Events and Community Engagement Manager (Part-time)

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Inc. (TMA or the Aquarium) seeks a part-time Events and Community Engagement Manager reporting to the Senior Manager, Goal and Performance Management.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Goal and Performance Management, the Events and Community Engagement Manager is responsible for working cross-functionally to support the creation of and execute compelling (cultivation and fundraising) events at the Aquarium. This individual also generates community goodwill by representing the Aquarium at off-site events, trade shows, conventions, etc. and establishes and/or co-manages partners seeking to engage in outreach activities.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish event manual, processes, and procedures in line with agency processes. Manual should include fundraising, ‘friend-raising,’ membership, community partnership, and other Aquarium-sponsored events. 
• In partnership with advancement, marketing, guest services, and others, field inquiries from community partners seeking engagement activities; conduct due diligence.
• In coordination with relevant internal and external partners, plan and execute all engagement events, including but not limited to annual gala, donor cultivation moments, membership exclusives, and others TBD. Key responsibilities include:
  • Serve as primary point of contact to internal and external stakeholders, including event permitting if/as needed.
  • Create and manage event project plan and timeline.
  • Co-develop event specific budgets.
  • Coordinate the event run-of-show; lead on logistics, through event execution.
  • Conduct vendor research for all elements (design, AV, entertainment, etc.), make hiring recommendations, and manage once on-board.
  • Ensure Aquarium staffing and assignments to relevant responsibilities before, during, and after event.
  • Support logistics of press as requested.
  • Plan and oversee event debrief sessions with outlook planning for following year.
• Work with partners to create meaningful opportunities to connect the community with the Aquarium:
  • Support the development of proposals (and agreements) for partner engagement opportunities and associated benefits.
  • Co-manage and expand relationships with partners, ensuring the relationship is sustained through ongoing communication and evaluation of needs and any possible reports/updates.
  • Attend community partner events as a representative of the Aquarium, both internally and externally.
• Support/lead special projects as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

• Minimum of 5 years relevant and progressive experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Marketing or related field.
• Experience in a non-profit organization preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive and manage event details.

Knowledge and skills

• Commitment to the Aquarium’s mission, with an appreciation for the important role that the Aquarium plays in conservation, education and the life of a vibrant community.
• Commitment to equity and social justice, and strong alignment with our organizational values.
• An attitude of creativity, innovation, confidence and entrepreneurship, with an ability to inspire and motivate audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills across stakeholders including staff, volunteers, trustees, vendors, talent, donors and others; works well within teams, strong collaborator.
• Ability to prioritize the needs of the business in tandem with the needs of the event and strong guest experiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Continuous improvement / problem solving mindset and way of working
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with fundraising databases.
• Excellent organizational, project management and negotiating skills.
• Strong attention to detail
• A willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.