Job Description
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 Director, Special Events is a visionary business leader responsible for the strategic development, planning, and execution of a dynamic portfolio of donor-centered events and experiences that advance philanthropic engagement and fundraising goals. This role oversees a team of event professionals, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to create impactful, mission-driven experiences that enhance donor relationships and elevate the Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives.
LOCATION: Palo Alto, CA (hybrid); the successful candidate for this role will be based in the Bay Area.
WHAT YOU'LL DO...
The Director, Special Events is a strategic business leader responsible for designing and executing high-impact live experiences that cultivate meaningful engagement among donors and prospective supporters. With a focus on advancing philanthropic contributions to Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the child and maternal health programs at Stanford University School of Medicine, this role orchestrates an extensive portfolio of donor cultivation and stewardship initiatives—including a marquee fundraising gala, professorship celebrations, and more.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications, the Director leads a high-performing team dedicated to producing seamless, mission-driven events. This role also collaborates with key stakeholders, including Board members and event volunteers, to ensure a cohesive and dynamic event strategy, and the highest impact deployment of resources. The Director oversees a team of four to six.
YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR...
Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the Special Events team, setting performance metrics to measure impact and success.
Oversee the planning, resourcing and seamless execution of high-profile fundraising events, stewardship programs, and donor engagement experiences, including a marquee fundraising gala, and professorship celebrations.
Ensure all events align with the Foundation’s philanthropic priorities, reinforcing brand integrity and advancing donor stewardship.
Lead budgeting, contract negotiations, and vendor management to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Troubleshoot and triage issues as they arise.
Strategic Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including field officers, hospital leadership, and faculty, to shape compelling event experiences that inspire giving.
Collaborate through the Associate Director, Special Event Operations to craft impactful event communications, video content, invitations, and briefing materials.
Act as a key representative at select events, engaging directly with donors, board members, and executive leadership.
Technology & Innovation
Leverage advanced event management technology, data analytics, AI, and automation to drive efficiency, enhance personalization, and scale impact.
Champion continuous improvement by integrating innovative approaches, digital tools, and performance benchmarking to optimize donor engagement.
Team Development
Lead, mentor, and empower a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
Establish individual and team goals aligned with the Foundation’s mission, providing ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
YOU MUST HAVE...
8+ years of experience orchestrating high-impact, complex events and/or marketing programs that include events.
3+ years of experience managing and developing direct reports.
Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities.
Proficiency in event technology platforms, data analytics tools, and donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Swoogo, Classy.org).
Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
High level of adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Commitment to the Foundation’s mission to transform health for children and families.
IT'S AN ADDED PLUS IF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH...
Background in healthcare, scientific research, higher education, and/or philanthropy.
Working with multiple stakeholders simultaneously, and high-stakes audiences of donors and/or customers.
YOU'LL BE SUCCESSFUL IF...
You are a Strategic Project Manager: Skilled in multitasking, execution, and initiative, with a solution-driven mindset, productivity, creativity, and data-driven team focus.
You are a self-starting resourceful manager of people, projects and events under minimal supervision in a high-stakes environment: Able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, scale team efforts, work independently or collaboratively, and stay level-headed amid change.
You have exemplary communication skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
You are flexible: Resilient, adaptable, and willing to work flexible hours and travel as needed.
You are customer-focused and relationship builder: Skilled in influencing stakeholders and fostering collaboration with diverse groups through tact, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
You have sound judgment: Exhibits strong judgment, works independently with minimal supervision, and handles sensitive information with confidentiality and compliance.
Working at the Foundation
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.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Legal services plan.
4-week paid maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
Stipend for home office and mobile phone.
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.
#LI-Hybrid
The pay range for this role is:
160,000 - 175,000 USD per year (Palo Alto, CA)
#J-18808-Ljbffr Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health
Job Tags
Holiday work, Contract work, Summer work, Home office, Flexible hours,