Director of Special Events
About The Position
The Director of Special Events is a high-impact role responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising and engagement strategy to secure at least $5M in annual revenue through fundraising events. This role is both strategic and execution-focused, requiring strong leadership, judgment, and the ability to operate at a senior level with trustees, major donors, and executive leadership. The primary focus is maximizing revenue through galas, high-level cultivation events, and institutional stewardship initiatives. This role also oversees the planning and execution of all fundraising and cultivation events for both the annual and capital campaign efforts; and leads the execution of large-scale organizational openings and milestones to support FHL’s fundraising efforts. Fundraising events include a signature 500-650 person annual Spring Benefit and the annual 250-person High Line Art Dinner, as well as luncheons, lectures, tours and cocktail receptions. The Director reports to the Chief Advancement Officer.
Requirements
- A minimum of seven to ten years fundraising experience relevant to the responsibilities outlined in job description; proven track record of fundraising
- Experience planning and executing highly successful fundraising galas and other events
- Must be self-motivated, energetic, and highly organized team player
- Demonstrated ability to pay absolute attention to detail and to manage volunteers, vendors, and sponsors
- Outstanding writing and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fundraising software
- Ability to work extended hours and occasional weekends as needed
- Bachelor’s degree is required
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines
Nice To Haves
- Experience with Raisers Edge preferred
Responsibilities
- Organizing and executing the annual Spring Benefit and High Line Art Dinner generating more than $5M annually
- Lead the planning and execution of events tied organizational milestones, as well as cultivation and stewardship events.
- Securing corporate and individual sponsorships and underwriting for the Benefits
- Implementing a strategy for planning, managing, and executing a consistent series of donor cultivation and stewardship events built for growth of priority audiences
- Enhancing fundraising opportunities for current events and identify new events with revenue potential
- Developing and tracking event budgets and overall planning timelines
- Set and monitor revenue/expense targets for all events, ensuring a high ROI, and produce regular reports on progress to goal
- Overseeing the management of event communications, including web and print materials, invitation designs and mailings, and printed programs
- Work to recruit, train, and manage high-level honorees and volunteer committees to leverage their networks for sponsorship and ticket sales
- Actively maintain a portfolio of honoree prospects and event leadership prospects, focusing on building long-term relationships and moving them through the pipeline through continued stewardship and engagement.
- Overseeing the compilation and management of solicitation and invitation lists and appropriate research
- Overseeing the reconciliation of revenue and expenses with Finance Department; ensuring the timely collection of pledged gifts for fundraising events
- Management of outside vendors and negotiation of contracts with competitive pricing
- Serving as project lead for events that involve external stakeholders like government partners, such as ribbon cuttings and other opening events
- Overseeing a staff of one, Special Events Manager, and empowering them to meet ambitious goals
- Advancing a multi-year approach to cultivation of a pipeline of future honoree prospects and developing ways to engage them in the work of FHL
- Providing consistent coaching, feedback, delegation, and development opportunities to build team capacity and readiness for increased responsibility.
- Collaborating closely with Individual and Institutional Giving teams to align events with donor cultivation strategies, stewardship plans, and revenue projections.
- Using data, post-event analysis, and donor insights to continuously refine event strategy and improve performance year over year.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
- 20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with floating holidays & Winter Fridays,
- Discounts Citi Bike Membership
- Discounts with vendors at the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
- Free entrance to the Whitney Museum
- Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
- Commuter benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Growth & Development
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
