Special Events Manager

Special events play a vital role in engaging our supporters, inspiring their support, and raising vital income for Child Bereavement UK. The Special Events Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing high-quality Special Events. You will work with colleagues from across the charity to develop programmes that will engage our audiences and communicate the impact we deliver as a charity. The role will work closely with the Philanthropy team delivering high profile events that engage and inspire high net worth individuals across the country.

Main Responsibilities

• To lead and inspire the Special Events Team fostering a collaborative and high culture that delivers against income and objectives.
• Provide clear and supportive leadership that motivates staff to achieve, develop and grow in their roles.
• Undertake quarterly reviews for all direct reports.
• Support the Head of Philanthropy and Special Events to deliver the Special Events strategy.
• Plan and lead on all Special Events ensuring all return a good ROI.
• Lead on relationships with external suppliers including venues, caterers, AV suppliers, photographers etc.
• Work with the Head of Philanthropy & Special Events to manage relationships with senior volunteers and supporters.
• Develop comprehensive proposals and plans for every event detailing objectives, formats, timelines, risks, marketing/communications plans and evaluation plans.
• Work closely with the Philanthropy team to create and liaise with special event committees.
• Ensure the smooth running of the events in line with health and safety guidelines.
• Prepare detailed event briefings, and evaluate the success and impact of the events.
• Manage and monitor expenditure for the events, as agreed with the Head of Philanthropy and Special Events ensuring value for money and adherence to budget.
• Oversee recruitment and support for all Event committees.
• Ensure all associated activities are compliant with charity law, regulatory requirements and best practice, including the Data Protection Act and GDPR.
• Work with Marketing to promote events across all channels.

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Child Bereavement UK; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience of running a wide range of high-quality events from conception to completion.
• Leadership experience.
• Strong event planning skills.
• Demonstrable experience of delivering events within strict budgets and timescales.
• Management of senior volunteers and stakeholders.
• A thorough understanding of every stage of the events planning and delivery process.
• Demonstrable problem solving ability and skills.
• Budget management.
• Able to work in fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Ability to build constructive and collaborative relationships with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Knowledge of relevant charity law and codes of practice including data protection and GDPR.

Desirable

• Experience in charity events.
• Experience of using fundraising database(s), particularly Sales Force or another fundraising or CRM database.

Recruitment Timetable

• Application deadline: 2nd June 2026 at midnight.
• First Stage Screening Interviews: You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.
• Second Stage Interviews: If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.