Ronald McDonald House Charities UK is seeking a proactive and creative Challenge and Participation Events Manager to lead the planning and delivery of our challenge events portfolio. This role is key to engaging supporters through inspiring experiences, growing income, and raising awareness of our mission to support families with children in hospital.
You’ll manage a range of events from marathons and treks to bespoke fundraising challenges, ensuring participants feel valued, motivated, and connected to the cause. You’ll also play a strategic role in developing new opportunities and partnerships to expand our reach and impact.
Event Strategy & Planning
* Develop and deliver a strategic plan for challenge and participation events, including recruitment and income targets that are aligned with broader fundraising targets and audience engagement goals.
* Identify and evaluate new event opportunities, including third-party and bespoke challenges, to diversify income streams.
Event Delivery & Logistics
* Lead the end-to-end management of events, including budgeting, planning, supplier coordination, risk management, and on-the-day execution.
* Ensure all events are delivered to a high standard, providing an exceptional experience for participants.
Supporter Engagement & Stewardship
* Build strong relationships with event participants, providing excellent supporter care and tailored stewardship journeys.
* Create engaging communications and materials to inspire fundraising and deepen connections with the Charity.
Marketing & Promotion
* Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to promote events across digital (paid and organic), social media, and offline channels.
* Develop compelling content and campaigns to recruit participants and showcase impact.
Monitoring & Evaluation
* Track performance against KPIs, analysing data to inform future planning and improve participant experience.
* Produce regular reports and insights for internal stakeholders.
Collaboration & Partnership
* Line manage the Senior Events Fundraiser, providing guidance, performance feedback, and support for professional development to ensure successful event delivery and alignment with organisational objectives.
* Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising, communications, and operations to ensure integrated delivery.
* Build relationships with external partners, suppliers, and event organisers to maximise opportunities and efficiency.
Knowledge and Experience
* Proven experience meeting or exceeding income targets
* Understanding of effective stewardship tactics to maximise income and deepen engagement with participants
* Understanding of relevant marketing tactics and channels, particularly digital
* Able to use data, insight and market trends to make recommendations
* Collaborative, able to work effectively across functions and support our collective success
* Proven experience in managing and delivering challenge or participation events within the charity or events sector.
* Strong project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a passion for supporter engagement.
* Creative thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.
* Confident using CRM systems and digital tools to manage events and supporter journeys.
* Understanding of fundraising principles and best practices.
* Familiarity with digital fundraising platforms and social media promotion.
Desirable
* Experience working with third-party event providers (e.g. London Marathon, Tough Mudder).
* Knowledge of health and safety and risk management in event delivery.