Associate Director of Benefit Events (Internal Candidates Only)

Walker Art Center•Minneapolis, MN

12d•$80,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our more than 125-year history, the Walker has become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country, known for innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art spanning the visual, performing, and media arts. The Associate Director of Benefit Events leads the strategy, planning, and execution of the Walker Art Center’s signature fundraising event, Avant Garden. This premier annual benefit welcomes more than 1,000 guests and generates up to $1 million in net revenue in support of the Walker’s mission. The Associate Director of Benefit Events is responsible for delivering a world-class donor and guest experience while achieving ambitious fundraising and engagement goals. This position works collaboratively with Avant Garden Committee Co-Chairs, a team of volunteers, donors, and staff within the Development and Membership Department, as well as colleagues across the Walker—including the Executive Director’s Office, Visual Arts curatorial team, Registration, Exhibition Installation, Event Production, Marketing, Finance, and Visitor Services. The role also partners closely with vendors, contractors, and other external partners critical to the success of the event. The Associate Director of Benefit Events reports to the Chief of Advancement Officer and is an important member of the Development and Membership Department team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
7+ years of event management and/or fundraising event experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
Experience supervising staff, contractors, or volunteers in a collaborative team environment.
Demonstrated success leading large-scale fundraising events.
Experience managing complex event budgets and financial reporting.
Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
High degree of initiative, attention to detail, and organizational skill.
Ability to work independently with sound judgment, discretion, and sensitivity to confidential matters.
Ability to serve as an enthusiastic and professional representative of the Walker Art Center.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe tools, and donor or CRM databases.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as required for event preparation and execution.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a museum, arts organization, or nonprofit cultural institution.
Experience with Tessitura or similar CRM/event management systems.
Experience securing event sponsorships or cultivating donor relationships through fundraising events.

Responsibilities

Lead the Strategy and Execution of Avant Garden
Lead Cross-Departmental Planning and Project Management
Deliver a Successful Event Experience
Lead and Manage Event Staff
Support additional Development events throughout the year as needed and when scheduling allows.
Perform other duties as assigned.