Full-time Director, Special Events

Houston Ballet•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Houston Ballet, a leading nonprofit arts organization, is seeking a Director of Special Events to oversee the strategy, planning, and execution of fundraising events, patron cultivation activities, hospitality, and celebrations. This role reports to the Chief Philanthropy Officer and is a key member of the development team. The Director will bring innovative ideas to enhance the event portfolio, ensuring all experiences reflect Houston Ballet's artistic excellence and ambition. Responsibilities include budgeting, logistics, vendor and venue coordination, volunteer engagement, sponsorship fulfillment, guest experience, and cross-departmental collaboration. The successful candidate will partner with development colleagues to support donor cultivation, maximize fundraising, and expand corporate and community engagement through events. Key events managed include the Onstage Dinner, Nutcracker Market, Ballet Ball, Nutcracker Market SPRING, and Raising the Barre. This is a dynamic opportunity for a detail-oriented leader to build upon the existing foundation and shape future patron experiences and philanthropic events. The role requires strategic vision, creativity, professionalism, and a passion for the performing arts, with evening and weekend availability needed for events and donor activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or higher degree required
Minimum of eight years of development experience with five or more years of individual giving and special events experience
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong presentation skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work and be able to meet tight deadlines
Ability to analyze cost effectiveness of programs
Knowledge of database, Internet, spreadsheet, and word processing software

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Chief Philanthropy Officer and other directors within the development department to formulate the future direction of special events fundraising efforts for Houston Ballet in alignment with Houston Ballet’s strategic plan
Provide leadership, professional expertise, and direction in the planning and execution of high-quality events and functions
Prepare, manage and monitor budgets.
Manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects including special event chairs, in addition to Nutcracker Market Chairmen and Committees
Provide high-level oversight of the Houston Ballet Guild
Supervise Houston Ballet special events staff and fundraising efforts and ongoing strategy to maximize special events contributed revenue for Onstage Dinner, Ballet Ball and Raising the Barre
Oversee Nutcracker Market and special events staff and areas of responsibility for Nutcracker Market and Nutcracker Market SPRING including timeline and calendar, operations/logistics, communications, marketing and PR, décor, Market special events and patron engagement
Effectively manage and mentor staff including as necessary the recruiting and hiring of qualified team members
Provide training and guidance to ensure that employee performance expectations are clearly communicated and that performance is appraised on a regular basis fostering growth and development of employees
Operate as an integral member of the Development Department team
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care
Plans with low-cost or zero monthly premiums
Paid life and AD&D insurance
Versatile spending accounts
403(b) plan with a 5% annual contribution from Houston Ballet
3 weeks of paid vacation
10 paid sick days
10 paid holidays
Paid parental leave
Access to online training and professional growth resources specific to arts management
Discounted and complimentary tickets to ballet performances and other Houston theater district venues
Exclusive partnerships with local businesses and eateries
Access to on-site gym
Counseling services through employee assistance plan