Description
Position Details
Title: Event Manager
Location: Duke Farms, Hillsborough, N.J.
Reports to: Deputy Executive Director of Personnel and Programs
Status: Full time, exempt (minimum three days a week in person)
How to Apply: Apply and submit a résumé and cover letter in ADP. The priority application deadline for this position is April 12. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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BACKGROUND
Duke Farms is a living lab where model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation and clean energy transition are developed. Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, the campus serves as a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to ignite change.
As a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), Duke Farms advances the foundation’s mission to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)
POSITION
The Event Manager is a strategic operations leader responsible for designing and executing high-level convenings, executive retreats and mission-aligned events that advance influence, partnership development and revenue generation.
This role requires a highly organized, systems-driven professional with strong business acumen, executive presence and the ability to operate with precision in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment. As Duke Farms expands its convening strategy and revenue-generating initiatives, this role will build and operationalize the systems, processes and standards required to support scale, consistency and performance. The Manager will lead end-to-end execution while strengthening cross-functional coordination and driving continuous improvement through post-event analysis.
This position sits at the intersection of strategy, operations and hospitality, translating organizational priorities into well-executed convenings and experiences. The ideal candidate will apply rigor, sound judgment and accountability while delivering high-quality events, retreats and activations. Working closely with senior leaders, funders, policymakers and institutional partners, this role ensures that every event advances organizational priorities and reflects a high standard of execution.
YOUR IMPACT AT DDF
As the Event Manager at Duke Farms, you will:
- Deliver exceptional, high-impact convenings that advance Duke Farms’ mission and reputation.
- Lead end-to-end execution of executive retreats, board gatherings and public programs with precision and professionalism.
- Design and deliver seamless, high-touch experiences for diverse audiences, including VIP and executive stakeholders.
- Build and scale best-in-class event operations systems.
- Develop and implement procedures, run-of-show frameworks and project management systems that drive consistency and excellence.
- Leverage technology tools and data to strengthen planning, execution and post-event evaluation.
- Lead cross-functional execution across a complex stakeholder environment.
- Partner with internal teams and senior leaders to align event strategy, messaging and delivery.
- Manage staff, contractors and vendors with clear expectations, accountability and performance standards.
- Drive operational and financial performance of the events portfolio.
- Oversee budgets, forecasting and reporting to ensure fiscal discipline and sustainability.
- Use insights and feedback to continuously improve outcomes, efficiency and return on investment.
- Grow and position Duke Farms as a premier destination for mission-aligned convenings.
- Develop and execute strategies to increase utilization, engagement and revenue opportunities.
- Build relationships with partners and clients while strengthening brand credibility and experience quality.
- Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.
WHAT YOU BRING
- Extensive experience leading complex corporate events, executive convenings or institutional-level gatherings.
- Demonstrated success managing multi-layer coordination with precision and accountability.
- Advanced proficiency in Asana, Airtable, CRM platforms, budget tracking tools and data dashboards.
- Strong financial management skills with demonstrated experience tracking revenue, cost recovery and margin.
- Proven ability to build and refine scalable and repeatable systems that increase efficiency and reduce risk.
- Executive-level communication skills with comfort interacting with senior leaders, board members and external partners and vendors.
- High resilience, composure under pressure and ability to operate independently with discretion and good judgment.
- Strong leadership presence with experience managing and delegating others.
- Proven experience in negotiation and event sales, including managing client discussions, closing agreements and maximizing revenue opportunities for events and programs.
- Technologically fluent, including the use of GenAI tools to streamline workflows and planning processes.
- Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and a strong focus on operational and guest experience.
- Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property and travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.
- Ability to repeatedly lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
- Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.
- Available to work flexible hours and on-site events as scheduled, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
- A valid driver’s license.
We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Anticipated starting salary is $62,400 to $78,000, and the final offer will depend on experience.
- Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off, and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
- A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.
Apply Here
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