Program & Events Manager

About the Organization

The Giving List Women is a Santa Barbara-based nonprofit focused on advancing gender equity and accelerating philanthropy and investment approaches that prioritize women and girls. The organization brings together influential leaders, donors, investors, and changemakers through curated convenings, strategic collaborations, and thought leadership to drive meaningful global impact.

Role Summary

The organization is hiring a highly organized, relationship-driven, and entrepreneurial Program & Events Manager to oversee the planning and delivery of intimate, high-impact events and programs that foster connection, collaboration, and purposeful giving.

This position manages events and related initiatives from start to finish, working closely with the CEO, COO & VP of Strategy, the partnerships and development lead, the Communications Director, and program team members. It suits someone who enjoys mission-oriented work, excels at bringing people together, and can combine strategic thinking with precise execution.

The events are primarily invite-only gatherings of small to medium size, bringing together community leaders, philanthropists, donors, investors, and advocates supporting causes that advance women and girls.

Some evening attendance and occasional travel are part of the role. The position reports to the COO & VP of Strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver events, salons, donor gatherings, panel discussions, and special programs from concept through completion.
• Partner with leadership on event themes, audience strategy, programming, and collaboration opportunities.
• Create timelines, production calendars, and project management systems that keep event work on track.
• Identify and evaluate venues, vendors, speakers, and collaborators that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Support invitation planning and outreach to donors, community leaders, sponsors, and partners at a senior level.
• Manage RSVP workflows, attendee communications, seating arrangements, and host coordination.
• Build and maintain respectful, professional relationships with stakeholders and community partners.
• Support sponsorship outreach, proposal preparation, and sponsor stewardship activities.
• Monitor budgets, invoices, deadlines, and deliverables related to each event.
• Coordinate event logistics with caterers, venues, production partners, and other vendors.
• Work with the communications team on messaging and promotional assets for events.
• Coordinate invitations, event briefs, follow-up messages, and donor-facing materials.
• Help maintain a consistent and polished brand experience across all event touchpoints.
• Keep event documentation, schedules, and reporting materials well organized.
• Join internal planning meetings and contribute to cross-functional coordination.
• Assist with post-event reporting, participant feedback, and impact measurement.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in event coordination, nonprofit programming, communications, hospitality, development, or a related area.
• Excellent organizational ability and strong project management skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage several timelines and stakeholders at the same time.
• Professional demeanor and comfort engaging with prominent guests and donors.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a small team.
• Working knowledge of CRM systems, event platforms, and project management tools.
• Background in philanthropy, nonprofit development, women-centered initiatives, or other mission-driven organizations is highly desirable.

Ideal Candidate

• You are meticulous, proactive, and self-starting.
• You stay composed under pressure and can adapt quickly when needed.
• You are motivated by work that advances women and girls.
• You know how to create thoughtful, welcoming guest experiences.
• You can move between strategic planning, logistical execution, and relationship management with ease.
• You are energized by collaborative leadership in a mission-led environment.

Compensation & Schedule

• This is a full-time position with a 40-hour work week.
• The role is based in Santa Barbara, California, with a preference for hybrid work; other locations may also be considered.
• Annual salary: $75,000 to $105,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and office location.
• Medical insurance and life insurance are provided.
• The company contributes 3% to a 403(b) retirement account.
• Preferred start date: August 2026.

Application Instructions

Applicants are asked to send an email with the subject line “Program & Events Manager” and include the following materials:

• A resume of up to 2 pages.
• A short paragraph explaining your interest and relevant experience, limited to 400 words.
• Your salary preference.
• Up to five examples of events, programs, or partnerships you have helped coordinate.

Additional Information

The organization values an inclusive and equitable community and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.