Director, Signature Events

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Signature Events is a high-impact leadership role responsible for the strategic development and execution of Mass General Brigham Development’s premier fundraising events. This position oversees a portfolio of signature luncheons, galas and cultivation programs that collectively raise $8-10M annually toward the organization’s overall $21M events goal, in support of institutional priorities. A core focus of this role is volunteer recruitment, engagement, and relationship management. The Director serves as the primary architect of MGB’s signature event volunteer strategy, building and sustaining high-performing committees that drive fundraising success, deepen donor relationships, and strengthen long-term philanthropic engagement. This role requires a highly collaborative, donor-centered, and results-driven professional with exceptional organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
7-10 years of related experience
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Organizational, time management, problem solving and project management skills
Command of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, or the ability to learn them quickly
Competency using videoconferencing platforms (Zoom and Teams preferred)
Proficiency with data entry or data management in a database (Blackbaud CRM or Raiser’s Edge preferred)
Attention to detail, creativity and strong work ethic
Desire and motivation to learn about the organization and fundraising
Awareness of personal work styles in self and others
Adaptability and flexibility in times of shifting priorities
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse audiences
Mission driven
Ability to complete assigned projects and tasks independently or with minimal guidance

Responsibilities

Manage a team of 2-3 direct reports. Provide mentorship and coaching, work with them to set and meet performance goals, conduct evaluations and lead recruiting efforts, when needed.
Lead the strategic development, planning, and implementation of MGB’s portfolio of signature fundraising events.
Design and execute multi-year event strategies aligned with institutional priorities and fundraising goals.
Develop and manage comprehensive annual fundraising plans, budgets, timelines, and revenue projections for luncheons, galas, and other signature programs.
Ensure exceptional donor, volunteer, and guest experiences that reflect MGB’s brand and mission.
Oversee all aspects of event production, including venues, vendors, programs, sponsorships, and logistics.
Lead the recruitment, onboarding, training, and management of volunteer leadership and event committees.
Build strong, trusted relationships with volunteer chairs and committee members.
Develop and implement best practices for volunteer engagement, stewardship, and recognition.
Partner with gift officers and leadership to identify, cultivate, and steward prospective volunteer leaders.
Provide ongoing guidance, support, and accountability to volunteers to maximize fundraising and participation outcomes.
Serve as the team’s subject-matter expert in volunteer management and engagement strategy.
Drive achievement of annual fundraising goals for signature events.
Partner closely with frontline fundraisers to support solicitation strategies, sponsorship development, and donor cultivation.
Develop targeted approaches to maximize sponsorships, ticket sales, and philanthropic giving.
Analyze performance metrics and adjust strategies to optimize results.
Develop and manage event budgets, ensuring strong financial stewardship and return on investment.
Monitor timelines, deliverables, and vendor contracts.
Implement systems for tracking revenue, expenses, and engagement outcomes.
Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership and key stakeholders.
Collaborate with institute leadership, gift officers, communications, events, and operations teams.
Serve as a key liaison between volunteers, donors, and internal partners.
Contribute to broader leadership engagement and fundraising initiatives.