from conception to post-event reporting.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Associate Director collaborates with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure smooth logistics, excellent guest experiences, and the achievement of fundraising goals. This position plays a vital role in driving revenue and fostering donor engagement to support Heal the Bay’s mission.
Roles and Responsibilities
Event Planning and Execution
- Lead the planning and delivery of Heal the Bay’s signature fundraising events, with emphasis on the gala and golf tournament.
- Develop detailed annual event plans, including timelines, budgets, and logistics.
- Engage staff, Board members, and partners in alignment with Heal the Bay’s mission.
- Negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships.
- Oversee all production elements, including setup, technical needs, staffing, registration, and guest engagement.
- Ensure compliance with legal, safety, and accessibility requirements.
Member and Attendee Experience
- Ensure exceptional attendee experiences through personalized engagement and responsive support.
- Collect and assess feedback and demographic data to guide future event planning.
- Enhance participant interaction and satisfaction before, during, and after events.
Collaboration and Communication
- Foster strong working relationships with internal and external partners.
- Communicate event goals and expectations clearly and consistently.
- Work with the marketing and communications team to create promotional materials, sponsorship decks, and outreach strategies.
- Serve as a liaison to event sponsors to ensure alignment with Heal the Bay’s values and goals.
- Manage multiple projects with calmness and professionalism under pressure.
Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
- Lead post-event debriefs and evaluations to identify successes and areas for growth.
- Integrate evaluation findings and feedback into future planning.
- Stay informed about event management trends, tools, and best practices.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience managing six- or seven-figure fundraising events, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
- Proven success in planning and executing high-profile events, including galas and golf tournaments.
- Demonstrated success securing five- or six-figure sponsorships from individuals and corporations.
- Experience managing event budgets, sponsorship packages, and revenue goals.
- Excellent relationship-building skills with donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
- Strong analytical ability to assess event performance and guide decision-making.
- Proficiency with fundraising and CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, OneCause, Classy).
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community representation in all aspects of event planning.
- Passion for environmental justice, philanthropy, and community engagement.
Compensation & Benefits
$75,000–$85,000 annually, depending on experience. Includes full benefits (90% employer-covered), such as health, dental, vision, and paid vacation. This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
Schedule
40 hours/week, with a hybrid schedule (at least 2 in-office days in Santa Monica). Heal the Bay offers a dynamic, mission-driven work environment.
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