Director, Gala Events

Boston Symphony Orchestra•Boston, MA

11d•$96,000 - $118,000

About The Position

The Director of Gala Events leads the planning and execution of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s fundraising gala and donor engagement events. The role translates the Senior Director of Special Events’ fundraising strategy, long-range event plan, and stakeholder relationships into polished events that strengthen donor relationships and advance giving goals. The Director owns event-level operations and logistics from planning through breakdown, with a hands-on role in design, production, and on-site execution, and manages two direct reports while collaborating with departments across the BSO. The position leads end-to-end planning for three annual fundraising galas and three family-oriented donor engagement events. It oversees event concepts, calendars, timelines, production plans, venue logistics, compliance, vendors, budgets, staffing, and post-event evaluation. The Director also supports fundraising activity and donor stewardship, coordinates with frontline fundraisers, and ensures colleagues and creative partners have clear requirements and timelines. The role requires travel to Tanglewood in the Berkshires as needed between July and August, as well as evening and weekend work in support of events.

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 and 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 that reflect 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 for final sign-off.
Manage venue logistics, contracts, permitting, insurance, and equipment rentals.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, accessibility, and regulatory requirements; develop event contingency plans and risk-mitigation strategies.
Lead on-site event execution by directing staff, volunteers, and vendors, conducting pre-event briefings, managing the event-day command structure, and responding to changes.
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.
Elevate donor experience through guest services, hospitality, and high-quality touchpoints before, during, and after events; provide fundraisers with briefings, materials, and day-of support.
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, hold partners accountable to agreed timelines, and participate in cross-departmental meetings led by the Senior Director.
Serve as the internal point of contact for event vendors and creative partners, selecting, briefing, and managing them to meet event standards and timelines.
Supervise and mentor the Associate Director of Stewardship Events and the Assistant Manager of Development Events and Fundraising Events; provide direction, development, and performance feedback.
Build staffing plans for 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, who oversees the overall events program budget.
Document event procedures, timelines, and outcomes; lead post-event debriefs and use feedback to support performance analysis and process improvement.