Director, Special Events, Prevent Cancer Foundation

Location: Hybrid (on-site in our Alexandria, VA office required for a minimum of 3 days per week).
Department: Development
Reports to: Vice President, Development and Marketing
Wage Category: $85,000-$95,000

We are driven by a vision of a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all. Join us and help make this a reality.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation® is the only U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused solely on saving lives across all populations through cancer prevention and early detection. Through research, education, outreach and advocacy, we have helped countless people avoid a cancer diagnosis or detect their cancer early enough to be successfully treated.

The Foundation is rising to meet the challenge of reducing cancer deaths by 40% by 2035. To achieve this, we are committed to investing $20 million for innovative technologies to detect cancer early and advance multi-cancer screening, $10 million to expand cancer screening and vaccination access to medically underserved communities, and $10 million to educate the public about screening and vaccination options.

Summary

The Director of Special Events is responsible for the strategy, planning, logistics, and execution of the Foundation’s fundraising events, with a primary focus on the annual gala—a largescale, high-profile event generating more than $2 million annually. This role leads end-to-end gala logistics and production, oversees corporate sponsorship fundraising related to events, and ensures events are leveraged as meaningful donor engagement and cultivation opportunities, including connections to major gifts. The Director also leads the strategy and growth of the Foundation’s beneficiary events, expanding both participation and revenue.

The Director of Special Events works closely with development leadership, corporate partners, beneficiaries, volunteers, and vendors to deliver exceptional events that advance fundraising goals and strengthen donor and sponsor relationships.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

Annual Gala Leadership, Logistics, and Volunteer Engagement

  • Serve as the primary staff lead for the Foundation’s annual gala, overseeing all planning, logistics, production, and on-site execution.
  • Manage all operational aspects of the gala, including venue coordination, vendor management, contracts, timelines, run-of-show, staffing, and post-event wrap-up.
  • Lead and manage the gala committee, working closely with volunteer leaders to support fundraising goals, sponsorship outreach, host recruitment, and donor engagement.
  • Develop and manage the gala budget, ensuring fiscal oversight, cost control, and strong return on investment.

Corporate Sponsorship Event Fundraising

  • Develop and execute corporate sponsorship strategy for the annual gala and other fundraising or beneficiary events, as applicable.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate sponsors, ensuring strong relationships and fulfillment of sponsorship benefits.
  • Collaborate with development leadership to align sponsorship outreach with broader fundraising priorities.

Donor Engagement and Connection to Major Gifts

  • Partner with the major gifts team to ensure the gala and related events are leveraged as donor cultivation and stewardship opportunities, particularly for major and prospective major donors.
  • Support donor follow-up strategies connected to event attendance, sponsorships, and volunteer leadership roles.
  • Coordinate with development colleagues on donor recognition, acknowledgments, and post-event stewardship tied to events.

Beneficiary Events Strategy and Growth

  • Serve as the primary liaison for the Foundation’s beneficiary events, providing leadership, guidance, and support to participating beneficiaries.
  • Develop and implement strategies to grow the number, scale, and revenue of beneficiary events over time.
  • Support beneficiaries with fundraising best practices, sponsorship strategies, and event execution guidance.
  • Track and evaluate beneficiary event performance, identifying opportunities for increased impact and revenue.
  • Support corporate sponsorship fundraising for annual Awesome Games Done Quick beneficiary event.

Leadership, Administration, and Collaboration

  • Supervise and support staff, vendors, and consultants involved in special events and related fundraising activities, as applicable. This position currently manages an Events Coordinator.
  • Collaborate cross‑functionally with marketing and communications, finance, and programs to ensure alignment and seamless execution.
  • Maintain detailed event timelines, calendars, budgets, and reporting.
  • Ensure accurate tracking of event revenue, sponsorships, and donor engagement in coordination with development operations.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 6-8 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising events, event production, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated success leading large-scale, high-revenue fundraising events, including end-to-end logistics and production management.
  • Proven experience securing and stewarding corporate sponsorships (fundraising, partnership development, or sales).
  • Strong relationship-building skills and experience working with volunteers, committees, and senior stakeholders.
  • Exceptional project management, communication, and attention to detail, including budgeting and managing multiple deadlines.
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by events and donor engagement.

More Information

This is a full-time exempt position with competitive benefits. Benefits include, medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution, generous PTO, and professional development opportunities.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

To apply please send cover letter, salary requirements and resume to jobs@preventcancer.org

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