Do you want to help us help animals?

For more than a hundred years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people. We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.

American Humane is a unique organization that offers challenging career opportunities to its employees. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in Los Angeles, CA and Palm Beach, FL, we offer a friendly, professional atmosphere.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

American Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, personal appearance, parental status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, membership in any labor organization, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in American Humane’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on American Humane. Please inform human resources if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Director of Events

Washington, DC

Full Time

Events

Experienced

American Humane is seeking an experienced Director of Events. The position will be a hybrid of office/telework based out of either the Washington, DC headquarters office or the Palm Beach, FL executive office. American Humane is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For more than 100 years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people. We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.

Position summary:
The Director of Events will lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of all major events for American Humane. This role will ensure that all events align with the organization’s mission, objectives, and branding while delivering exceptional experiences for attendees and sponsors. The Director of Events will develop and manage a high performing events function, comprising dedicated event team members, staff from cross-functional departments, and external stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes. The diverse portfolio of domestic and international events will include fundraising galas, conferences, donor events, Capitol Hill functions, board and stakeholder meetings, and other special initiatives. The Director of Events reports to the Chief Marketing Officer.

Responsibilities:

Event Strategy & Planning:
Develop and implement a comprehensive annual event strategy that supports the organization’s goals and enhances brand visibility. Working with the Events Manager, lead the planning, execution and post-event follow-up of high-profile galas, strategic meetings, donor events, and Capitol Hill engagements ensuring all logistical elements are flawlessly executed.
Budget & Financial Management:
Create and manage event budgets, ensuring cost-efficiency while maintaining high standards of quality. Track expenses, negotiate with vendors, and identify opportunities for cost savings.
Team Leadership:
Lead and mentor a team of event staff and volunteers.
Vendor Management:
Manage relationships with external vendors including venues, caterers, AV teams, and production companies. Oversee contract negotiations and ongoing contract management, vendor selection, and vendor performance to ensure smooth execution.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work with colleagues across functions to deliver exceptional, engaging, and meaningful event experiences. Provide effective leadership and guidance to event task forces.
Event Logistics:
Serve as the overarching project manager to ensure the coordination and implementation of all event logistics, including site selection, invitations, decorations, giveaways/handouts, and day-of-event operations.
Donor & Sponsor Engagement:
Collaborate with the development team to engage current and prospective donors, sponsors, and VIP guests. Ensure event sponsorship obligations are fulfilled and create customized sponsor experiences.
Post-Event Evaluation:
Collect and analyze feedback from attendees and stakeholders to evaluate event performance. Measure ROI, report on event outcomes, and recommend improvements for future events.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in event planning or event management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
Proven success in managing large-scale events, ideally within nonprofit, corporate, or entertainment sectors.
Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Experience managing event budgets and financials.
Proficiency in project management software, CRM systems (Salesforce), and Microsoft Office Suite.
Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) or other relevant certifications, preferred.
Proven experience planning and executing high-profile, high-end events delivering exceptional guest experiences, including galas, corporate functions, weddings and private parties.
Strong understanding of the expectations and needs of high-net-worth individuals and VIP clients.
Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple events simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively liaise with vendors, clients, and teams.
Creative vision with the ability to curate unique, memorable experiences tailored to client preferences.
Ability to stay calm under pressure and problem-solve quickly in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Direct reports:

Events Manager (based in Palm Beach, FL)

Physical demands and work environment:

The position will be a hybrid of office/telework based out of either the Washington, DC headquarters office or the Palm Beach, FL executive office. Considerations for full remote work will be made if someone is based in the same geographic region as the Washington, DC or Palm Beach, FL offices and is willing to travel regularly and as needed to work from office locations.
Must be comfortable with animals, particularly dogs in the office and at events.
The amount of travel will depend on where the position is based, but assuming hybrid office-based, approximately 20%, both domestic and international.
Must have or be able to obtain a passport for international travel.
Local travel with personal vehicle is required if based in Palm Beach.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to transport, lift and carry supplies weighing up to 25 lbs.
Set up food, beverages, materials and audiovisual equipment and signage for events in office and other locations.

American Humane’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane’s core values:

Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.
Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.
Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.
Loyalty to Mission – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.
Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.
Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.

American Humane (AH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space.

Job Details:

Title: Director of Events
Type: Full-Time
Location: Hybrid or Remote
Compensation: $110,000 - $135,000 annually, depending on experience

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