Position: Development Events Manager

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Special Events and Sponsorships

Location: 3180 Presidential Drive Atlanta, GA 30340

Summary:

LifeLine Animal Project is committed to the care and welfare of pets and the people who love them. The values we exhibit as an organization show the strength of our staff, our leadership and our community. We expect all employees to exhibit LifeLine’s core values as we complete daily tasks, provide services to clients and care for our animals.

LifeLine Animal Project is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Manager, Development Events to help lead the planning and execution of our growing portfolio of fundraising and donor engagement events in an effort to save lives.

This role will play a key part in managing and strengthening LifeLine’s current signature events and future fundraising experiences as our events program continues to grow.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing many moving pieces, and understands that great events should feel thoughtful, engaging, and enjoyable for the people attending them. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, comfortable managing logistics while also helping shape the overall guest experience.

Essential Job Functions:

This represents a list of essential job duties. Other duties or special projects may be assigned as needed.

Uphold the standards and values of LifeLine Animal Project:

Save Lives -- Build Community -- Be Exceptional Stewards -- Be Courageous --

Be Compassionate -- Take Responsibility -- Respect, Embrace and Celebrate Diversity

Event Planning & Management:

• Take responsibility to lead the planning and execution of LifeLine’s fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Develop and manage detailed event timelines, production schedules, and planning documents.
• Coordinate logistics across multiple events while ensuring deadlines and deliverables stay on track.
• Courageously support event layout planning, guest flow, décor direction, and overall event experience.
• Help identify opportunities to improve and grow LifeLine’s event portfolio over time.

Vendor & Partner Coordination:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for event vendors, venues, entertainment, caterers, production teams, rental companies, and other partners.
• Manage vendor communication, contracts, timelines, and deliverables.
• Exhibit exceptional stewardship by ensuring vendors and partners are aligned and prepared leading up to event day.

Event Operations:

• Oversee registration, guest management, check-in processes, and event systems.
• Support auction logistics, including item tracking, setup, and event-day coordination.
• Coordinate volunteer needs and assignments in partnership with internal teams.
• Assist with post-event reporting, reconciliation support, and data cleanup within event platforms and donor systems.

Day-of Event Execution:

• Serve as a key operational lead during events.
• Manage timelines, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth event flow.
• Work closely with staff, volunteers, vendors, and production partners throughout event execution.
• Help create a polished, welcoming, and mission-driven guest experience.

Internal Collaboration:

• Work cross-functionally with development, marketing, shelter operations, and program teams.
• Track internal deadlines and ensure stakeholders remain aligned throughout the planning process.
• Support post-event follow-up, debriefs, and wrap-up needs.
• Assist with maintaining organized event records, timelines, and planning materials.

General Responsibilities:

• Respect, embrace, and celebrate diversity by always operating with a judgement-free mindset and welcome visitors with a friendly and professional demeanor.
• Help build a community of animal welfare advocates by supporting and engaging the volunteers who aid LifeLine.
• Continue education by participating in LifeLine’s 40-hour annual training requirement.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Compassion for animals and the people who love and care for them.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Strong project management, organizational, time management and coordination skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines at once.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working with vendors, partners, staff, and volunteers.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate needs and solve problems.
• Ability to take ownership and follow through.
• Ability to stay organized and calm under pressure while managing many moving pieces.
• Enjoy both planning and hands-on event execution.
• Ability to communicate clearly with vendors, staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Contribute energy, creativity, and a sense of fun to their work.
• Enthusiasm for helping grow and strengthen LifeLine’s events program over time.
• Candidates must live within a reasonable distance of Atlanta, GA.
• Must be available for in-person meetings, site visits, and event-related needs throughout the Atlanta area.
• Some evenings and weekends are required around events.
• Ability to lift at least 20 lbs. from the ground to waist level, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must pass a background check.

Education and/or Experience:

Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.

5+ years of experience in event planning, nonprofit fundraising events, or a related field.

Experience managing complex, multi-faceted events with multiple stakeholders and deadlines.

Experience with event platforms such as OneCause, Raiser's Edge or similar systems is a plus.

Work Environment:

Full-time, hybrid/remote position based in Atlanta, GA. LifeLine will provide a laptop and limited basic office supplies; employees are otherwise responsible for maintaining an appropriate remote work environment, including reliable internet service and phone access.