Description
The Special Events & Leadership Programs Manager leads the planning and execution of Emerge’s national and regional special events and manages donor-facing leadership programs, including the Emerge Young Leaders Program and other affinity-based giving circles. This role serves as the project manager for major annual events, oversees consultants and vendors, and ensures seamless coordination across several departments. The ideal candidate is highly organized, relationship-oriented, and execution-focused—someone who thrives at managing complex projects, tracking details, and building engagement pathways that connect events to long-term donor relationships. As a collaborative member of the Development team, this role supports broader fundraising strategies while ensuring events and leadership programs are well-run, data-informed, and aligned with organizational goals.
The Development Manager for Events and Leadership Circle(s) is a regular full-time remote position that reports to the Senior Development Director.
ABOUT EMERGE
Emerge is changing the face of politics to create an inclusive democracy. We are the nation’s largest network of women elected officials and candidates – recruiting, training, and providing a powerful network to Democratic women who want to run for office and win. Since 2002, Emerge has trained more than 7,000 women to run for office, and there are more than 1,200 Emerge alums currently in elected office.
Our Core Values
Belonging
Empowerment
Transformation
Excellence
At Emerge, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our mission. We want our team to reflect the incredible diversity of the political power we seek to build. Therefore, we especially encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities and members of other groups who are underrepresented in our political system.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Plan and Execute Emerge Special Events
Serve as the project manager for Emerge's annual events
Manage and oversee any consultants for larger events
Manage surrogate communications for events
Oversee all virtual events and salons
Assist with additional special events as needed across the country
Pull contribution reports and contact lists from NGP/EveryAction
Work with other development and communications staff to produce and distribute all development materials, including brochures, letters, inserts, invitations, acknowledgements, annual reports, and scripts for special events
Ongoing data entry, including entering contributions, pledges, and relevant donor information for events
Manage all data pertaining to events, including pulling lists, managing event trackers, and measuring event success metrics
Manage the Emerge Young Leaders Program and Develop Other Leadership Circles
Build out systems for recruitment, engagement, and fundraising with this younger demographic
Support them in organizing events and holding regular check-ins to guide them in their efforts
Work in conjunction with the other staff to promote and support this program
Develop, support, and coordinate other affinity leadership circles as needed
Serve as a collaborative member of the Development Team
Work in conjunction with the development team on weekly call time strategies and tools
Provide event support for all development events
Support other special projects as needed
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Emerge offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, and 401k retirement plan. We also offer an unlimited PTO plan and the opportunity to work with a dynamic team of mission-driven people. The salary for this role starts at $72,000.
How to Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter with the email subject “Development Manager” to the email address provided. In your cover letter, include a description of how your background aligns with this position and an explanation of your interest in women in politics. Emerge will not be able to respond to all applicants. Only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. NO CALLS PLEASE.
This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific employment terms are subject to collective bargaining.
Requirements
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Excellent interpersonal and relational skills, including competency working cross-culturally and in diverse teams to create an equitable and inclusive environment;
Ability to develop trusted and effective working relationships with diverse constituencies, including boards of directors, staff, donors, volunteers, and a diverse array of supporters and stakeholders;
Experience managing digital and grassroots fundraising campaigns;
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail;
Excellent writing and communication skills;
Experience with multifaceted planning processes;
Excellent project management
Demonstrated flexibility in problem-solving; and
Proven track record of excellent follow-through and accountability.
Preferred but not required:
Knowledge of women’s political leadership issues and political experience
Familiarity with database tools, NGPVAN, Asana, etc., a plus
