OPEN POSITIONS / Headquarters Staff / Event and Engagement Manager

Event and Engagement Manager

Details: Paid - Huntsville, Alabama

Time Commitment: Full-time

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications, up to $60,000

Unit: Headquarters Staff

Reports to: Executive Director

Contact: Executive Director, executivedirector@caves.org

Apply By: 01/31/2026

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ABOUT THE NSS:

Founded in 1941, the NSS is the largest membership organization dedicated to caves & caving. Composed of over 8,000 members and 250+ local chapters - known as grottos - we connect cavers so they can explore, study and conserve caves worldwide.

Org Chart
Strategic Plan

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The National Speleological Society (NSS) is looking for an Event and Engagement Manager to coordinate and manage NSS events that foster fellowship. The Convention is the biggest annual event for the Society and brings together cavers from all over the world. Because Conventions are planned well in advance, and move to different geographic locations from year to year, the successful candidate must be able to coordinate these large events across multiple years, locations, and with different volunteer groups. During other times of the year, the candidate will also organize public engagement, outreach, and educational activities for the Society, including at events held locally at or near the Headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, as well as support NSS participation at regional and national caver-centric events and conferences where the NSS is a participant and sponsor.

This full-time position reports directly to the Executive Director and is classified as exempt (salaried). The work location is at the NSS Headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama, but hybrid work is negotiable.

GENERAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Event Planning (60%):

  • Work with NSS Convention leadership and/or regional volunteers to maximize event impact and ensure alignment with the Society’s mission.
  • Create memorable, tailored experiences from event-to-event and year-to-year for attendees while also establishing realistic and reasonable expense costs for the NSS and attendees.
  • Assist in soliciting and recruiting future Convention hosts and locations.
  • Secure and track venues (schools, fairgrounds), vendors, partners, sponsors, and entertainment for multiple events that fit within budgetary and timeline constraints.
  • Manage event logistics to assist local volunteers, including but not limited to:

    • - merchandise and website content creation, including online registration
    - rental agreements (tables, AV equipment, portable toilets, scaffolding, etc.)
    - event recycling and waste management
    - food, beverage, and lodging contract negotiations and standards
    - insurance and legal requirements
    - diplomacy for federal, state, and/or local agencies and entities (e.g., National Forest Service, National Park Service, state park, town councils, tourism and visitor bureaus, etc.) for issues related to cave access, event permits, certificates of insurance, letters of intent, etc.
    - shipping and receiving of merchandise and equipment
    - other responsibilities as needed.

  • Coordinate an equitable workload for a dedicated team of volunteers during events, from on-site set-up to execution and breakdown.
  • Aid in fundraising and sponsorship efforts.
  • Prepare and update promotional materials (i.e., emails, publication and website content, social media) to increase event attendance.

    • Engagement and Outreach (30%):
  • Work with Divisions and Executive Director to coordinate and expand in-person and virtual outreach activities and programs that foster NSS fellowship and member engagement, including for caver-centric events (like Old Timers Reunion, TAG Fall Cave-in, Speleofest) and non-caver events (e.g., scientific conferences, STEM festivals, school programming).
  • Create, secure, and distribute outreach materials (brochures, documents, displays, booth swag, etc.) in collaboration with teams from all of the NSS Divisions.
  • Work with other NSS staff and volunteers to engage local businesses, community members, and educational groups in the use of Headquarters facilities and their availability.

    • Other Operational Needs (10%):
  • Travel to off-site NSS, caver-centric, and non-caver events throughout the year.
  • Represent the NSS to members and the public through speaking engagements, as needed.
  • Gather member and volunteer engagement and participation feedback and track outcomes.
  • Perform other duties and projects, as assigned, at the NSS Headquarters.

    • EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Proven professional experience in event planning, community engagement, or fundraising, with a minimum of 3–5 years of experience preferred.
  • Excellent organizational, communication (written and verbal), and accounting skills.
  • Strong project management, networking, and negotiating skills to juggle multiple priorities.
  • Knowledgeable about event marketing, fundraising strategies, and contracting.
  • Creative, innovative mindset with a desire to curate memorable events and experiences.
  • Personable, with ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams for multiple events, as well as independently as a self-starter.
  • Passion for the NSS’s mission and proponent of responsible fellowship among cavers.
  • Adaptable, dependable, and composed under pressure.
  • Comfortable working outdoors, including in caves, in all weather conditions and terrain.
  • Capacity to work long hours and weekends during events, as needed.
  • Proficiency with design tools, event management platforms, engagement tracking systems, and Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.

    • HOW TO APPLY:

    Join the NSS to make our events and outreach activities more impactful and inspiring! Along with your resume, please also submit a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position. Although the NSS would prefer to fill this position with one full-timer, we are also open to hiring two part-timers to cover different pieces of the work. If you do not have every skill listed but would be open to part-time work, then please let us know in your cover letter. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2026. To learn more or apply, contact us at executivedirector@caves.org.

    Compensation The NSS offers comprehensive compensation and benefits designed to attract and retain top talent. You can expect:

  • Competitive salary up to $60,000 and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
  • Health and dental insurance plans, as well as life and disability insurance coverage.
  • Access to a 401k retirement plan to secure your financial future.
  • Paid time-off, including sick days, vacation, and holidays.
  • Negotiable hybrid and flexible work options.

    • The NSS is committed to diversity and inclusion. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.