VP Events

Job Description

Job Description

World Central Kitchen (WCK) is seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President of Events to lead the vision, planning, and execution of a wide range of mission-aligned events. This includes donor stewardship events, fundraising galas, operational field visits, community engagement activations, and high-visibility experiences featuring key partners and public figures. The ideal candidate is a proven event leader who excels at logistics, cross-functional coordination, and delivering exceptional experiences that align with WCK’s global mission of providing meals in response to humanitarian crises.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Strategy & Vision

• Develop and execute a comprehensive event strategy that tells WCK’s story and supports WCK’s fundraising, communications, and operational goals.
• Partner with senior leadership to align events with organizational priorities, including rapid response efforts, donor engagement, and public awareness campaigns.
• Oversee the ideation, production, marketing and impact of events and activations, ensuring alignment with WCK’s evolving needs and opportunities.

Event Planning & Execution

• Lead the end-to-end planning of high-profile events such as fundraising galas, donor summits, site visits, and community activations.
• Manage all event editorial, marketing, logistics and follow-up including storytelling promotion, venue selection, vendor coordination, permits, run-of-show, AV/tech, catering, décor, transportation and follow up
• Ensure each event reflects WCK’s brand and values and provides an outstanding experience for attendees.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing event management team.
• Work closely with Development, Communications, Field Operations, and Executive teams to ensure alignment and seamless execution.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external vendors, production crews, and event sponsors or partners.

Budgeting & Performance

• Develop and manage detailed budgets for each event, ensuring cost-effective execution and strong ROI.
• Establish clear KPIs to measure event impact, attendee engagement, and operational efficiency.
• Provide post-event analysis and recommendations to continuously improve strategy and execution.

Risk & Contingency Management

• Develop contingency plans for events occurring in dynamic or complex environments, particularly those supporting WCK’s rapid response model.
• Ensure all events adhere to safety, legal, and ethical standards.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires both domestic and international travel. Travel may be required on short notice and may include weekends and extended stays.
• Estimated travel: 40–50%

Application & Cover Letter
This application requires a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and in working for WCK.

References and Background Checks
To help ensure the safety of our communities and our teams, our selection process will include reference and background checks, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements.

Equal Opportunity
WCK is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity and to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment at this time.

E-Verify
For US based employment, WCK participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. Please view the E-Verify posters here with important information.

Para empleados en los EEUU, WCK participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE.UU.. Los empleadores sólo pueden utilizar E-Verify una vez que usted haya aceptado una oferta de trabajo y completado el Formulario I-9. Haz clic aquí para ver los carteles de E-Verify con información importante.

No recruiters or agencies, please.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in event planning and management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

• Proven experience managing large-scale, complex events including fundraising galas, VIP gatherings, or public activations.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing internal staff and external vendors.
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with diverse teams including field staff, development, and executive leadership.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations or global humanitarian work is a strong plus.
• Must be able to travel domestically and internationally.
• Deep alignment with WCK’s mission and values.
• Alignment with the mission and values of WCK
• Must have valid passport

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of fundraising principles and donor engagement strategies.
• Experience with CRM and event management software (e.g., Salesforce, Cvent).
• Comfort navigating high-profile or media-sensitive environments.
• Spanish or other language fluency a plus.

Benefits

ZERO Premiums: WCK covers 100% of insurance premiums for employees and their dependents, including medical, dental, vision, and group life coverage. Benefits begin on your date of hire.

• Voluntary Benefits:
• Options include:
• Additional Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Supplemental AD&D
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent Care and Health Care)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan:
• WCK offers a 50% match up to 8% of employee salary deferrals, beginning within 30 days of hire.
• Life & Disability Insurance:
• 100% employer-sponsored group life and disability insurance provided within 30 days.
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
• Responsible PTO, including vacation, sick, and personal leave, plus paid holidays.
• Growth Opportunities:
• Learning and development support to grow your career.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
• Free and confidential support for life’s challenges.
• Annual Salary Reviews and additional benefits outlined in the Personnel Manual.

Salary Range: $165,000 - $185,000 USD Per Year