Associate Director, Special Events

The Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York Inc•New York, NY

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

The New York Philharmonic seeks an enthusiastic, hands-on Associate Director of Special Events to join its collaborative and dynamic Special Events team. This role plays a key part in advancing the New York Philharmonic’s mission by producing high-impact fundraising events throughout the concert season. The Associate Director serves as the production and logistics lead for five pillar events—Opening Gala, Young New Yorkers Winter Fête, Lunar New Year Gala, Fun at the Phil Family Benefit, and Spring Gala, as well as additional cultivation events. Working closely with the Director of Special Events, they oversee every aspect of event production and help implement practices and procedures that elevate the guest experience.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years of professional experience preferably in nonprofit event planning; arts or cultural experience a plus.
At least 1 year managing or co-managing a team preferred.
Strong project management skills.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels of an organization and with external partners.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and experience with at least one donor database (Tessitura preferred)
Flexibility working evenings and weekends for performances and events
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
Bilingual capability is a plus.

Nice To Haves

A collaborative people leader who builds trust and develops strong teams.
A relationship‑builder who enjoys engaging donors and representing the organization.
A clear, effective communicator who works well across teams.
Organized, detail‑oriented, and committed to an inclusive, values‑driven workplace.

Responsibilities

Serve as primary manager for the Opening Gala, Lunar New Year Gala, and Spring Gala, overseeing budgets, production planning, timelines, vendors, seating, contracts, and on-site operations.
Actively contribute to fundraising strategy by cultivating donor relationships and supporting sponsorship and leadership prospecting efforts under the direction of the Director of Special Events.
Maintain high-level financial and tracking documents to ensure annual revenue goals are met, in partnership with the Director of Special Events and the SVP, Philanthropy.
Lead the planning and execution of assigned cultivation events, including on-site, off-site, and out-of-state donor events.
Oversee and provide guidance on all event collateral, both digital and print.
Liaise with internal departments including Artistic, Education, Development, Finance, Marketing, and PR to achieve event goals.
Provide hands-on support to the Director of Special Events in the day-to-day management of the department, including supervising team members, interns, and volunteers as needed.
Participate in Patron Lounge duty during the concert season to support guest engagement and tracking.
Miscellaneous duties as assigned.