ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health, in partnership with Stanford Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, unlocks philanthropy to transform health for children and families in Northern California - and around the world. Through fundraising and grantmaking, the Foundation drives scientific research, innovation, and policy change that will improve care, advance cures, and reform healthcare systems for this and future generations.

MAIN FOCUS: The Special Events Manager plans and executes donor events that support fundraising goals and deliver a seamless, high-impact guest experience.

LOCATION: Palo Alto, CA (hybrid); the successful candidate for this role will be based in the Bay Area.

WHAT YOU'LL DO...

The Special Events Manager supports the planning and execution of donor-facing events that further the philanthropic mission of the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. These events include receptions, dedications, webinars, panel discussions, and galas. The Special Events Manager plays a key role in coordinating logistics, managing timelines, supporting cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring an exceptional donor experience.

This position works closely with fundraising teams, hospital and university partners, and external vendors. The Special Events Manager reports to the Director of Special Events and is part of a collaborative five-person events team.

The compensation range for this role is $75k-$82k annually.

YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR...

Event Planning & Execution

Coordinate and implement a portfolio of live events of straightforward to moderate complexity in support of Foundation fundraising efforts. This role’s portfolio generally leads 15-20 events per year.
Ensure events align with Foundation objectives and donor engagement strategies.
Organize event logistics including detailed timelines, vendor coordination, venue selection, catering, and audiovisual requirements.
Draft and maintain production schedules, run-of-show documents, and event checklists.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Work with development officers and other internal partners to shape event content and goals.
Support communications needs for events including guest invitations, briefings, itineraries, and signage.
Assist with preparing post-event reports and donor engagement data.

Vendor & Budget Management

Liaise with external vendors (e.g., venues, caterers, photographers, AV teams).
Support budget management by tracking event expenses and assisting with invoice processing and reconciliation.

Guest Services & Data Tracking

Manage guest lists, RSVPs, and seating plans.
Ensure accurate event data entry in the Raiser's Edge database.
Provide excellent customer service to donors, staff, and vendors throughout the event lifecycle.

Additional Duties

Stay informed about event industry trends and technology, including artificial intelligence.
Assist in the continual improvement of event procedures and guest experience.
Support additional administrative tasks as needed.
Willingness to work evenings and weekends.

YOU MUST HAVE...

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Minimum 2 years of relevant events and/or marketing experience, in a high-standards, high-stakes environment.
Experience with virtual event platforms is a plus.
Familiarity with event technology, RSVP systems, and databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred).

YOU'LL BE SUCCESSFUL IF YOU POSSESS THE FOLLOWING…

Event Execution and Project Management – Demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in high-stakes environments.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement – Excels in written and verbal communication, ensuring clarity and professionalism while collaborating effectively with internal teams, vendors, and donors.
Innovation and Tech Fluency – Embraces emerging tools and technologies—including AI—to improve event planning, communication, and operational efficiency.
Autonomy and Accountability – Operates with initiative, professionalism, and discretion; works independently while meeting tight deadlines and maintaining high standards.
Teamwork and Adaptability – Thrives in collaborative, fast-paced environments; demonstrates flexibility, openness to feedback, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
Mission-Driven Mindset – Brings a deep passion for children’s and maternal health; motivated by purpose-driven, behind-the-scenes work that drives meaningful outcomes.

Working at the Foundation

WE OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS & PERKS, INCLUDING…

Generous leave, including PTO, holidays, Summer Fridays, and a sabbatical (after 7 years of employment)
Annual bonus opportunity
Retirement plan + employer match
Premium Medical and Dental coverage
FSA + dependent care FSA
Employer-paid life insurance
Legal services plan
Commuter Benefits, including CalTrain “Go Pass” Program
4-week paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents
Stipend for home office and mobile phone

WE’RE DYNAMIC…

The Foundation is a dynamic organization in a rapidly changing industry. Therefore, the responsibilities associated with this position will evolve and grow in accordance with LPFCH's business needs and growth plans. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities based on the future growth plans for the Foundation.

WE STRIVE TO EMBODY OUR CULTURAL TOUCHSTONES

Mission-first - We can never lose sight of why we exist and exercise profound commitment to advancing child and maternal health.
Good of the whole - We share responsibility for overall results, think of what’s best for the team and organization, and act as responsible stewards of resources.
Bold and bendy - We’re unapologetically ambitious for our mission, creative, and take risks by trying new things.
Sweat the big stuff - We’re clear on our priorities, calibrating effort and resources to audience and impact; the higher the return, the greater the investment.
Make it happen - We’re focused on outcomes and prepared with ideas and solutions for every challenge.
Community matters - We prioritize listening to and supporting each other, not just as colleagues, but as people with varied experiences and perspectives.

EVERYONE BELONGS HERE

Our Foundation values the unique qualities each of us brings to our team and community.  We take pride in cultivating a workplace where every voice is heard and each of us has the opportunity to achieve our fullest potential—so that together, we can make meaningful impact on the health outcomes for children and their families.

We are guided by the following principles:
Uphold integrity and professionalism in all our actions.
Foster a welcoming and supportive culture.
Embrace unique perspectives and contributions.
Interact with compassion, openness, and an eagerness to learn.

The Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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