Special Events Lead

Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in-person working)

About the role and team

This is a great opportunity to join Parkinson’s UK as a Special Events Lead, based within an established Major Gifts and Special Events team who collectively raise £5m+ a year. 

As Special Events Lead, you will play an important role in shaping our UK wide portfolio of high value prospecting and stewardship events, as well as a range of special events for a range of diverse audiences.  These include inspiring events about our research, gala events, comedy nights, catwalks and much more!

We are looking for a special events expert, with experience of leading a team to deliver exceptional events and experience with the view to cultivate and deepen engagement with prospects and existing supporters with a view to maximise income opportunities. 

Maximising the value and contribution of our supporters is fundamental to Parkinson’s UK delivering the impact we want to see for people affected by Parkinson's. Building networks, understanding what motivates and aligning our programme to their interests is key to our plans. 

An innovative, creative approach is desired with the ability to provide consultancy and work collaboratively across the charity. 

What you’ll do:

• Develop and deliver the Special Events strategy focused on driving engagement, maximising income and delivering against varied KPI’s

• Lead a team to provide exceptional event project management, working within an agile framework

• Review all event activity and make recommendations for improving and developing future activity 

• Build long lasting, trusted relationships with key supporters and committees to devise and promote events- maximising networks, engagement opportunities, long-term giving and support 

• Share skills, best practice and experiences of events fundraising, donor stewardship, and cultivation - providing consultancy across the organisation as required

What you’ll bring:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and coach a team

• Demonstrable experience of successfully innovating and delivering a high value events portfolio 

• An understanding of stewardship and supporter/partnership engagement

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including networking and theconfidence and ability to influence and negotiate with senior staff,  senior fundraising volunteers and with established and new committees

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the market, legislation and best practice affecting events and cultivation

Whilst this is advertised as a full-time position, we are committed to being flexible in our roles and would consider part-time working and compressed hours. Please specify in your supporting statement if you are interested in a specific working pattern. 

Please apply through our career portal on our website, with your CV and a detailed supporting statement to show how you match what we’re looking for, as outlined in the ‘’What you’ll bring’’ section of the job description. 

Interviews will be held: w/c 1st July 2024 and will be in person at 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1EJ

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.