Events Manager

Events Manager - Interim Position

Job Details

Location: Central London
Pay Rate: £23 - £26 per hour
Duration: 7 months interim position
Working Pattern: Full-time, hybrid working available
Start Date: ASAP
Reports to: Head of Events

About the Role

Join the Advancement team at a leading Russell Group university to deliver an exceptional portfolio of philanthropic and alumni events. This interim Events Manager position offers the opportunity to work on diverse, high-profile events ranging from intimate donor dinners and webinars to large-scale international programmes.
As part of the Donor Experience function, you'll work within a collaborative 5-person Events team to create targeted experiences that build and maintain strong relationships with the university's global community of alumni, donors, and supporters.

Key Responsibilities

Event Management & Delivery

• Plan and execute cultivation and stewardship events across online, hybrid, and in-person formats
• Manage complete event lifecycle from initial concept through to post-event evaluation
• Support international event planning and annual reception programmes
• Deliver bespoke events of all scales with exceptional professionalism
• Ensure all events align with strategic objectives and desired outcomes

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and donor relations teams
• Collaborate on event content development and invitee nomination processes
• Strategically manage multiple stakeholders with competing priorities
• Influence programme planning to meet organizational strategic priorities

Event Planning & Logistics

• Coordinate comprehensive guest lists across teams
• Manage supplier relationships for venues, catering, AV, and specialist requirements
• Provide on-site support for stakeholders, clients, and volunteers
• Complete thorough post-event follow-up including analysis, reports, and correspondence

Communication & Representation

• Clearly communicate event objectives and outcomes to relevant colleagues
• Organize and deliver VIP visits and university tours
• Represent the Advancement office at events
• Support colleagues' events and contribute to best practice sharing
• Available to work outside normal hours when required for event delivery

Essential Requirements

Experience

• Proven track record managing fundraising-related events from conception to completion
• Comprehensive understanding of the full event management cycle
• Experience delivering cross-departmental or organizational events
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects at different stages
• Strong stakeholder and client management experience
• Understanding of VIP service requirements for key stakeholders and guests

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent expectation management skills with ability to offer creative alternatives
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to handle multiple conflicting demands
• Professional relationship management skills across all organizational levels
• Outstanding written communication skills for audience-targeted content
• Experience liaising with communications teams on invitation design and branding

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative approach with strong relationship-building skills
• Thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Flexible availability for UK and international events, including weekends and evenings
• Commitment to excellence and exceeding expectations
• Creative problem-solver seeking innovative delivery methods
• Supportive team player with focus on results and impact

Desirable Requirements

• Experience within charity or higher education sector
• Track record managing events for high net-worth individuals and key influencers
• Experience delivering online events using Zoom or Microsoft Teams

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £23-£26
• Hybrid working flexibility
• Opportunity to work with prestigious university and high-profile stakeholders
• Collaborative, supportive team environment
• Exposure to diverse, high-quality events programme
• Professional development within advancement and fundraising sector

How to Apply

This position is available to start immediately. Please submit your CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the essential requirements outlined above.
This role requires the ability to work flexibly including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel for event delivery.