Director of Events & Engagement

Director of Events and Engagement
Grow Cedar Valley 
Waterloo, Iowa
 
Reports To: President & CEO 
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
 
Grow Cedar Valley is the regional economic and community development organization, working to bring business and community together to grow opportunities for the Cedar Valley.
 
At Grow Cedar Valley, we’re all about making our community a great place to live and work. We’re dedicated to driving economic and community growth in the Cedar Valley region, and our values of innovation, strategic thinking, integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity guide everything we do. We believe in leading by example, creating a supportive and dynamic work culture. Join us in our mission to build a thriving, welcoming, and sustainable community where businesses and people can succeed together.
 
Position Summary: 
Grow Cedar Valley is seeking a Director of Events and Engagement to lead the development of high-impact partnerships and the execution of events that align with our mission. This individual will foster meaningful relationships with sponsors, businesses, and community leaders to drive revenue, enhance engagement, and support our organizational objectives. The Director will also oversee the creation of an annual sponsorship strategy, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Partnership Development:

• Identify and cultivate relationships with businesses, organizations, and community leaders to build long-term strategic partnerships.
• Develop and annually update a comprehensive sponsorship strategy, offering tailored opportunities that align with Grow Cedar Valley’s mission and sponsors’ objectives.
• Drive revenue generation by achieving sponsorship sales and event attendance goals.

Event Strategy & Execution:

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of high-quality events that align with Grow Cedar Valley’s strategic goals.
• Ensure events are designed to foster meaningful connections, showcase sponsors, and deliver impactful experiences for attendees.
• Collaborate with internal team members and external vendors to ensure all event components meet organizational standards and budgets.

Collaboration & Leadership:

• Work closely with team members to integrate partnership and event strategies into overall organizational objectives.
• Serve as a leader in identifying trends and opportunities to enhance Grow Cedar Valley’s community impact through innovative events and partnerships.
• Act as the primary liaison for strategic partners and sponsors, ensuring their needs are met and relationships are nurtured.
• Facilitate and lead event and planning committees, fostering collaboration and engagement with investors to ensure successful outcomes and strengthen relationships.

Collaboration with Director of Investor Relations:

• Partner on strategies to deepen engagement with current investors and attract new ones, aligning sponsorship opportunities with investor benefits.
• Share insights and feedback from sponsors and event attendees to inform investor engagement strategies and tiered membership offerings.
• Collaborate on creating sponsorship packages that offer value to investors while meeting Grow Cedar Valley’s revenue and engagement goals.
• Co-develop and execute initiatives that highlight the value of being a Grow Cedar Valley investor, leveraging events and sponsorships to showcase success stories.
• Ensure consistency and alignment in communications with stakeholders, sponsors, and investors to maintain a unified organizational message.

Marketing & Promotion:

• Partner with the marketing team to develop promotional strategies that amplify events and sponsorship opportunities.
• Utilize data and storytelling to demonstrate the value of partnerships and events, enhancing future sponsorship development efforts.
• Leverage success stories and testimonials to build credibility and attract new sponsors. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, event management, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience with event planning and management, fiscal management, and budgeting.
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with stakeholders and sponsors.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Thrives in high-pressure environments with the ability to maintain focus, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and early mornings to support events and initiatives as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a nonprofit, economic development, or chamber of commerce environment.
• Familiarity with the Cedar Valley region and its business community.

Compensation:
Grow Cedar Valley offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:  

• Health, dental, vision insurance
• 401k with company matching
• LTD, EAP, and life insurance package at no charge
• 2 weeks PTO first year, paid holidays, summer hours and paid time off for volunteering
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work schedule, occasional extended and weekend hours based on event needs.

Starting salary range: $60,000 - $80,000 annually.
 
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your experience and why you are passionate about this role and contact information for three professional references to sandi@growcedarvalley.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
 
Grow Cedar Valley is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.