Senior Special Events Manager

  • Crisis
  • Hackney, London
  • Aug 26, 2026
Full time Hospitality & Tourism

Job Description

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: Based in our London office, E1. Homeworking options in line with Crisis' Hybrid Working Policy.

Hours: 35 hours per week. Occasional evening work will be required; TOIL will be given in line with policy.

Contract: 9 months fixed term contract parental leave cover. If you are applying for this as an external secondment, please flag when submitting your application.

About the role

As Senior Special Events Manager, you will lead the delivery of one of the most exciting and fast-growing special events portfolios in the charity sector. This is a nine-month parental cover role, offering the opportunity to work with leading artists, performers, chefs, philanthropists and high-profile supporters to create unforgettable experiences that raise vital funds to end homelessness. From exclusive culinary experiences through Together at the Table and a star-studded festive production of A Christmas Carol, to building on the success of previous music fundraising initiatives with Coldplay's Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland, you'll help deliver a programme designed to inspire audiences and bring supporters closer to Crisis' mission.

At the heart of the portfolio is HOME: Reframed, an ambitious new art auction event that will bring together artists, collectors, philanthropists and supporters around a shared vision of ending homelessness. This flagship launch will carry a six-figure income target and play a central role in the future growth of the programme.

Working collaboratively across Crisis and with a wide range of external partners, you will create exceptional supporter experiences that deepen engagement, inspire action and generate significant income. You'll bring together people from different sectors and backgrounds, ensuring people with lived experience of homelessness are genuinely at the heart of our events programme and the stories we share, while helping shape the future of a growing portfolio with huge potential.

About you

  • You've delivered standout events, experiences or engagement programmes that have brought people together and achieved measurable results.
  • You're as comfortable building relationships with major supporters, artists, sponsors and senior stakeholders as you are managing the detail needed to make an event a success.
  • You combine creativity with strong commercial awareness and have experience delivering income, revenue, sponsorship or fundraising targets.
  • You thrive on balancing multiple priorities, managing complex projects and bringing ambitious ideas to life, even when timelines are tight.
  • You enjoy working with a wide range of people and know how to bring colleagues, partners and supporters with you.
  • You're excited by the opportunity to help grow an ambitious events programme and create experiences that inspire action in support of ending homelessness.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Working at Crisis

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We'll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

  • A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
  • Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
  • Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%
  • 28 days' annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
  • Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly
  • And more! (Full list of benefits available on website)

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career.

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Monday 7 September 2026 at 23:55

Interview date and location:

  • First interview: Wednesday 16 and 17 September, via Microsoft Teams
  • Second interview: Monday 21 September, via Microsoft Teams

Interview process: Interview and presentation.

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team to discuss how we can help.