Organizational Overview: Food Forward’s mission is to rescue fresh local produce that would otherwise go to waste connecting this abundance with people in need, and inspiring others to do the same. Our donated produce reaches those in need across virtually all social service sectors: homeless outreach, domestic violence shelters, street youth homes, veteran services, LGBT teen/adult/senior services, after-school programs, the mentally disabled, low-income college programs, and many more. With the volunteer-power of over 7,000 registered volunteers and a modest staff, this year we will help feed over 1.25 million Southern Californians in need across Los Angeles, Ventura and 6 surrounding counties with nutritious, surplus produce.

Position Description: The Events Manager will report to the Director of Development. S/he will be responsible for overseeing and growing a wide array of income earning and donor cultivation events.

Must be a self-starter and possess exceptional organizational, communication, written, and critical thinking skills. Working closely with the Development Director, s/he will also be tasked with engaging and maintaining revenue generating corporate and event sponsorships, passive income relationships, along with other partnerships, throughout the year. Candidate should be very proactive, extremely personable, able to follow-up with their own work, keep small and large teams on point, and posses excellent multitasking and negotiation skills. These, along with ambition and a willingness to learn, are essential traits. The ideal candidate should also be passionate about hunger and food justice issues. Food Forward is rapidly expanding, and this position has great potential for growth!

Core Responsibilities:

• Point person on all Food Forward events, from large-scale events, like our annual Spring Melt, to intimate donor cultivation gatherings.
• Solicit and manage all aspects of Private Picks (Food Forward’s income-generating, teambuilding fruit harvests) for corporate, non-profit, faith-based, and other groups.
• Grow our Private Pick client base while retaining current relationships.
• Manage existing partnerships and seek out new income-generating opportunities with corporate partners, LA-area events with non-profit beneficiaries, and others.
• Seek out, execute, and manage an array of revenue generating, brand-centric promotions throughout the year with local restaurants, retailers, food businesses, and others.
• Oversee creative marketing, social media, and promotion of all events.
• Work closely with the development team to create new donor cultivation and corporate experience events.
• Act as key staff liaison to our Culinary Advisory Board.
• Vet partners, prior to engagement, to ensure they are on mission and/or fit the culture of Food Forward.
• Manage all affiliated vendor relationships, negotiate all related agreements and documentation, and oversee related compliance issues (i.e. permits, insurances, etc.).
• Assist with development projects to expand Food Forward’s fundraising capacity.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 3-5 years high volume event planning and production.
• Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred.
• Experience with preparing and managing budgets and producing income/expense reports.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Proficiency in creating and adhering to event timelines.
• Professional PR and marketing experience.
• Enthusiasm and creativity around the development of community relationships.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism with stakeholders.
• Strong people skills and proven experience managing both volunteers and working with VIPs.
• Flexible, team player, and able to work well under pressure.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, open-space environment.
• A valid drivers license, reliable source of transportation, and ability to easily navigate Southern California.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends.

Desired Qualities:

• Past employment or contract work in the non-profit world.
• Fundraising experience.
• Basic graphic design skills or comfortable with minimal art direction as it relates to branding and layout.
• Familiarity with Salesforce and/or other stakeholder management software.
• Passion for and knowledge of food justice/anti-hunger world.
• Ability to drive large utility-style vans and trucks in compliance of traffic and safety laws.

COMPENSATION: $45,000-$50,000 per year D.O.E., health and vision insurance, paid vacation, and cell phone allowance.