Job description

Role purpose 

Scope is looking to hire an experienced Special Events manager to join our expanding team. As the Special Events manager, you will play a key role in the development of our special events programme, including the management of our flag ship gala dinner.  

You will play an integral role in implementing and delivering a new special events programme that generates significant income and new relationships into our Philanthropy programme. You will have previous experience of delivering a portfolio of events and understand the requirements that this entails in high-value fundraising. You will be the first point of contact for all event enquiries, to include venues, suppliers, exhibitors, guest list management and procurement. The role requires a strong team player who has been responsible for new and existing special events, who is methodical and who has excellent time management skills.  

Main responsibilities

The purpose of this role is to lead on our flagship gala dinner - to be hosted in November of 2025 - and in the development and execution of other special events, engagement and stewardship events for our High Value audience. You will work closely with the Philanthropy Lead and other internal stakeholders to ensure the execution of these events. You will also be responsible for managing relationships with our senior event volunteers, who sit on our event committee. You will be experienced in producing large scale events, managing budgets and have a proven track record of meeting strategic goals and targets.  

Specifically, the role will: 

• Coordinate the delivery of event plans, meeting deadlines and budget requirements. 
• Develop and manage a new pipeline of special, engagement and stewardship events for a range of audiences to engage current donors and engage new supporters.  
• Manage the delivery of our flagship event and help us reach new and ambitious income targets. 
• Procure new and exciting auction and raffle items, and work with external companies to do so.  
• Develop relationships with suppliers, participants, sponsors, and internal stakeholders to implement logistical aspects of all relevant events.  
• Create project plans for relevant events and ensure that plans are executed to the highest possible standard  

Main contacts  

Internal 

• Philanthropy Lead 
• Head of Philanthropy    
• Scope Trustees  
• Executive Leadership Team  
• Colleagues across Strategy, Impact and Social Change, Services, Strategy, Evidence & Insight, and Policy & Campaigns. 
• Peers and colleagues in Partnerships 
• Finance business partner 
• Procurement  

External  

• Senior event volunteers and advisors 
• Scope major supporters (High Net Worth Individuals) 
• Event consultants and sector leaders 

Person Specification  

This is an important role for Scope in an area ripe for development. Success will require tenacity and the post holder will require a high level of emotional intelligence and significant practical experience in the delivery of special events.  The role will require the postholder to work with Scope senior leadership – both Executive colleagues and volunteers such as Trustees – and with donors who will be providing significant donations, investing in Scope and the lives of those we support.  

With a mandate to create a step change in income from High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), the post-holder will need to deliver ambitious targets and work effectively with event committee members who are likely to have strong views and high expectations but be key in success. They must be able to use their initiative, making decisions independently but able to work collaboratively – adapting style and approach accordingly. The team is required to develop events that excite and inspire donors, as well as meeting the needs of disabled people, so it is essential that the post-holder can work with the team to seek out and develop Scope’s offer for this donor audience.  

Knowledge and experience 

Essential 

• Experience managing a variety of events and delivering significant income targets against them. 
• Experience in a senior events role  
• Experience of business planning and strategy input  
• Evidence of working with external fundraising committees and/or stakeholders to deliver events. 
• Experience in recruiting and onboarding new committee members  
• A proven track record in growing events in terms of both participation and income.  
• Proven experience of the events industry, including venues, suppliers, and market trends. 
• Experience of supporting senior leaders and a thorough understanding of how to develop strong and effective collaboration with a range of stakeholders. 
• Experience of managing budgets 

Desirable 

• Experience of working in a social welfare or disability setting/charity. 

Qualifications  

• There is no need for formal or professional qualifications to do this role although evidence of commitment to continued professional development is required.  

Skills and competencies 

Essential  

• Exceptional presentation and public speaking skills and the ability to communicate with passion, authority, integrity, and gravitas. 
• Excellent negotiation, influencing and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise and mange a diverse, growing portfolio of events  
• A team player, committed to Scope’s ethos and values.  
• Ability to work on own initiative and to prioritise workloads without direct supervision. 
• Practical and confident in the use of the internet as well as standard MS Office packages e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.   

Desirable 

• Passion and conviction for the cause to inspire others and foster commitment. 
• Experience of working with volunteer committees and advisory groups.