Appointed Special Events and Philanthropy Manager

Whizz Kidz

Whizz Kidz is UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users, providing them with the equipment and skills to live life as independently as possible.

More than 75,000 young people need a wheelchair to be mobile, yet most have no access to a wheelchair that’s right for them, leaving them at risk of social isolation, poor mental health, and physical injury. Whizz Kidz’ empowers them to enjoy opportunities and activities that so many others take for granted ‐ at home, school, work, and beyond.

Whizz Kidz are seeking a creative events professional who will lead on designing, delivering and evaluating cultivation events to engage key supporter groups. The Special Events and Philanthropy Manager will shape the events programme and create thoughtful engagement opportunities that bring donors closer to the mission of Whizz Kidz.

You will have experience of coordinating events from inception to delivery and managing multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders at all levels. You will contribute to the strategy focused on developing high-quality cultivation and stewardship events, predominantly for a high value audience. There may also be future scope to design fundraising events as donor engagement increases.

You will be a natural relationship-builder and use these skills to support the Philanthropy Lead with the stewardship of major donors and HNWIs. Over time, you will have the opportunity to manage your own portfolio of donors.

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About the role

As Special Events and Philanthropy Manager, you will:

  • Develop and deliver a programme of special events that engages and cultivates new and existing donors, with a particular emphasis on high value audiences
  • Take a proactive role in developing the special events strategy and event concepts alongside the Philanthropy Lead, supporting colleagues across the charity to engage key supporter groups
  • Lead on day-to-day event operations, including but not limited to: logistics, risk assessments, supplier management, event collateral and materials, entertainment, catering, guest management, budgets
  • Set KPIs for each event, and ensure thorough and detailed evaluation afterwards, measuring success and implementing learnings for future events
  • Support the Philanthropy Lead with managing the stewardship of major donors and prospects, ultimately developing your own portfolio of HNWI donors

About you

Ideal skills and experience:

  • Demonstrable experience of managing an event from end to end, including: development, planning, delivery and evaluation
  • A creative thinker who can be proactive in coming up with event ideas and solutions to any challenges that arise
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and able to build strong relationships with stakeholders of all levels
  • Exceptional organisational and project management skills, and ability to meet deadlines
  • Ideally some experience of working with major donors and HNWIs

Employee benefits

Whizz Kidz’ employee benefits include:

  • Flexible working
  • 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays PLUS an additional 3 days of paid leave over Christmas Employer
  • Empoloyer pension contribution of 5% (Whizz Kidz will match higher contributions of up to 6% of gross basic salary)
  • Two wellness days – Two days per calendar year for employees to take off for any reason that you choose. It could be to have time to volunteer for a good cause, to spend a duvet day, or for any reason at all that contributes to your wellbeing.
  • Simple Health Cash Plan (available to your families for an extra charge)
  • Season ticket loan, up to £5,000
  • Life Assurance

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