The AIM Center Inc. Events Manager Chattanooga, TN · Full time

Apply for Events Manager

AIM Center offers employment, education, housing, socialization, and wellness opportunities for adults living with serious mental illness. We are non-medical and non-clinical; however, we work with other mental health professionals to provide comprehensive mental health services. Using the Clubhouse model of psychosocial rehabilitation, AIM Center empowers participants, our members, to develop relationships and create individualized plans for recovery while working side-by-side with other members and staff to accomplish the work of the Clubhouse. AIM Center has been helping adults in the Chattanooga community lead fulfilling and productive lives while successfully managing their mental health since 1989. Membership is open to people ages 18 and older diagnosed with serious mental illness. Recovery is a lifelong process and the philosophy of our Clubhouse is “Once a Member, Always a Member.” We are a private, non-profit organization supported through foundations, public and private grants and donations. Our Clubhouse is also a TennCare provider. AIM Center is the only psychosocial rehabilitation facility accredited by Clubhouse International and licensed by the State of Tennessee.

Job Title: Events Manager 

Reports to: Chief Development & External Relations Officer 

Professional Band: Managerial 

Department: Development & External Relations 

Job Classification: Full-Time (FT), exempt 

 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

The Events Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing high-impact fundraising and community engagement events that advance the AIM Center’s mission and strengthen relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners. This position plays a key role in delivering exceptional event experiences—from early planning and sponsor engagement to logistics, stewardship, and post-event follow-up. 

The successful candidate is a self-starter and will bring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to managing complex event logistics. They will work closely with the Chief Development & External Relations Officer and the development team to ensure AIM Center’s signature events—such as the Strike Out the Stigma Bowling Tournament and the Mental Health Hero Awards Annual Fundraising Dinner & Auction —are well-executed, mission-centered, and financially successful. 

This role requires a collaborative professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders, and takes pride in creating meaningful opportunities for the community to support AIM Center’s work. The Events Manager will uphold the highest ethical standards of the profession and be enthusiastic about AIM’s mission of working side by side and creating overwhelming opportunity for and with individuals with serious mental illness. 

SALARY AND SCHEDULE 

Salary: $45,000 - $50,000 per year  

Schedule: Full-time, exempt 

Working hours are 8 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday with occasional evenings and weekends required to support fundraising events, donor engagement opportunities, and community outreach activities. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: 

Event Strategy & Fundraising Growth 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual event strategy that aligns with the AIM Center’s fundraising and community engagement goals.  
• Establish revenue targets, sponsorship benchmarks, and attendance goals for signature fundraising events and campaigns. 
• Identify opportunities to expand and strengthen event-based fundraising through new sponsorship opportunities, corporate engagement strategies, and innovative donor experiences. 
• Evaluate event performance using financial outcomes, participation data, and stakeholder feedback to continuously improve future events. 
• Collaborate with the development team to integrate events into broader fundraising initiatives including corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, and community engagement strategies.  

Event Planning & Execution 

• Lead the planning, coordination and execution of AIM Center’s fundraising and community events, including logistics, timelines, vendor coordination, registration systems, and on-site management.  
• Plan and implement signature fundraising events such as Strike Out the Stigma Bowling Tournament, Mental Health Heroes Awards Fundraising Dinner and Auction, Art Showcases, and other mission-centered engagement opportunities. 
• Develop detailed project plans, run-of-show documents, internal communications, and event timelines to ensure smooth and professional event execution.  
• Coordinate event logistics including venue setup, catering, audiovisual needs, signage, volunteer assignments, guest experience, and accessibility considerations. 
• Ensure all events reflect the welcoming, mission-driven culture of the AIM Center. 

Event Operation & Systems Management 

• Develop and maintain standardized event planning systems including timelines, templates, vendor databases, sponsorship tracking tools, and operational workflows. 
• Maintain organized documentation of event plans, vendor contacts, sponsorship records, and operational procedures. 
• Use CRM and event management tools to track donor engagement, sponsorship participation, and event outcomes. 

