Event Manager - Waverley Street Foundation : Job Details

At Waverley Street Foundation we're turning imagination into reality by investing in community-led programs that will help us grow better food, preserve our farmland, get cleaner, more affordable energy, build smarter, more successful businesses, and cultivate a healing planet. Our work drives lasting change through strategic funding of renewable energy and regenerative agriculture programs — targeted community investments that boost economic growth and improve health outcomes. WSF prioritizes representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of its work.

Unlike most philanthropies, WSF is spending down its assets—approx $3 Billion— over the next decade, a decision that empowers it to support not only sensible and pragmatic solutions but also daring bets and breakthroughs that can alter the trajectory of the climate crisis and unlock a new and better future for humanity.

WSF strives to do things differently, and be entrepreneurial and innovative in our grantmaking approach. As we take on the task of addressing global climate change, we are adopting a campaign mindset where we look to empower people and communities.. Our goal is to demonstrate the collective will of humanity to reside on a livable planet, and to develop momentum for climate improvements across the globe that results in a global transition to clean energy sources and sustainable living.

WSF does its work in deep collaboration with field experts and advisors, as it is essential that the Foundation's strategy is developed not in conference rooms but out in the world, informed by the lived experiences and innovative ideas of the people most directly impacted by the problems the foundation seeks to address. Specifically, WSF convenes experts from a variety of disciplines who are close to communities – their experiences, and their solutions.

In order to execute against our ambitious goals, we are seeking our Events Manager.

THE ROLE

The Events Manager, reports to the Director of Grantee Support, is responsible for planning,

organizing, and executing a variety of events that engage and support the organization's

philanthropic goals. This role will focus on building meaningful relationships with both

internal and external stakeholders, creating networking and learning opportunities, and

organizing events that enhance the impact and success of WSFs funded programs. The

ideal candidate is meticulous and organized, skilled in event management, and passionate

about supporting nonprofit organizations and social impact initiatives. Above all, they will

bring a strong sense of our organization's needs and how events fit into our broader

communications strategy. They will be able to coordinate multiple moving parts under

pressure and ensure that any last-minute changes or obstacles are handled with grace and

minimal disruption.

This position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, reporting to the office 3 days per week.

YOUR MISSION

Event Planning and Execution:

• Plan and manage all aspects of both internal and external Waverley events, including

convenings, grantee appreciation events, community engagement activities, and virtual

events.

• Work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to coordinate logistics such as venue selection, catering, entertainment, audio/visual needs, and event timelines to

ensure smooth execution.

• Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial oversight.
• Help manage in-office events, such as catered lunches and birthday/anniversary

Celebrations.

Grantee Engagement and Stewardship:

• Collaborate with the programs team to create targeted grantee engagement strategic

partners to enhance event success.

• Develop personalized experiences for major grantees and partners at events to ensure

positive engagement and stewardship.

• Work with the communications team to promote and drive grantee participation.

Volunteer Coordination:

• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to assist with event setup, execution, and
• follow-up activities.
• Ensure volunteers are properly briefed on event details and their roles to create

a seamless guest experience.

• Post-Event Reporting and Analysis:
• Conduct post-event evaluations to assess the event's success and gather feedback

for each event.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with grantees, sponsors, and community

members, and identify areas for improvement.

• Prepare reports on event outcomes, including financial results, grantee engagement,

and impact analysis for internal stakeholders and board members.

WHO YOU ARE

• Bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality, nonprofit management, marketing,

or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in event planning and management, preferably with the

nonprofit or philanthropy sector.

• Proven track record of organizing successful events and managing grantee relations.
• Strong budget management and financial planning skills.
• Exceptional project management and organizational abilities with a keen attention to
• detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a
• diverse range of grantees, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously and work under pressure to meet
• deadlines.
• Proficiency in event management software, databases, and other relevant tools.
• Experience working in the philanthropy or nonprofit sector is preferred.

KEY ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS AT WSF

• Passionate about advancing equitable and transformative solutions to the climate crisis
• Able to synthesize information and distill complex ideas into clear, concise, and actionable forms
• Proven track record within complex, multi-stakeholder projects/organizations
• Skilled at building strong relationships and cultivating diverse networks
• Humble and open to differing views and perspectives
• Intellectually curious and stays current on news in their field
• Comfortable with radical approach to diversity
• Able to break down barriers to getting things done, while always operating with unassailable integrity
• Willing to pitch in when needed
• Low drama, good humor and joie de vivre

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected].