Development Associate, Special Events

Lincoln Center Theater•New York, NY

About The Position

LCT’s mission is to bring exceptional theater to life. Building on a legacy of artistic excellence, LCT strives to expand what is possible: to make the magic of theatre more palpable, empowering visionary artists and extending the invitation for the community to join in celebrating the power of live performance. This upcoming season embodies this mission-driven work and is the second under the leadership of Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, Managing Director Mike Schleifer, Executive Producer Bartlett Sher, Stacey and Eric Mindich Producer Nicole Kastrinos, and LCT3 Artistic Director and Producer Maria Manuela Goyanes. Founded in 1985 by Board Chair Hon. John V. Lindsay, Executive Producer Bernard Gersten and Director Gregory Mosher, and led for 33 years by André Bishop, LCT is one of the leading nonprofit theaters in the country, producing an annual season of plays and musicals that have been seen by millions around the globe. It is one of 11 autonomous constituents of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Each year, the three theaters that make up LCT welcome nearly 400,000 audience members to its home on the Lincoln Center campus. Over the last 40 years, LCT and its outstanding productions have received many of the highest accolades, including 91 Tony Awards, 181 Drama Desk Awards, 84 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 36 Obies, 13 NY Drama Critics Circle Awards, and one Pulitzer Prize, as well as two finalists. LCT Values: LCT is dedicated to fostering a theater representative of all the populations we serve. We are proactively committed to better serve artists, staff, crews, audiences, and broader communities through our organization's values. We welcome applicants who are in alignment with our organization's values of empathy, dignity, and care. Position Summary: The Development Associate, Special Events plays a key role in supporting Lincoln Center Theater's fundraising, donor cultivation, and institutional events programs. Reporting to the Director of Special Events and Senior Manager of Special Events, this position is responsible for coordinating and executing a wide range of donor, Board, and patron events while providing critical support for opening nights, galas, and other high-profile institutional gatherings. The Development Associate will manage select events independently and collaborate closely with colleagues across Development, Marketing, Artistic, Production, and Company Management to ensure exceptional experiences for patrons, donors, Board members, artists, and other stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career events professional looking to grow their career in nonprofit fundraising and event management within a leading nonprofit theater.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
1-3 years of experience in event planning, fundraising, hospitality, nonprofit administration, or a related field.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with donors, Board members, artists, and high-profile guests.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and a proactive, service-oriented approach.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting fundraising, donor cultivation, or special events within a nonprofit or cultural institution.
Familiarity with Tessitura, Zkipster, or similar CRM and event management platforms.
Experience coordinating VIP, donor, or Board-level events.
Familiarity with Canva or other graphic design tools.
Experience working with prominent public figures, artists, or community leaders.
Interest in pursuing a career in development, fundraising, or special events management.
Genuine interest in theater and the performing arts.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and execute a portfolio of donor, patron, Board, and institutional events, including cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising activities.
Manage event logistics including venue coordination, catering, vendor management, production requests, staffing, photography, and guest experience.
Support the planning and execution of Opening Nights, galas, benefits, and other major institutional events, including ticketing, seating, donor communications, and sponsorship recognition.
Collaborate with colleagues across Development, Marketing, and other departments to support donor stewardship, event communications, and fundraising objectives.
Manage event administration, including RSVP tracking, guest lists, seating coordination, event calendars, and post-event follow-up.
Contribute to special projects and continuously identify opportunities to enhance event experiences, processes, and vendor partnerships.
Provide on-site event support, including occasional evening and weekend work.