Development Manager - Events

Job Title:                       Development Manager - Events  

FSLA Status:                  Salary; Non-Exempt                                                                  

Work Schedule:             Monday through Friday; Occasional Evening & Weekends                                               

Reports to:                    Chief Philanthropy Officer

Location:                       Chittenango, NY campus

Clear Path for Veterans is a Central New York-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans, service members, and their families through programs that promote wellness, community, and purpose. Founded on the belief that veterans thrive when they are connected, valued, and supported, Clear Path has built a strong reputation for impactful programming, trusted partnerships, and meaningful engagement with the veteran community. 

As the organization continues to grow its reach and deepen its impact, Clear Path is entering a pivotal stage of organizational development, investing in its development operations to support sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term mission success. 

Clear Path for Veterans seeks a highly organized, collaborative Development Manager - Events who will lead the planning and execution of the organization’s signature fundraising events and key engagement experiences. This role ensures seamless logistics, strong cross-team coordination, and a high-quality donor and sponsor experience that drives immediate revenue while supporting year-round donor engagement. 

The Development Manager - Events is responsible for planning, managing, and executing Clear Path’s major fundraising events and supporting smaller engagement events throughout the year. This role oversees all logistical, operational, and cross-functional aspects of event execution, ensuring high-quality experiences for donors, sponsors, veterans, and community partners. 

Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Development Manager: Events works closely with Development, Marketing, Volunteer, Programs, and Operations staff to ensure events are well-coordinated, on budget, and aligned with Clear Path’s fundraising and stewardship goals. 

Event Planning & Execution 

• Plan and manage logistics for Clear Path’s three major annual fundraising events and multiple smaller events throughout the year. 
• Develop and manage detailed event timelines, work plans, and run-of-show documents. 
• Oversee event budgets, tracking expenses and revenue in coordination with the Operations & Database Manager. 
• Manage vendors, venues, production partners, and event-related contracts. 
• Lead all day-of execution, ensuring smooth operations, clear communication, and a high-quality attendee experience. 

 Cross-Team Coordination 

• Coordinate event-related communications with the Senior Marketing Manager, including promotions, signage, materials, videos, scripts, and digital content. 
• Work closely with the Volunteer Manager to recruit, train, schedule, and deploy volunteers effectively for each event. 
• Facilitate internal coordination across departments to ensure alignment on roles, responsibilities, and timelines. 

 Sponsorship & Fundraising Integration 

• Partner with Development colleagues to support event sponsorship fulfillment and donor recognition. 
• Ensure sponsor benefits are delivered accurately and on time in coordination with Operations and Marketing. 
• Collaborate with Annual Giving staff to transition event attendees into year-round donor engagement and stewardship strategies. 

 Reporting & Post-Event Follow-Up 

• Produce detailed post-event reports, including attendance data, revenue summaries, sponsor and donor follow-up lists, and lessons learned. 
• Support donor stewardship by ensuring timely handoff of attendee and sponsor information for follow-up and engagement with the CEO and executive leadership team or other staff members as appropriate. 
• Contribute insights and recommendations to improve future events and fundraising outcomes. 

Other duties, as assigned. 

• Bachelor’s degree required; relevant experience may substitute for formal education. 
• 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit event management, fundraising events, or advancement-related roles. 
• Experience working collaboratively across development, marketing, and volunteer teams. 
• Preferred experience working with veteran populations, military-connected communities, or veteran-focused causes.
• Demonstrated success managing complex events with multiple stakeholders, vendors, and timelines. 

• Good knowledge of fundraising event planning.
• Good knowledge of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ability to be articulate, persuasive, diplomatic, and engaging.
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and supervision.
• Ability to analyze success metrics and perform post-event evaluation.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with attention to detail. 
• Ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively under event-driven deadlines. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Alignment with Clear Path for Veterans’ mission and commitment to supporting veterans and their families. 
• Exceptional relationship-building, networking, and collaboration skills. 
• Good computer literacy and proficiency using donor management databases (Salesforce), Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and willingness to learn how to use new software programs as needed.
• Deep alignment with Clear Path for Veterans’ mission and values. 

1. Valid New York State driver’s license and must have use of a reliable vehicle.
2. May be required to travel daily as needed to events in and outside of New York State in varying weather conditions.
3. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and some holidays as necessary to accommodate special event attendance.
4. Must be comfortable with dogs in the workplace.

Must possess speech and hearing sufficient for telephone and in-person communications.  Manual dexterity sufficient for regular use of the computer keyboard and other office equipment.  Vision sufficient for frequent use of a computer monitor to write and read documents. This position requires the ability to lift up to twenty-five 25 pounds.    

• All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with

• All Clear Path for Veterans employees are required to conduct themselves professionally towards others, including but not limited to: Veterans, volunteers, visitors, and other Clear Path employees.
• Ensure that Veterans, volunteers, employees, donors, and visitors have a positive experience.
• Supports and promotes the Clear Path mission, core values, and vision.
• Adheres to Clear Path for Veterans policies and procedures.
• Promotes teamwork amongst coworkers.
• Meets or exceeds expected performance standards, including consistently reporting to work on time and being prepared to perform the position’s duties.