Special Events Coordinator

Western Reserve Land Conservancy has an immediate opening for a Special Events Coordinator. The position reports to the Director of Development and will be located at Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s Conservation Center in Moreland Hills, Ohio.

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $49,000 to $56,000 annually, commensurate with experience, and the position is eligible for benefits.

BACKGROUND

Western Reserve Land Conservancy is transforming communities across Ohio by protecting the land and water that sustains us and reimagining the places where we live. Headquartered in Moreland Hills, we are the largest land conservancy in the state and a nationally accredited nonprofit through the Land Trust Alliance.

Our work spans the state of Ohio—from the Lake Erie shoreline, to working farms and forests, and into the heart of our cities. Through partnerships statewide, we have permanently protected more than 80,000 acres across 1,000 properties, including the creation of 250 public parks and preserves. We collaborate with private landowners, farmers, public agencies, corporations, and community partners to conserve natural landscapes, prime soils, and bring nature back into neighborhoods. Our nationally recognized Urban Conservation program is at the forefront of urban revitalization—turning vacant and blighted properties into vibrant green spaces, advancing innovative land reuse strategies, planting trees, and creating healthier, more resilient communities.

None of this is possible without the commitment and dedication of our talented staff. We are very proud that since 2021 we have been recognized 5 times as a Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio by The Plain Dealer/cleveland.com.

Driven by a bold vision and powered by public and private investment, Western Reserve Land Conservancy is proving that strategic conservation and community revitalization can shape a stronger, greener future for all Ohioans.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Development (“DOD”), the Special Events Coordinator (“SEC”) manages the development, planning, and implementation of events that engage donors in an effort to advance the mission of the Land Conservancy.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Special Events Coordination

Working with Western Reserve Land Conservancy staff, planning committees, vendors, and event volunteers, the Special Events Coordinator will:

Plan, oversee, and execute the Land Conservancy’s major annual fundraising eventPlan, oversee, and execute events throughout the year to engage, cultivate, and steward donors, including but not limited to:Conservation Celebration, our annual event to honor past and current trusteesStewards Event, our annual event to honor members of the White Oak Legacy SocietyProvide logistical support to Sporting Circle outings which engage sportsmen and women through exceptional hunting and fishing experiences and expanded opportunity eventsPlan, oversee, and execute signature cleanup events in collaboration with Development, Land Conservation, and Thriving Communities staff, including but not limited to the South Akron Greenway Cleanup and Grand River CleanupCollaborate with staff to coordinate corporate outdoor volunteer outings, including but not limited to cleanups, invasive species pulls, and tree plantingsPlan, oversee, and execute three regional celebrations in collaboration with Development and Land Conservation staff membersSupport Board of Trustees meetings and events including receptions, orientations, and field daysManage internal and external events that require facility usage at our renowned Conservation Center, including but not limited to art shows, holiday party, tours, and specific high-level donor events

Special Event Planning

Working with Western Reserve Land Conservancy staff, planning committees, and event volunteers, the Special Events Coordinator will:

Create a communications plan for all events to include but not limited to:TimelineConceptual planInvitation design and mailingCreation of event theme to create a unique guest experienceCatering and vendor coordination
Related Responsibilities

Develop detailed project plans for each event, including the mapping of systems and processes to support event objectives and advance Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s missionWork with outside caterers, vendors and contractors to ensure seamless event experience for Land Conservancy constituencies (landowners, donors, trustees and staff)Utilize Mailchimp for pre and post event messagingNegotiate and coordinate event agreements, i.e. contracts, leases, insurance (with assistance from General Counsel)Monitor and forecast event budgetsManage internal and external event announcements and publicity (in collaboration with Communications and Marketing team)Provide direction to and support of event committeesTrack attendance and evaluate event experienceSupport the Development Team on projects, fundraising appeals, and cultivation eventsAssist with office procedures including but not limited to data entry, RSVPs, outgoing calls, emails, filing, reports and budgetsOther duties as assigned by the DOD and Management Team

Education, Experience And Capabilities

Demonstrated small- and large-scale event management experienceDemonstrated fundraising experience, engaging with board member and high-level donorsDonor-centric attitudeStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to think strategically and lead by exampleAbility to work independently and as part of a team emphasizing teamwork, collegiality, respect, and excellenceAbility to prioritize and handle a variety of assignments simultaneously in a fast-paced environmentAdvanced knowledge of Microsoft OfficeAbility to use Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud, preferably InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere Pro to design, edit and catalogue event materials. Previous experience encouraged, or willingness to learnAbility to use Mailchimp or willingness to learn the Mailchimp systemAdvanced knowledge of budgets, gap to goal reports, project management reports, etc.Must have working knowledge of northeast Ohio region and be willing to travel throughout the regionMust be willing to frequently work evenings and weekendsBachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experienceSeveral years of direct experience, including event set up, management and tear down, and working with volunteers, or equivalent transferrable skillsetExperience with Sales Force and Donorbox or other development databases strongly preferredDemonstrated passion for the Land Conservancy’s mission

Western Reserve Land Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to hiring staff members who represent the rich diversity of our community. At the Land Conservancy, all employees and applicants for employment are judged on their merits. The Land Conservancy is committed to providing an environment free of illegal discrimination of any kind, and does not base any employment decisions on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, religion, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected category under federal and state laws.