Manager, Event & Engagement

Sanford Burnham Prebys

. Develop and implement strategic plans for signature fundraising, campaign, donor stewardship, and community engagement events .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $95,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in event planning and management, with a strong focus on donor engagement, budget management, and strategic fundraising initiatives. Proven ability to create impactful experiences and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders in philanthropy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Event Planning And ManagementDonor EngagementBudget ManagementStrategic FundraisingRelationship Building

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Event ExecutionProject ManagementProgram DevelopmentPost-Event EvaluationVendor NegotiationData EntryReport Generation

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationStorytellingProfessionalism

Tools & Technologies

Fundraising DatabaseSpreadsheets

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeCalifornia Driver's License

Industry Keywords

PhilanthropyFundraising EventsCommunity EngagementDonor StewardshipHealthcare Organization

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and implement strategic plans for signature fundraising, campaign, donor stewardship, and community engagement events
Lead event planning and execution, including project management, timelines, budgets, logistics, venues, vendors, production, registration, and post-event evaluation
Develop programmatic elements, content, speaker presentations, and audience experiences
Develop event programs and engagement opportunities for Giving Level members
Partner with philanthropy leadership, faculty, senior leaders, volunteers, and internal and external stakeholders
Create and coordinate program materials and run-of-show details
Serve as lead event manager for major donor and fundraising events, including the Fishman Awards, donor salons, stewardship receptions, and appreciation events
Develop and manage event budgets, monitor expenses, negotiate vendor contracts, and ensure cost-effective resource use
Increase event attendance, sponsorship, fundraising outcomes, and donor engagement through innovative strategies
Oversee registration, guest communications, seating, VIP management, and stewardship touchpoints
Track and evaluate event performance, prepare post-event reports, and recommend improvements
Ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor stewardship standards, and legal and safety requirements
Maintain relationships with sponsors, vendors, volunteers, donors, board members, and community stakeholders
Stay informed about philanthropy, fundraising event, and donor engagement trends and best practices
Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Five (5) to seven (7) years in event planning and management
Philanthropy event experience preferred
Experience in an academic, scientific, or healthcare organization preferred
California driver's license and automobile insurance
Outstanding organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and goals
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong relationship-building, donor engagement, and storytelling-through-events skills
Confidence and professionalism working with colleagues, donors, the President and CEO, and senior leaders
Passion for creating memorable, mission-driven experiences
Technological proficiency, including creating spreadsheets, entering data, and generating reports from a fundraising database
Willingness to work onsite in San Diego
Out-of-state applicants must disclose willingness to relocate

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance resources
403(b) retirement plan with a $2-for-$1 employer match on contributions up to 10% of salary
Flexible spending accounts
Identity theft protection
Employee discounts on entertainment, travel, and more
Vacation, sick leave, and other applicable leave benefits
Up to 13 paid holidays per year
Year-round wellness programs and events
Free on-site parking
Access to 50 electric vehicle charging stations at competitive rates
Reasonable accommodations for the hiring process