Sponsorship & Donor Engagement 

• Support corporate sponsorship strategy and stewardship efforts in partnership with the Chief Development & External Relations Officer. 
• Prepare sponsorship materials and coordinate sponsor benefit fulfillment including recognition, event participation, and post-event stewardship efforts. 
• Maintain strong relationships with corporate partners, vendors and community supports to strengthen long-term engagement with AIM Center events. 
• Oversee accurate documentation and tracking of sponsorship commitments, event contributions, and donor engagement activities within the CRM system. 
• Support donor recognition efforts through thoughtful event experiences, signage, and follow-up communications.  

Silent Auction & Fundraising Logistics 

• Coordinate silent auction procurement efforts, including potential donors, managing outreach, tracking item commitments, and organizing item descriptions and displays. 
• Manage silent auction logistics including packaging, bid sheets or digital auction platforms and guest engagement during events. 
• Ensure auction donors receive appropriate recognition and stewardship following events. 
• Monitor auction performance and perform and provide recommendations for improving fundraising outcomes. 

Budget Management & Oversight 

• Manage event budgets to ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and strong return on investment. 
• Track event revenue and expenses including sponsorships, ticket sales, auctions, and vendor costs. 
• Monitor financial performance of events and prepare reports summarizing outcomes, trends and growth opportunities. 
• Negotiate vendor contracts and service agreements to maximize value while maintaining high-quality event experiences. 

Community Outreach & Tabling Engagement 

• Support AIM Center’s participation in community outreach events, tabling opportunities and public engagement activities that increase awareness of the organization’s mission and programs. 
• Work in close partnership with the Community Outreach Director to identify, evaluate and coordinate strategic tabling opportunities that connect AIM Center with community members, partners, and potential supporters.  
• Develop systems and schedules to ensure consistent representation of AIM Center at relevant community events, health fairs, nonprofit expos, and local engagement opportunities. 
• Coordinate logistics for outreach events including registration, materials, staffing delegation, transportation of supplies, and on-site setup in conjunction with other team members as appropriate. 
• Track participation and outcomes of community engagement activities and provide recommendations to leadership for strengthening visibility and partnerships.  
• Support staff and member participation in outreach events to ensure experiences reflect the welcoming and inclusive culture of the Clubhouse model. 

Leadership & Volunteer Coordination 

• Recruit, train and coordinate event-day volunteers, committees and community supporters involved in fundraising events as needed and as appropriate. 
• Provide leadership and direction to staff, volunteers and event committees to ensure alignment with event goals and organizational standards. 
• Foster strong relationships with community partners, sponsors, and vendors to build long-term engagement with AIM Center events. 
• Serve as the primary internal coordinator for event planning efforts, ensuring strong collaboration and communication among staff teams.  

Clubhouse Generalist Duties 

• Support a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive Clubhouse environment. 
• Advocate for member rights and meaningful participation in operations.  
• Support fidelity to Clubhouse International Standards and AIM Center policies.  
• Encourage member participation in employment programs (TE, SE, IE). 
• Serve as Transitional Employment Job Coach/Placement Manager as assigned. 
• Transport Clubhouse members as needed (training provided). 
• Participate in staff rotation coverage, socials, employment dinners, holidays, and special events. 
• Collaborate with members on social and recreational activities. 
• Participate in continuous quality improvement and professional development. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

 

EDUCATION, JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Hospitality, Marketing, or a related field preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience coordinating events, fundraising initiatives, or community engagement activities. Two years of demonstrated experience preferred. 
• Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple timelines, vendors, and moving pieces simultaneously. 
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with donors, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal formats. 
• Experience with donor databases, event management platforms, or CRM systems preferred. Neon CRM highly preferred. 
• Ability to work independently while contributing collaboratively to a small, high-performing team. 
• Ability to approach tasks and challenges with strategic thinking, structured methodologies, and a commitment to continuous improvement. 
• Flexibility to support evening and weekend events as required. 
• Passion for community impact and enthusiasm for AIM Center’s mission of working side by side with individuals living with serious mental illness. 
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.  
• Valid Tennessee driver’s license with the ability to obtain F-Endorsement within 14 days and a three-year clean Motor Vehicle Record and no DUI/DWI.  
• Reliable transportation and proof of automobile liability insurance. 
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain). 
• Successful completion of required Relias training modules.