Overview
Special Event Manager Jobs in Pontiac, MI at Grace Centers of Hope
Title: Special Event Manager
Company: Grace Centers of Hope
Location: Pontiac, MI
Company Description
Grace Centers of Hope is Oakland County’s oldest and largest homeless shelter, providing hope and assistance since 1942. As a leading faith-based organization in Southeastern Michigan, the organization actively addresses issues of homelessness, addiction, poverty, and spiritual well-being. Serving between 250 and 400 individuals nightly, Grace Centers of Hope provides over 180,000 meals and 55,000 nights of stay annually. Entirely supported by private funding, the organization operates with an $8 million budget and receives no government support.
Position Summary
The Events Manager provides strategic leadership, oversight, and execution management for all fundraising events at Grace Centers of Hope. This role is responsible for planning, developing, and overseeing high-impact events that drive revenue, increase community engagement, and elevate the organization’s mission.
This position directly supervises one Special Events Coordinator and leads all event committees, ensuring alignment, accountability, and excellence across every stage of event execution. The Manager will focus on high-level planning, leadership, and oversight, while delegating day-to-day execution to the coordinator and committee members.
Core Competencies
Mission & Faith Alignment
• Champions the vision and mission of Grace Centers of Hope
• Demonstrates a dependency on God
• Faithful in the small things
• Models FAT leadership: Faithful, Available, and Teachable
Servant Leadership & Character
• Serves as a steward and servant first
• Seeks to uplift others rather than promote self
• Welcomes correction and strives for continuous improvement
• Takes ownership of responsibilities and outcomes
• Responds to challenges with patience and respect
Excellence & Accountability
• Pursues excellence in all responsibilities
• Completes work diligently, on time, and with excellence
• Embraces change through preparation and flexibility
• Demonstrates consistency, reliability, and follow-through
Team Leadership & Development
• Effectively builds and leads teams
• Develops people through encouragement, accountability, and example
• Cultivates an atmosphere of growth
Communication & Culture
• Communicates in a life-giving and respectful manner
• Sets the tone through attitude, communication, and conduct
• Fosters unity and collaboration
• Brings joy and positivity; is fun to work with
Key Responsibilities
• Strong strategic planning skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Team leadership and staff/volunteer development
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously
• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
• High attention to detail and follow-through
• Creativity in event design and guest experience
• Adaptability and flexibility in fast-paced environments
• Collaboration across departments and with external partners
Primary Responsibilities
Event Strategy and Oversight
• Lead the vision, planning, and execution of all major fundraising events, including Night of Hope, Pave the Way, and the Women Helping Women Fashion Show
• Develop annual event strategies, timelines, and revenue goals in alignment with organizational objectives
• Provide high-level oversight of all event logistics, ensuring excellence in guest experience, program flow, and brand representation
• Provide final direction and approval on event elements, including décor, program structure, auctions, and raffles
Team Leadership and Management
• Directly supervise one Events Coordinator, providing clear expectations, coaching, and accountability
• Delegate executional responsibilities while maintaining ownership of outcomes
• Ensure the Coordinator is equipped to manage logistics, vendors, and day-to-day event details effectively
Committee Leadership and Development
• Recruit, interview, hire, and train all special event committee members for each major event
• Build and lead engaged, high-functioning committees for Night of Hope, Pave the Way, and the Fashion Show
• Provide structure, leadership, and accountability to committee members
• Align committee efforts with event goals and organizational priorities
Sponsorship Oversight (Not Direct Solicitation)
• Oversee sponsorship strategy and performance across all events
• Set direction, goals, and expectations for sponsorship efforts led by the coordinator and committees
• Monitor progress and provide guidance to ensure revenue targets are met
• Maintain visibility into sponsor relationships and ensure proper stewardship in coordination with the Development team
Vendor and Partner Oversight
• Oversee relationships with all third-party vendors, including caterers, venues, entertainment, and production partners
• Ensure contracts, timelines, and deliverables are executed at a high standard
• Provide final approval on vendor selection and event-related expenditures
Event Operations and Execution
• Oversee event logistics, including registration, seating, auctions, raffles, and day-of operations
• Ensure all materials, communications, and promotional assets meet organizational standards
• Lead post-event reporting, reconciliation, and evaluation
Collaboration and Communication
• Work closely with internal teams, including Development, Marketing, and Leadership, to ensure alignment
• Partner with PR and media representatives as needed to support event promotion and execution
• Provide regular updates and performance reporting on all events
Qualifications
• 5+ years of experience in event management, fundraising events, or nonprofit development
• Proven experience leading teams and managing large-scale events
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple events and priorities simultaneously
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience working with volunteer committees preferred
Why This Role Matters
This role is critical to advancing the mission of Grace Centers of Hope by creating high-impact events that engage the community and drive transformational support for those we serve
