Assistant Director, Special Events

Carnegie Hall • New York, NY

15h

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Special Events is an integral member of a five-person team and serves as a senior fundraising strategist for the Special Events department, leading the development and execution of comprehensive revenue strategies for approximately four major fundraising events annually. This role leads the fundraising strategy for the organization’s galas, including establishing contribution levels, building and managing sales matrices and revenue projections, determining prospects for each contribution level, and developing targeted sales strategies and messaging to drive sponsorship, leadership, table, and ticket sales. The Assistant Director oversees prospect pipelines and donor engagement strategies, ensuring alignment with institutional fundraising priorities while working closely with Development leadership to maximize philanthropic revenue. The Assistant Director serves as project lead for 1–2 major galas each season, providing strategic leadership from concept through execution and maintaining direct communication with senior leadership and key stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of event goals and revenue targets. In addition, the Assistant Director manages the day-to-day operations and workflow of the team to ensure an efficient, high-performing, and results-driven operation. This includes overseeing staff workload, approving gift entry and revenue tracking, reviewing print and digital fundraising materials, and ensuring accuracy of prospect and solicitation lists used across event campaigns. The role also oversees key operational elements of gala execution, including dinner seating strategy to support donor cultivation and stewardship. Through strategic planning, strong project management, and cross-departmental collaboration, the Assistant Director plays a critical role in maximizing fundraising outcomes and delivering exceptional special events that advance the organization’s mission.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 7 years of professional experience preferably in events and/or non-profit organization
• A background with working with high-level donors and trustees.
• Management experience to track revenue and donor financials
• Excellent writing skills and solicitation strategies
• Speed and accuracy in a fast-paced work environment with the ability to prioritize the entire Special Events department
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, plus efficiency in office procedure
• Computer facility critical
• Tessitura or Raiser’s Edge experience necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive revenue strategies for approximately four major fundraising events annually.
• Lead the fundraising strategy for the organization’s galas, including establishing contribution levels, building and managing sales matrices and revenue projections, determining prospects for each contribution level, and developing targeted sales strategies and messaging to drive sponsorship, leadership, table, and ticket sales.
• Oversee prospect pipelines and donor engagement strategies, ensuring alignment with institutional fundraising priorities.
• Serve as project lead for 1–2 major galas each season, providing strategic leadership from concept through execution.
• Maintain direct communication with senior leadership and key stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of event goals and revenue targets.
• Manage the day-to-day operations and workflow of the team to ensure an efficient, high-performing, and results-driven operation.
• Oversee staff workload, approve gift entry and revenue tracking, review print and digital fundraising materials, and ensure accuracy of prospect and solicitation lists.
• Oversee key operational elements of gala execution, including dinner seating strategy to support donor cultivation and stewardship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager