About Us
First Tee - Triangle has been creating experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee - Triangle creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools, and community centers throughout our service area.
Position Summary
The Events & Sponsorship Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and executing all fundraising events for First Tee - Triangle, with particular focus on our signature October gala. This role will also develop and manage corporate and individual sponsorship relationships across all events. The position reports to the VP of Development and works closely with contract event staff, volunteers, and event committees to ensure all fundraising events achieve financial targets while providing exceptional experiences for donors and sponsors.
Responsibilities
Event Planning & Execution
- Lead planning and execution of all fundraising events, including our signature October gala
- Create detailed event timelines, run-of-show documents, and production schedules
- Develop event budgets and manage expenses to ensure strong ROI
- Oversee venue selection, contract negotiation, and vendor management
- Coordinate with contract event staff on logistics and day-of execution
- Manage event committees and volunteers
- Create memorable, high-quality event experiences that inspire giving
- Implement post-event evaluation and continuous improvement processes
- Ensure all events reflect First Tee - Triangle brand standards and values
Sponsorship Development & Management
- Create and implement comprehensive sponsorship strategy for all programs and events
- Identify, research, and qualify potential corporate and individual sponsors
- Develop compelling sponsorship packages with clear benefits and recognition
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective sponsors
- Meet or exceed annual sponsorship revenue targets
- Manage sponsor recognition and benefits fulfillment
- Create and implement sponsor stewardship plans to ensure high retention rates
- Coordinate sponsor involvement across multiple events and programs
- Serve as primary point of contact for all sponsorship inquiries
Marketing & Guest Experience
- Collaborate with outsourced marketing team on event promotions and sponsor recognition
- Ensure exceptional guest and sponsor experience at all events
- Create sponsor recognition materials, signage, and digital assets
- Manage event registration and RSVP processes
- Develop VIP experiences for high-level sponsors and donors
- Coordinate photography and video documentation of events
- Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all event materials
- Create compelling event environments that reflect our mission
Reporting & Analysis
- Track and report on event metrics and sponsorship revenue
- Analyze event performance and prepare reports for VP of Development
- Maintain accurate sponsor records in donor database
- Create sponsorship forecasts and pipeline reports
- Document sponsor benefits and fulfillment status
- Prepare comprehensive ROI analysis for all events
- Track competitor events and industry best practices
- Identify trends and opportunities in event fundraising and sponsorships
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Deep commitment to the mission of First Tee - Triangle and our core competencies: Communication skills, continuous improvement, professionalism, flexibility, and accountability
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or related field preferred
- 2+ years experience in event planning, preferably in a nonprofit setting
- Demonstrated success managing fundraising events with revenues of $50,000+
- Experience with sponsor cultivation and relationship management
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Available to work evenings and weekends as required for events
- Knowledge of the Triangle region business community a plus
- Must complete and pass all background checks and child safety courses
Benefits
- Generous PTO Policy
- 10 Specified Federal Holidays and One Personal Choice Holiday
- Retirement with Company Match
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Equipment Discounts with Partnered Golf Merchants
- Annual Uniform Allowance
- Phone-Use Reimbursement
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Family Golf Membership at First Tee - Triangle's Home Facility, TriGolf
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to our President/CEO, Brandon Baker, via . The closing date for this position will be May 27, 2025. First Tee - Triangle has the right to accelerate or extend the closing date of this position at any time.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
First Tee - Triangle is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and inclusion. Our policy is to comply with all federal and/or state laws regarding equal employment opportunity as they relate to employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, personnel decisions are made without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual preference or veteran status.