Special Events & Community Engagement Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Special Events & Community Engagement Manager

Organization: In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV)
Location: Albany, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time (Evenings & Weekends Required)
Reports To: Executive Leadership Team
Supervised By: Chief Executive Officer

About In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV)

In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV) is a Black- and trans-led nonprofit organization rooted in Albany, New York, dedicated to advancing the health, safety, and liberation of LGBTQ+ people of color. Through advocacy, health equity initiatives, housing access, violence prevention, and culturally affirming education, IOOV centers racial, gender, and economic justice in all that we do.

We are proud to be one of the few organizations in the nation led by and for LGBTQ+ people of color—and our work is grounded in community power, lived experience, and collective care.

Position Overview

IOOV is seeking a highly organized, creative, and community-centered Special Events & Community Engagement Manager to lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of our signature events and public-facing engagements. This role is ideal for a strategic planner and relationship-builder who thrives on bringing bold visions to life and creating unforgettable, mission-driven experiences.

From large-scale celebrations like BIPOC Pride and the Jazz in July Gala, to the Biennial Unity Through Diversity LGBTQ+ POC Health Conference, this position plays a critical role in advancing IOOV’s visibility, fundraising, and community impact across New York’s Capital Region and beyond.

This role goes beyond logistics. It is about crafting experiences that inspire action, deepen belonging, uplift culture, and reflect IOOV’s unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Production

• Lead the full lifecycle planning and execution of IOOV’s signature events, fundraisers, conferences, and community celebrations.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and run-of-show documents to ensure seamless execution.
• Manage all event logistics, including contracts, permits, insurance requirements, site coordination, and on-site production.
• Serve as the primary liaison for vendors such as venues, caterers, entertainers, speakers, AV teams, decorators, and photographers.

Sponsorship, Donor & Partner Engagement

• Collaborate with executive leadership to secure corporate sponsorships, individual donors, and in-kind contributions.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with sponsors, funders, elected officials, and community partners.
• Assist in the development of sponsorship packages, proposals, recognition plans, and donor communications.
• Coordinate sponsor benefits, acknowledgments, and post-event follow-up.

Creative Direction & Brand Experience

• Design culturally responsive, visually compelling event experiences that center LGBTQ+ people of color.
• Oversee the development of event branding, signage, programs, digital assets, merchandise, and promotional materials.
• Ensure all events align with IOOV’s mission, values, and brand identity across all touchpoints.

Volunteer & Team Coordination

• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers, interns, and temporary event staff.
• Assign roles and responsibilities, manage day-of staffing, and provide clear guidance and support.
• Oversee preparation of event materials including registration systems, badges, guest lists, swag bags, and signage.

Administration, Operations & Reporting

• Maintain IOOV’s master events calendar and coordinate site visits and planning meetings.
• Track event budgets, expenses, attendance, sponsorships, and outcomes with accuracy and accountability.
• Support donor database entry, reporting, and evaluation in collaboration with development staff.
• Conduct post-event debriefs and assessments to identify successes, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

Community Engagement & Public Representation

• Represent IOOV at community events, meetings, and public forums with professionalism, warmth, and cultural humility.
• Serve as a welcoming point of contact for attendees, sponsors, artists, speakers, and stakeholders.
• Strengthen IOOV’s presence and relationships within LGBTQ+, BIPOC, nonprofit, and civic spaces.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in event coordination, community engagement, or fundraising.
• Proven success planning and managing large-scale events (100+ attendees).
• Experience working in nonprofit, advocacy, or mission-driven environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse communities, partners, and stakeholders.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Creative, solutions-oriented thinker who remains calm under pressure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
• Experience with event platforms (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent) and donor or CRM systems.
• Willingness and flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.

Why Join IOOV?

At IOOV, events are more than gatherings—they are acts of visibility, resistance, celebration, and healing. As the Special Events & Community Engagement Manager, you will play a vital role in building community power, elevating LGBTQ+ voices of color, and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired.

If you are passionate about pairing creativity with purpose and want your work to make a real and lasting impact, we invite you to apply and join a bold, visionary team changing lives every day.

Company DescriptionIn Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of LGBTQ+ communities, with a focus on people of color. Our mission is to enhance the health, wellness, and overall quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy, support services, and community-building activities. We offer a wide range of programs, including health services, mental health support, youth services, and cultural events, all aimed at fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. At IOOV, we are committed to promoting social justice and empowering marginalized communities to thrive.

Company Description

In Our Own Voices, Inc. (IOOV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of LGBTQ+ communities, with a focus on people of color. Our mission is to enhance the health, wellness, and overall quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals through advocacy, support services, and community-building activities. We offer a wide range of programs, including health services, mental health support, youth services, and cultural events, all aimed at fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. At IOOV, we are committed to promoting social justice and empowering marginalized communities to thrive.