Director, Gala Events

Boston Symphony Orchestra•Boston, MA

10d

About The Position

The Director of Gala Events leads the planning and execution of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s fundraising galas and donor engagement events. The role translates the Senior Director of Special Events’ fundraising strategy, long-range events plan, and stakeholder relationships into polished events that strengthen donor relationships and advance giving goals. It is hands-on, with ownership of event design, production, operations, logistics, and day-of execution from planning through breakdown. The Director manages two direct reports and collaborates across departments—including Facilities, Development Operations, Marketing, and IT—as well as with event vendors and creative partners. The position calls for a creative, detail-oriented leader who stays calm under pressure, works collaboratively, and is committed to excellence in the guest experience. The role also manages individual event budgets, supports fundraising goals and donor stewardship, leads post-event evaluations, and documents procedures and outcomes.

Requirements

At least 4 years of progressive, demonstrated experience in large-scale event planning and production for fundraising galas and ticketed events, including ticketing setups, sales, and day-of management.
Demonstrated success in event fundraising, including soliciting ticket sales and table sponsorships.
Proven experience managing, developing, and motivating staff.
Experience managing vendor relationships and contracts, including venues, caterers, and production partners.
Ability to travel to Tanglewood in the Berkshires as needed between July and August.
Ability to work evenings and weekends in support of events.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage high-stakes deadlines.
Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across personalities and functions.
Commitment to donor service and excellence in execution.

Nice To Haves

Experience recruiting, training, and managing event volunteers.
Strong creative sensibility and attention to detail in guest experience and event design.
Proficiency with project management platforms, event systems, and CRMs; Tessitura experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end planning for three annual fundraising galas and three family-oriented donor engagement events, translating strategic direction into executable plans.
Develop event concepts, guest flow, programming, and event-flow documents aligned with Development House Standards and event goals.
Build and manage event calendars, planning and production timelines, and project trackers for internal and vendor deliverables.
Coordinate production of invitations and event collateral with Marketing and vendors; proofread and circulate materials before final sign-off.
Manage venue logistics, contracts, permitting, insurance, and equipment rentals.
Ensure events comply with health, safety, accessibility, and regulatory requirements, and develop contingency and risk-mitigation plans.
Lead on-site event execution, directing staff, volunteers, and vendors and managing pre-event briefings, event-day command, and real-time problem solving.
Oversee event setup, load-in, load-out, and breakdown with relevant stakeholders.
Collaborate with the Director of Development Strategy and Analytics to set, track, report on, and achieve fundraising goals.
Coordinate with frontline fundraisers on solicitation assignments and align event plans with donor needs and stewardship objectives.
Deliver a high-quality donor experience through guest services, hospitality, and consistent touchpoints before, during, and after events.
Provide fundraisers with briefings, materials, and day-of support to help them engage donors effectively.
Partner with Facilities, Development Operations, Marketing, IT, and other departments to secure venue, facilities, ticket holds, invitation-list generation, and technical support.
Communicate event needs, timelines, and deliverables proactively; maintain partner accountability and participate in cross-departmental meetings led by the Senior Director.
Serve as the internal point of contact for vendors and creative partners, including caterers, florists, designers, production teams, and rental providers; select, brief, and manage partners and their deliverables.
Supervise and mentor the Associate Director of Stewardship Events and the Assistant Manager of Development Events and Fundraising Events, providing direction, development, and performance feedback.
Build staffing plans for all event phases and assign and direct volunteers in coordination with the Senior Director and the BSO Association of Volunteers.
Manage individual event budgets, track expenses against plan, and report to the Senior Director.
Document event procedures, timelines, and outcomes; lead post-event debriefs and use feedback to evaluate outcomes and improve processes.