Strategic Partnerships and Events Manager Position Available In Davidson, Tennessee

Strategic Partnerships and Events Manager
Position Description / Responsibilities
Mission, Vision, and Values
The Nashville Food Project brings people together to grow, cook and share nourishing food, with the goals of cultivating community and alleviating hunger in our city. At The Nashville Food Project, we embrace a vision of vibrant community food security in which everyone in Nashville has access to the food they want and need through a just and sustainable food system. This mission and vision are guided by core organizational values, including hospitality, stewardship, interdependence, learning, justice, and transformation.
Organizational Background
The Nashville Food Project (TNFP) was born from the idea that good food is a matter of basic dignity. Since its start in 2007, TNFP has served thousands of Nashvillians facing food insecurity. In 2011, TNFP was incorporated as an independent nonprofit, shifting the focus of its meals program toward a collaborative partnership model and launching an urban agriculture program. Today, TNFP continues to connect people to nourishing food and to each other through vibrant urban agriculture projects, made-from-scratch meals, and food shared with local partners working to disrupt cycles of poverty.
Position Summary
The Strategic Partnerships and Events Manager (SPEM) is a key member of the Development Team, responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships and leading the successful design, delivery, and growth of TNFP’s events portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Development (DD), the SPEM leads all event related activities, and supports TNFP’s revenue development by managing a donor portfolio in support of a diversified funding strategy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Event Management
Lead the planning and execution of Nourish, TNFP’s signature annual fundraising event, including event design, logistics, sponsorships, program elements, and guest experience
Cultivate and manage strong partnerships with hospitality and restaurant industry stakeholders to enhance fundraising events and in-kind contributions
Manage all fundraising event logistics including timelines, budgets, vendor/supplier contracts, licensing, permitting, and staffing plans
Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager to develop and implement promotional strategies for all events to maximize reach and engagement
Meet and exceed ticket sales and fundraising goals for events, with strategic focus on donor cultivation and retention
Support board members and event committees in auction coordination, restaurant and product donations, and sponsor cultivation
Identify and pursue new event-based fundraising opportunities, including third-party events, pop-ups, chef collaborations, and community-hosted initiatives that align with TNFP’s mission
Develop and implement cause marketing partnerships that drive revenue and brand visibility through cross-promotional collaborations with local businesses, particularly in the food and beverage sector
Coordinate closely with program staff on community-facing engagement events, ensuring alignment with mission and values
Collaborate with Facilities and Fleet Coordinator on on-site and off -site events
Fundraising
Work with the DD to support overall fundraising goals through mid-level donor campaigns and relationship management
Lead donor appreciation eff orts including recognition strategies and stewardship events
Represent TNFP externally, building visibility and trust in the community through networking, public speaking, and targeted relationship-building with potential supporters, especially within the hospitality industry
Position Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

3-5 years of professional event planning and development experience
Exemplary communication skills, interpersonal skills, and professionalism
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with multiple stakeholders
Ability to work independently, self-managing projects, as well as part of a team
Well-organized with attention to detail, record keeping and time management skills
Respect for equity and inclusion
PC proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite
Proficiency with CRM systems a plus (Raiser’s Edge preferred)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strong interest in, or experience with, anti-poverty and/or food justice work
Background experience in culinary arts, food service management, and/or agriculture
Experience with graphic design and graphic design software

CLASSIFICATION

This role is an exempt, salaried position. Weekend and evening hours are required occasionally.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Starting annual salary is $47,500-52,500, commensurate with experience. TNFP offers a benefits package for full-time employees including:
75% employer paid health insurance for employees, voluntary dental and vision insurance
25% employer paid health insurance for dependents, voluntary dental and vision insurance
Employer paid term-life and AD&D insurance, and long-term disability insurance
Cell phone stipend
15 paid holidays
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program
Parental leave
Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
Flexible work environment (i.e., remote and/or hybrid), including hours and location