Director of Events

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

The Director of Events is a key leader in advancing the YMCA of San Francisco’s philanthropic and community engagement goals. This role provides strategic direction and execution for association-wide fundraising and mission-driven events. The Director develops and implements event strategies that generate significant philanthropic revenue, deepen community relationships, and elevate the YMCA’s visibility across the Bay Area.

By centralizing and professionalizing event planning, this position ensures alignment with organizational goals, effective resource use, and consistent high-quality experiences that support the YMCA’s mission and 2030 Vision.

Job Responsibilities

Event Strategy & Leadership

• Design and lead a comprehensive event strategy for fundraising and mission-focused events across all branches.
• Establish event goals and return-on-investment (ROI) measures, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Elevate the YMCA’s events brand to reinforce mission, community engagement, and organizational visibility.
• Partner with Advancement leadership on forecasting, reporting, and continuous improvement of event effectiveness.

Event Planning & Execution

• Serve as project manager for fundraising events ($25,000+ revenue level) and association-wide gatherings.
• Lead logistics, scheduling, vendor coordination, budgeting, and post-event evaluation.
• Collaborate with branch leaders, volunteers, board members, and staff to deliver high-quality events.
• Ensure risk management, legal compliance, and financial accuracy in all event operations.
• Oversee event calendars, timelines, and key milestones to support seamless execution.
• In partnership and collaboration with fellow advancement and revenue-generating staff, set and meet organization-wide event fundraising goals.
• Increase number of major gifts, sponsorships, and average gift size through strong event execution, engagement, and program showcase.
• Increase donor and stakeholder sense of connection and satisfaction around their engagement and support of the Y.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Cultivate and steward event sponsors, donors, and community partners through relationship-building and professional communications.
• Create innovative opportunities for showcasing program impact and engaging attendees with the YMCA’s mission.
• Ensure accurate donor recognition and reporting in collaboration with Advancement staff.

Collaboration & Communications

• Partner with Marketing and Communications to develop and distribute event promotions, invitations, and impact stories.
• Provide consultation and coaching to staff and volunteers on best practices in event planning and execution.
• Serve as liaison to Finance, Risk & Legal, and other internal departments to ensure compliance and streamlined processes.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor event budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation.
• Maintain accurate event records, data tracking, and reporting for staff and boards.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and increase long-term impact.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in professional development and team-building opportunities.
• Complete required trainings and certifications, including YMCA safety protocols and First Aid/CPR/AED.
• Contribute to organizational culture by modeling YMCA values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
• Support program learning and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years of experience managing event planning, logistics, and execution.
• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communicator with excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate and work collaboratively with volunteers, executives, and staff at all levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and familiarity with event/project management tools.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission, values, and equity principles.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for events.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• All employees working with the YMCA have supervisory responsibility for minors. Fingerprinting and background checks are required prior to the first day of work, in accordance with YMCA policy and applicable laws.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Director of Events position offers a compensation range of $76,000- $90,000 per year. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.