We Are Hiring

Events & Partnerships Manager

Independent Contractor | Approximately 35 hours per week | Hybrid Working

Start Date: ASAP

With our Events Director heading off to have a baby, we’re looking for an experienced Events & Partnerships Manager to help lead our nationwide events portfolio.

This is not your typical events job.

We're looking for someone who can confidently bring an event to life, from the very first idea through to the final guest walking out the door.

Someone who loves people, thrives in a fast-paced environment, knows how to build strong brand relationships and isn't afraid to pick up the phone, pitch an idea or independently run an event.

You'll work closely with our Founder and CEO, alongside our wider team and nationwide community leaders, to create experiences that make a real difference in the lives of young women.

This is a hands-on role combining event management, brand partnerships, sponsorships & customer experience

Apply Now

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. Nationwide Event Management

You'll oversee three key types of events within Dear Community: SMS, Paid & Sponsored Events.

You'll be responsible for managing event logistics, suppliers, venues, budgets, ticketing, communications and delivery.

2. Brand Partnerships & Sponsorships

A significant part of this role involves building relationships with brands and creating memorable experiences.

Responsibilities include:

  • Identifying and approaching potential brand partners.
  • Confidently leading brand calls, meetings and presentations.
  • Developing creative sponsorship proposals and event concepts.
  • Negotiating sponsorship opportunities, budgets and deliverables.
  • Managing multiple brand relationships and activations simultaneously.
  • Delivering approximately three brand activations per month, including Auckland and regional events.
  • Maintaining strong relationships with existing partners and identifying new opportunities.
  • Providing post-event reports and partnership recaps.

We're looking for someone who can both secure a partnership and independently bring it to life.

3. Camps, Retreats & Large-Scale Experiences

You'll play a key role in planning and delivering some of Dear Community's biggest experiences.

This includes:

  • Organising camps, retreats and multi-day events.
  • Managing accommodation, transport, activities, suppliers and itineraries.
  • Coordinating logistics and ensuring an excellent attendee experience.
  • Travelling throughout New Zealand to host and deliver events.
  • Supporting potential international experiences and activations.

4. Event Operations & Administration

You'll also take responsibility for keeping our events organised and running smoothly.

This includes:

  • Maintaining accurate event calendars, planning documents and project timelines.
  • Managing event budgets, supplier costs and ticketing requirements.
  • Monitoring ticket sales, event profitability and sponsorship revenue.
  • Keeping brand partners and internal team members updated.
  • Preparing event reports, feedback summaries and partnership recaps.
  • Identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes and event experiences.

What We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone who is confident, organised, creative, adaptable and genuinely loves bringing people together.

Essential experience and skills:

  • Ideally a minimum of three years' professional experience within events coordination, event management, brand activations or a similar role.
  • Proven experience independently managing events from beginning to end.
  • Experience working with brands, sponsors, agencies or commercial partners.
  • Strong organisational and project management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication.
  • Confidence leading meetings, negotiating with suppliers and representing an organisation.
  • Experience managing event budgets and multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Strong customer service skills and the ability to navigate challenging situations professionally.
  • A proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
  • The ability to work independently, prioritise competing deadlines and take ownership of responsibilities.
  • Confidence hosting events and speaking in front of groups.
  • Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends.

Please note: This is not an entry-level role. While we love supporting graduates and emerging talent, we're specifically seeking someone with substantial practical experience in the events industry who can independently manage complex events and brand relationships.

A little test of attention to detail... Attention to detail is incredibly important in this role, and we love people who take the time to read things thoroughly. So, we've hidden a little test within this job description! When submitting your application, please include the code word GIRLIES somewhere in your email. It's our little way of knowing you've taken the time to read the full job description, and trust us, the little details matter!

Experience & Working Arrangements

Desirable experience:

  • Experience using HubSpot, Canva, Notion, Shopify or Mailchimp.
  • Previous experience working within a charity, community organisation or purpose-led business.
  • Experience securing sponsorship funding and negotiating commercial partnerships.
  • Familiarity with Dear Community, ideally having attended one of our events.

Training can be provided for our internal systems.

Working Arrangements

This is an independent contractor opportunity for approximately 35 hours per week.

We're looking for someone Auckland-based who can work within our hybrid structure, which will generally include:

  • Two days working alongside our team on the Hibiscus Coast.
  • One day working in central Auckland.
  • Two days working remotely.

Working arrangements will be flexible depending on event commitments and operational requirements.

As many of our events take place outside traditional business hours, evening and weekend availability may be needed. You'll also need to be comfortable travelling throughout New Zealand, with potential opportunities for international travel.