Purpose of the Job
The Senior Events Officer will take a leading role in devising, delivering, and growing a high-impact events programme that drives income and enhances brand awareness. This includes sports and challenge events, special events with high-profile attendees (such as HRH engagements and major donor functions), and strategic event partnerships.
The role is responsible for managing all aspects of event planning and execution, ensuring exceptional supporter experiences, developing new income opportunities, and ensuring Shaftesbury’s brand is represented professionally across all events. The role will also oversee event logistics, manage risk, support digital fundraising initiatives, and work with internal and external stakeholders to maximise engagement and return on investment.
Main Duties
- Lead on the development and execution of an ambitious events programme, including sports and challenge events, high-profile fundraising events, and donor cultivation events. Lead on the development of the event strategy and plans and ensure they align with the wider fundraising, communications, and engagement goals. Research, propose, and introduce new event opportunities to diversify income streams and expand audience reach. Work closely with senior leadership to deliver high-level events attended by key stakeholders, including HRH engagements and major donors. Produce detailed event management plans, budgets, and timelines, ensuring efficiency and strategic delivery. Oversee end-to-end event logistics, including venue selection, supplier management, contract negotiations, catering, AV, and risk assessments.
- Ensure all legal, health & safety, and risk management protocols are adhered to for all events. Deliver a seamless supporter journey, ensuring all participants receive excellent stewardship before, during, and after events. Work closely with volunteers for events and ensure they are fully briefed for all events. Lead on event evaluation and post-event analysis, making recommendations for improvements and tracking return on investment. Maximise income generation across the events portfolio, implementing strategies to increase participation, sponsorship, and fundraising. Develop partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance event sponsorship and gift-in-kind support. Work with the Fundraising Team to cross-promote events and identify opportunities for donor engagement. Project manage new initiatives, including virtual and hybrid events, to drive innovation and increase fundraising potential. Work closely with the Communications Team to develop event marketing plans, ensuring effective audience engagement and brand alignment. Develop compelling event materials, including web pages, email campaigns, and social media content. Liaise with media partners and PR teams to maximise event exposure and impact. Ensure all event participant data is managed in line with GDPR and internal data policies. Maintain accurate records of participant engagement, supporter journeys, and event outcomes using CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge). Prepare detailed reports on event performance, fundraising impact, and recommendations for future event strategies.
Working Relationships:
Internal – Fundraising, Communications, Operations Directorate, Executive Management Team, staff both at National Office and in services and people we support across the charity.
External - Event participants; current and prospective supporters; local and national volunteers; churches; corporate supporters and teams; professional event organisers; suppliers
This job description and person specification is not exhaustive and amendments and additions may be required in line with future changes in the post holder’s duties.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
Qualifications:
- Professional experience in event management, fundraising, marketing, or a related field.
Experience:
- Proven experience in leading, managing, and delivering successful fundraising events, including sports and challenge events. Experience in budget management, financial planning, and meeting income targets. Demonstrable ability to develop and execute events that align with organisational brand and engagement objectives. Experience managing relationships with corporate sponsors, event partners, and key stakeholders.
Technical/Work-based Skills:
- Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple events simultaneously. Excellent understanding of risk assessments, health & safety policies, and event compliance requirements. Proficiency in using event management software, CRM systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce), and digital fundraising tools. Strong digital literacy, including website content management, online ticketing platforms, and social media engagement. Ability to analyse event performance metrics and provide strategic recommendations for growth.
General Skills & Attributes:
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders. Highly motivated, innovative, and results-driven, with a strong ability to problem-solve and think creatively. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. A proactive mindset with a passion for events fundraising and supporter engagement. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage tight deadlines. Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
Desirable Experience
Skills and Experience:
- Evidence of continued professional development in events, fundraising, or stakeholder engagement. Experience in high-profile event management, including working with major donors, VIPs, or Royal engagements.
This job description and person specification is not exhaustive and amendments and additions may be required in line with future changes in the post holder duties.
SAFEGUARDING
Shaftesbury is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, young people and children and expects all employees to share this commitment and follow our safeguarding policies and procedures.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.
CHRISTIAN ETHOS AND VALUES
The post holder must carry out all duties in a manner which is consistent with Shaftesbury values which are based on an inclusive Christian ethos.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The post holder must also maintain the policies, procedures and practices of the organisation and as far as possible, must ensure that all activities within the work setting are consistent with those values, policies, procedure and practices.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The post holder must ensure that any information relating to employees, people supported and volunteers (future, current and past) is treated in strictest confidence and must be discussed only within the confines of the work setting with the appropriate members of the team or managers.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The post holder must be familiar with Shaftesbury Health and Safety policies and guidelines. All work should be undertaken so as to be consistent with these, and so as to ensure own health and safety and that of others affected by their work.
