Events Manager - El Cajon, CA
Posted on October 24, 2025
Home of Guiding Hands (HGH) is a well-established non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Founded in 1967 by a group of passionate community members, HGH has grown into a vital resource that offers a comprehensive continuum of care and services designed to enhance the lives of children and adults with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. HGH’s service offerings include residential care in specialized group homes, independent living support, respite care, adult foster home services, early childhood assessments and interventions, day support programs tailored to individual needs, life planning workshops, county-wide transportation services, and on-site activities at their resource center. As an organization, HGH is deeply committed to its mission to improve the lives of those it serves by providing compassionate, individualized care and support that empowers both clients and their families.
The Events Manager position at HGH plays a crucial role in supporting the organization’s mission through the development and execution of special events and donor engagement activities. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Development, this role requires an energetic and experienced professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, and the broader community. The Events Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of events including galas, walks/runs, pub crawls, poker tournaments, and golf tournaments. This includes planning, vendor negotiations, volunteer recruitment and coordination, event logistics, budget management, and sponsorship development.
Beyond event management, the role encompasses donor stewardship, ensuring consistent and personalized communication with supporters through multiple channels such as phone calls, emails, handwritten notes, and event invitations. The position also involves community outreach to increase engagement and volunteer acquisition, maintain organizational membership information, and encourage collaborative partnerships within the community. Volunteer coordination is another key aspect of the role, requiring the Events Manager to recruit, train, and support volunteers while maintaining detailed records of their skills and availability.
HGH prides itself on its values of innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect, and empathy. The Events Manager is expected to embody these principles by encouraging creative solutions, fostering teamwork, taking responsibility for outcomes, treating all individuals with dignity, and understanding diverse perspectives with kindness. This position demands excellent project management skills, the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively, and strong communication abilities, including public speaking. A professional demeanor, strong customer service skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and development are essential.
Working at HGH means being part of a cohesive and supportive team within a dynamic, enjoyable environment. The work environment features a shared office setup where employees may frequently interact with colleagues and clients. Physical requirements include the ability to sit for extended periods and the occasional need to lift objects up to 50 pounds. HGH is an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds and committed to inclusive hiring practices.
This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the community while advancing one's career in non-profit development and events management. The ideal candidate will bring at least two years of experience in a development department at a non-profit agency, possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office, fundraising CRM systems, and technology platforms relevant to the role. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license are also required.
Home of Guiding Hands invites passionate, organized, and self-directed professionals who are eager to contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving lives through dedicated service and community engagement.
- Valid driver’s license
- Reliable transportation
- Professional dress and effective communication skills
- Strong customer service skills with excellent manners
- Ability to sit for long periods
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to multitask and work well under pressure
- Ability to prioritize and self-direct tasks
- Experience in development or fundraising roles
- Two or more years of non-profit development experience
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field