Events Manager

About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

Core to our philosophy is how we think of our capital and its risk profile relative to other stakeholders in the drug development pipeline. We work aggressively to de-risk various therapeutic strategies and tools in the hopes of building a robust pipeline of new treatments for patients. In order to achieve our mission of finding a cure for PD it is critical that we engage with, and bring together, members of the PD community including researchers, physicians, health professionals and most important, people with Parkinson's and their families.

We believe that to find a cure for PD as quickly as possible, our capital needs to push research forward today—we therefore deliberately hold no endowment or excessive reserves. We instead seek to deploy funds raised as quickly and wisely as possible. MJFF raises over $100 million annually. Today, the Foundation has approximately 300 full-time employees. We offer a collegial and collaborative environment where optimistic problem-solvers and entrepreneurial, resourceful individuals can thrive and make a tangible difference for millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Events Manager position.  Reporting to the Senior Manager of Events, this position supports a diverse portfolio of events and outreach opportunities, both virtually and in-person. These include but are not limited to the Foundation’s educational event series Parkinson’s IQ + You, policy events, research roundtables and engagement events. In-person events vary in scope and size and take place throughout the country.

This position may be hybrid-flex with the opportunity to work out of the Foundation’s office in New York City or based remotely.  Preference will be given to candidates based in the New York City metro area.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist the Community Fundraising & Events team in the planning and execution of the Foundation’s large, single-day educational events, providing logistical support and communicating important travel and event details with internal and external stakeholders
• Provide logistical support for a wide range of in-person, hybrid and virtual events, including scheduling, booking travel and catering, negotiating vendor agreements, managing expenses and helping with onsite event needs
• Assist on other events and projects that may arise, as needed
• Work closely across internal teams at the Foundation

Qualifications and Skills:

• Knowledge in project management, event planning and/or community engagement
• Ability to think big picture while maintaining excellent attention to detail
• Have entrepreneurial approach; excellent decision-making, problem-solving and judgment skills; creative outside of the box thinking
• Possess strong analytical skills and the ability to shape decisions based on data and experience
• Be proactive and action-oriented
• Possess strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize work at hand and excellent time management skills required
• Ability to work productively and proactively, both independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility in approach and willingness to adapt when necessary
• Knowledge of managing the execution of off-site events is preferred 

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000. In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2 p.m.) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work.  We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done. 

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events. 

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.

MJFF is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Diversity may refer to characteristics including, but not limited to, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, geographic background, ability and disability, political ideology and age.